DVD-Rom Drive -will this burn a dvd data

I am wanting to burn dvd data from my computer using either Nero 8 or CD BurnerXP. The question I am having is do I need to buy an external dvd burner or does this software format where I can use existing drive. I am questioning myself is the problem and I feel I will have to buy a external burner. Just wanting to double check here with the experts before I buy any unecessary equipment. Thanks

 

if it's a dvd rom, then no it will not burn a dvd disk. you need a dvd burner, so that you can burn a dvd disk. now, they do have combo drives (like my laptop), that will play and burn cd's, and only play dvd's (i can't burn dvd's).

is it a laptop, and that is why you want to buy an external burner? - sos

 

Thanks for getting to my question. The computer in question is a pc desktop. I appreciate you confirming what I already felt I needed. Do you have any suggestions on brand?? I saw some on newegg.com that look pretty good. thanks again.

 

not really, i tend to stay with brand names (hp, toshiba, lg, plextors are good - but pricy, i think). sometimes, i look at the s/w that is bundled with it as well (i like nero). also, you might want to look at features, does it burn dual layer, lightscribe (but, it takes wayyyyyyyyyy to long), etc. - g/l, sos

 

Just a note to avoid confusion later:
ROM means "Read Only Memory" (as in it will "read only" not "write".)
As sosaman said, it is best to stick to brand names that you recognize.
Personally, I would advise against burners with "LightScribe". I've yet to see one that didn't give its owner more trouble than it was worth.
A fair description of "LightScribe" can be had here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LightScribe
Although an intriguing idea, you need special (more expensive) blank DVDs; they only "print" in monochrome and I have seen (more than once) the scribing process damage the data on the other side of the disk.

 

i personally have only used lightscribe once. although, it's ok, it takes about 20-30 min or so to burn the image. it's my opinion, that it's not worth the extra expense (mine just happened to come with my comp). - sos