How to Backup Programs to a CD-RW
Downloading software is faster and more convenient than buying software from a physical store, but buying CDs in stores is not without its advantages. Such software can be installed onto computers with or without an Internet connection. Also, software on a CD can be installed long after the company that makes it goes under---you don't need to use the company's website to install the software. If you want the benefits for downloadable software, however, simply back up the install files to a CD-RW.
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Instructions
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Decide which programs are worth backing up. Which programs would you dearly miss were they to stop being freely available online, and how likely a scenario is this? Note that open source software is unlikely to disappear in such a manner, but freeware that's not open source often does.
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Download the install files of every program you'd like to backup.
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Put all your install files into one folder on your Desktop. This is not only useful for organizational purposes; it will also make re-burning the CD easier when it comes time to update things. Sorting the install files into labeled folders can make them easier to identify later, but this is not mandatory.
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Burn the folder to disc. How to do this varies depending on the operating system you're using.
In Windows, insert the blank CD and wait for the auto-launch window to pop up. Select "Open writable CD folder" and a Windows Explorer window will come up. Drag your folder of install files from your Desktop into this window, which represents a staging area for your CD burning project. Click "Write these files to CD" to begin the burning process.
On a Mac insert the blank CD and open the Finder. Drag your folder from the Desktop to the icon of the blank CD, then drag the CD's icon to the trash bin to burn the data to disc.
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Tips & Warnings
It's worthwhile to upgrade your CD-RW from time to time. Simply re-download the install files and reburn the disc.
