Template:Optical Media Testing

Determine drive functions

All drives should have CD read and CD write functions (CD-RW) and DVD read (DVD-ROM) capabilities.
☐ Check the drive faceplate or Keeper Label to see if your drive has DVD read and write capabilities (DVD-R/W), or just DVD-ROM.
☐ Open a terminal and run /usr/lib/freegeek_show_cd_drives. You should see something like:

device:      sr0
model:       Optiarc_DVD+_-RW_AD-5540A
supporting:  cdrom, cdrw, dvd, dvdrw

☐ Make sure the drive functions listed on the optical drive faceplate match the Terminal output. If the functions listed do not match, ask your instructor for help.

CD and DVD read tests

☐ You will need two testing disks:

• CD-R or CD-ROM disk, such as an audio CD.
• Commercial video DVD (movie, television show, etc.)

☐ Insert your testing CD, and wait a few moments. A file manager window should pop up.

• Confirm that the operating system can read the files or audio on the disk.
• If the window does not appear, check for the disk in the Places menu.

☐ Repeat the test with a DVD.

• A media player should appear and the DVD should start to play. If it does not start then consult with your Instructor as this may indicate a problem with the DVD codec installation.