TITLE
    Macintosh: Using DVD-RAM Discs
Article ID:
Created:
Modified: 		60235
4/13/99
11/6/00
TOPIC

    This article explains how to use and initialize DVD-RAM discs.

DISCUSSION

    Using DVD-RAM Discs
    DVD-RAM discs can be used with Macintosh computers that have a DVD-RAM drive, or with certain Generation 3 DVD-ROM drives. These computers should also have this software installed:
    • Mac OS 8.6 or later
    • Apple CD/DVD Driver system extension
    • Foreign File Access system extension
    • UDF Volume Access system extension

    DVD-RAM disks can be used to store information, as with any hard disk, floppy disk, or other removable, recordable media.

    Formatting
    DVD-RAM discs can be initialized using the Universal Disk Format (UDF), Mac OS Standard, Mac OS Extended, or DOS formats. The UDF format allows you to share information with any computer platform that works with UDF 1.5.

    Choosing Erase Disk from the Special menu in the Finder also initializes a DVD-RAM disc.

    Starting Up From DVD-RAM Media

    Beginning with Mac OS 9.0.4, Power Mac G4 (AGP Graphics and Gigabit Ethernet) computers can use DVD-RAM media as a startup disk. Other computers, which may have a DVD-RAM drive, including the Power Macintosh G3 (Blue and White) and the Power Mac G4 (PCI Graphics) cannot use DVD-RAM discs as a startup disk.

    Follow these instructions to start up from a DVD-RAM disc:

    Power Mac G4 (AGP Graphics)


      1. Use Drive Setup 1.9.2 or later to format the DVD-RAM media.

      2. Install Mac OS 9 and the Mac OS 9.0.4 Update on the DVD-RAM disc. If your computer is running Mac OS 9.0.4 or later, you may drag copy that System Folder to the DVD-RAM media.


    Power Mac G4 (Gigabit Ethernet)

      1. Use Drive Setup 2.0.1 or later to format the DVD-RAM media.

      2. Install Mac OS from the Restore or Install CD that came with your computer onto the DVD-RAM disc, or drag copy the active System Folder from your hard disk.


    The DVD-RAM disc can now be used to start up a Power Mac G4 (AGP Graphics) computer after either:

    - using the Startup Disk control panel to select the DVD-RAM disc as the startup disk.

    - using the Startup Manager by holding down the Option key at system startup time

    - pressing and holding down the C key at system startup time

    DVD-ROM Drives
    Generation 3 (or higher) DVD-ROM drives can read only single-sided DVD-RAM discs.

    CD-R discs
    DVD-RAM drives can read CD-R and CD-RW discs, but cannot record them.


Document Information
Product Area: Computers
Category: General Topics
Sub Category: General Topics

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