But more than just a consumer toy, DVD drives have popped up on many high-end desktop and notebook business computers, and are flying off the shelves as an aftermarket PC accessory. Think of a DVD as the next generation of the compact disc. DVD discs are the same size as CDs, but can hold up to 25 times as much data. DVD players come in two variants. DVD drives built for a computer, however, look the same as a CD-ROM drive and come in both internal and external designs.
Tips Avoid older DVD versions.
First-generation DVD drives do not provide the full compatibility with other formats. DIVX is a special format that can read specially encrypted movies. While DIVX players can read DVD, DVD players cannot read DIVX discs. And of course, a DVD drive will also play DVD discs. Except for some large databases, however, not much DVD-based data is currently available.