Tips On Building a Library of Memories

Stop searching aimlessly through piles of CD and DVD cases

We have all been there. Searching endlessly for that one file, saved on that one CD, with that one picture. Life is becoming more and more digital, but according to a survey sponsored by Imation, 36 percent of respondents admit they have troubles finding digital pictures or videos from a specific day.

Imation suggests more effective ways to organize and store optical media. The first step is choosing a method that will be most convenient and easy to maintain. Let's face it, if the process isn't short and simple, it probably won't last very long.

Label, Label and Label - When it comes to managing an optical library, labeling is critical, yet very easy to do. It is important to clearly label the files stored on the CD or DVD and then label the actual disc for quick references.

When naming digital files or folders, here are a few reminders:

1. Be clear and specific, yet also concise.
2. Use names of people, events or projects when possible, for example:
   - Jane's 16th Birthday Party
   - 2005 Mortgage Payment Summary
3. Include the date the digital file was created and edited, for example:
   - Financial Presentation.01.01.05
   - Financial Presentation Edits.01.15.05

When labeling the actual disc, consider using Imation's Printable CDs or DVDs with a specialized printer or LightScribe™ technology to create personalized labels onto LightScribe compatible media. Both options create a more crisp, professional look and feel, and eliminate the use of permanent markers or labels, which are messy and can eventually lead to the corruption of a CD or DVD.

Alphabetize, Prioritize or Memorize - Just Organize - A simple way to sort the growing number of CDs and DVDs invading desk space is to implement a filing system. By using optical disc cases or larger filing products, there are many ways to organize CDs and DVDs:

1. Alphabetically
2. By date
3. By file type stored on CD or DVD
4. Implement a color code
   - Red: critical
   - Blue: business
   - Green: financial
   - Yellow: family photos and videos

Store Safely and Securely - Once the digital files and optical media are clearly labeled, the next step is to store them in a safe and secure environment that allows for easy access when needed.

One popular storage tool is Imation's Disc Stakka™ CD & DVD Manager, which safely stores up to 100 optical discs and conveniently searches for specific files using OpdiTracker™ Disc Management Software. This software creates "virtually online" access to discs and files to search by title, keyword, directory or file name to identify and eject any disc within seconds. And as the digital library grows with CDs and DVDs of family photos and videos, music albums and critical documents, up to five Disc Stakka units can "stack" on top of each other for additional storage space, offering scalability and seamless organization of up to 500 CDs and DVDs.

To further ensure the protection of digital memories, consider storing CDs and DVDs with precious or critical digital data in a fireproof safe or safe deposit box. Dan Mercer, a married father of two and volunteer first responder, has seen first hand what can happen to files that weren't saved and stored properly. "My experience as a first responder has shown me that precious memories, like photos and videos can disappear in an instant. We used to save all of our family photos in a shoebox. Now I save all of our photos digitally, burn them to CDs and keep them in our fireproof safe. To us, it's worth the extra effort and money."

By implementing a few of these simple steps, Imation hopes to save users from spending extra time and frustration searching for important files. Instead, consumers can focus on creating and preserving those precious digital memories.

Visit the following Imation online resources for more information:

• www.imation.com/products/printable_discs for CDs and DVDs with an inkjet or thermal printable surface for a professional finish
• www.imation.com/lightscribe to "burn" specialized disc labels directly on CDs or DVDs using a LightScribe-enabled disc drive
• www.imation.com/stakka for an efficient, simple and cost effective solution for managing discs
• www.imation.com/didyouknow for advice on digital photos, video and music applications