[RESOLVED] Does using a CD-R drive like a CD harm it?

[sethfp]

I have a Sony 4X8X32 CD-R drive. Can it be used like a CD drive(run programs, music CDs, etc)? I have a CD ROM audio cable running from both the CD-R and CD ROM to the audio card.

[Jeff the Brit]

Short answer is yes. Longer answer: on the grounds of wear and tear and expense, I tend to use my reader for reading and my burner for writing, possibly a hangover from when burners cost ten times as much as readers. Now that a burner is only about twice the price of a decent reader, the case is less clear cut

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I think I know just enough to know how much I don't know... I think...

[AlienDyne]

I fully agree on that.

That's a short example:
I never put audio cables on the CD-Rs I install for my customers to prevent them use their CD-Rs to play audio CDs and games. It will definitely reduce their lives.

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My Hardware Info, Hardware Media and Computer History page

[computron99]

I agree with everyone above. I hate having to replace the CDRW's that are installed in the HP's, Compaq, Gateways, and Dells when they are the primary CD drive. Since most of these companies will only warranty the Pc's for 1 year (unless they pay more $$), I would rather my 48x/52x CDrom go bad than my $150US+ CDRW drive.

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"The labor's free, it's your attitude that costs $45.00 an hour."

[mahdi]

I've been using my burner as a CD drive for years (2 year old Acer 4x4x24) and have not had any problems with it at all. I don't normally use Audio CD's on my computer unless I'm ripping into mp3's (I use my DVD drive for that now, much faster...18x rip, ya baby!)
They are getting so cheap now, I wouldn't worry much about it.
Just my opinion, I could be wrong.