The most important preventative measure in my experience: don't lay CDs upside-down in the name of “““protecting””” them! I know it's counter-intuitive, because I used to do it myself, but take a look at a cross-section of a CD and you'll see why it's the worst possible thing you can inadvertently do. The data layer is directly under the label, and the bottom of the disc is relatively well-protected in comparison: https://www.clir.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/fig2-3.jpg
This is also the reason why all-over-print CDs are better survivors than discs whose obverse design integrates the raw silver. Note that this is specific to CDs — DVDs and BDs have polycarbonate on both sides!
It took me years to learn this. Basically everyone forever has stored their CDs in the worst possible way, thinking they were storing them in the best possible way.
And if you think you don’t have CD media anymore, don’t forget about the media treasure trove still out there in basements, attics and closets. Not to mention installs and documentation being lost to attrition everyday.
It's so frustrating knowing how much is thrown out every day, especially when some of it is irreplaceable.
I remember going to all those computer auctions in the 1980s and there was so much perfectly boxed PC software that would be left unsold and thrown in the trash. Software that you might spend years running a search on eBay now to find a single copy.
This is also the reason why all-over-print CDs are better survivors than discs whose obverse design integrates the raw silver. Note that this is specific to CDs — DVDs and BDs have polycarbonate on both sides!
I remember going to all those computer auctions in the 1980s and there was so much perfectly boxed PC software that would be left unsold and thrown in the trash. Software that you might spend years running a search on eBay now to find a single copy.