I bought a few new computer parts and they all came with CDs with the drivers. This is useless to me since I don't even own a CD-ROM drive anymore (and if I did, it would be IDE). Out with the old and in with the new.

The new being USB flash drives to just use another device to put all your drivers on (or make a bootable USB for say, a windows installation).

The newest and best being just connecting your smartphone to your computer, activating a mobile hotspot, and downloading your drivers. I'm unsure about using this method to actually install BIOS updates (without an OS installation) or to install an OS. But I'm sure someone has made an app for it somewhere.

Do you still use CDs?

I voted other because (at home) I use them very, very rarely. Only for stuff that would be too complicated otherwise (e.g. install OS, install LAN drivers to get internet access)

Of course I still own a DVD-burner because they are dirt cheap and they are sometimes handy (e.g. duplicate backup OS CDs, bring video over to a friend with a low tech DVD-player, etc.).

But really I hate CD for a long, long time now. Everything is so much easier with my pen drive (32GB, ~120MB/s write speed) and Internet (~6MB/s download, ~1MB up).

There is a program that'll help you put drivers/OS info onto a flashdrive so that the computer can read it properly. My friend was talking about it. But I can't remember what program that is, if you still need help later on maybe I'll see him and I can ask.

And yes, I do still use my CD Drive. Much of my driver information is also on CDs, but I'll watch DVDs on my computer as well. We did have to buy an SD Card reader for my computer, too, since I appear to be the only person who still uses them for some reason. It was difficult to actually find one.

I just grabbed one from one of my older computers. Same goes for the DVD drive too.

For specifically what you are talking about, CDs are useful because I can just put it in and not worry about going to another computer and having to look up the drivers and finding a way to transfer them. I don't have ready access to a flash drive because all the ones I have had either broke or got lost and it isn't worth it to me to replace them (I rarely, if ever, use them). And for your 'newest', I don't have any sort smart phone because it is not worth the expense for one. I also use CDs to purchase music, because having a tangible thing is way better especially when paying money for it.

I own one CD. I've used it about once a month since I got it. So... yes?

I have a massive CD collection because I support the artist. If I had money to spend, I would always be buying more.

Currently have a SATA CD ROM burner in my compy. My car has an advanced CD player that can play writable DATA CDs. And they dont have to be locked either, so I can continue to toss more MP3's on it.

For 2$, I have almost half the storage of a 40$ MP3 player. That doesnt need a battery. Sure I cant take it in, but then I have to pocket headphones, which end up breaking constantly.

Occasionally. I still find uses for them. I find them decent for cheap permanent storage. USB drives are nice, but I don't find any that are <1$.

I still have a spindle of DVD+Rs that I occasionally use for OS installation and data backup. Most of them are unused.

Unfortunately, I have had to unplug my DVD drive in my computer because of a shortage of power. I need to get my PSU replaced because of the sudden addition of an internal HDD (that used to be external USB HDD until the USB port was destroyed and I had to scavenge the drive inside) that essentially replaced my DVD drive.

I fixed that for you.

Haha, I guess. To be fair though, the majority of the bands I listen to are independent.

Independent artists usually have to cut an unfavourable deal with the production label of the CDs unless they managed to produce every physical component of the release (artwork, inlays, outlays, case, CD itself, etc.), so even then you probably aren't supporting the artist as much as you'd like to. You're better off sending money directly into a donation spot for the artists in question if you want to do that, and torrent the music afterwards as a reward for your 'purchase' (or ask for a digital download).

I only use CDs/DVDs when setting up a computer after formatting. Buying all my games digitally, started using Netflix for most of the movies I'm watching and the music CD selection in Norway is a joke if you're not into pop, rock or domestic crap.

psh, that's some pussy definition of "independent"

true independence is going out to Costco or some other bulk-purchase store to buy CD-Rs, the paper sleeves that have a transparent film, using a Sharpie to label the CDs (or buying/printing your own CD art), and then printing the album art onto the back of the sleeve.

then you sell that at garage shows.

ez

On the topic of printing onto CDs, I think some sub-$100 inkjet printers do come with a tray for printing on CDs, and you can buy CDs that have a blank top surface.

http://www.cdstomper.com/ ?

TBH CDs should be obsolete. In this day and age, CDs are MASSIVE in size.

CD labels can make the CD be a little off balance and cause problems sometimes or at least not read as fast because the off-balance disc might make the spinning slow down, like if it causes it to rub against something in the drive. Printing or writing directly on the disc is better when possible.

I just used multiple CDs to provide source code and used pdf literature for my bachelor thesis.

I'm only using DvDs to install the OS and having a backup of my student's version and to have something where I can note down the license key I received.

I use USB sticks to install OS and backups are just done online.

In my case I don't have any spare USB flash drives, and especially any that are large enough for that use are already dedicated to some other use, so I still put OS installers on CD or DVD.