RESOURCE CENTRE MANUAL
HEALTHLINK WORLDWIDE
computer). Accessing CD-ROMs is very useful if you do not have reliable access
to the Internet, as some resources, such as databases and journals, can be
supplied on CD-ROM (sometimes for a fee).
CD-RW (Read-Write) drive, or CD burner Similar to a CD-ROM drive, a CD-
RW drive can read compact discs (CDs), but has the added ability to record
information on blank recordable CDs, and to record over (overwrite) data on an
existing recordable CD. This is useful for archiving large amounts of data or to
back-up the information saved on your computer, and can help economise on
memory space in your computer. Recording over data on a CD requires a blank
CD sold for this purpose, called a CD-RW (slightly more expensive than a
normal blank recordable CD).
CD-RW drives are becoming a standard part of computer hardware. A computer
without some sort of CD drive may cost a little less, but it can be more expensive
to purchase and install one later on.
Printer One or more printers will be needed to print information from a word-
processor, database, e-mail or the Internet. There are three main types of printer
– laser printers and inkjets, which both use toner, and dot-matrix printers, which
use ink ribbons. Laser printers are fast and produce high quality print, but they
are expensive to buy and run. Inkjet printers are less expensive and produce
reasonable quality print, but are also expensive to run. Dot-matrix printers are
less expensive to buy and run, but are noisy and produce lower quality print.
However, they can take continuous paper as well as single sheets, and are
therefore convenient for printing out address labels, and large amounts of data,
such as documents or database records for proof-reading.
Cables These are an important part of the computer equipment. The correct
cables should automatically be supplied with the computer and any new piece of
equipment purchased. However, it is important to check that all the required
cables have been provided, such as cables to connect each piece of equipment to
the computer and power supply.
Back-up facilities If you don’t have a CD-RW drive (see above), you’ll need
plenty of floppy disks (1.4Mb) to make regular back-ups (copies) of databases
and day-to-day work such as word processing. Media that can store more
information than a floppy disk – for example, CDs (700 Mb) or tape such as a
DAT (2–8 Gb) – can be useful for backing up larger databases and publications
including illustrations and pictures. CDs, for example, can hold as much
information as 550 floppy disks, and DAT drives can hold all the information on
a computer. Zip disks (100Mb or 250 Mb) are quick and easy to use, but are
significantly more expensive than CD disks.
Modem (MOdulator-DEModulator) This is a device that enables messages to be
sent from one computer to another, via a telephone line. A modem can be a card
fitted inside the computer (internal modem) or a small box next to the computer
6 SECTION 6: COMPUTERS, ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION AND DATABASES