Difference Between DVD-RW and a DVD-ROM?

[Soto]

hi i bought the Sims 2 and it says "DVD-ROM SOFTWARE" on the box. Im assuming my CD-ROM wont be able to read it so all i have is a DVD-RW drive. Will that work?

Thanks to all who answered

 

[Denver]

DVD ROM ONLY READS DVDs AND VCDs AND CDs whereas, DVD-RW can read and also write(burn) data to a writable cd, dvd.

 

[scroogeme]

It will read it ok.dvd-rw means it can write to a disc but does not stop you playing discs though it.

 

[DAVE]

DVD-RW means it can play CDs, DVD-R (readable) and DVD-RW (rewritable) so it will play the Sims 2.

A CD drive will only play CDs.

 

[marvin]

ROM means "Read Only Memory"
RW means "ReWritable"

Your DVD-RW drive is also a DVD-ROM drive.

 

[countryboy1]

DVD-RW drive is for writing to DVD. If your drive is just DVD-RW, then that is all you will be able to do.
Quite often a DVD-RW drive is combined with a DVD read drive in the same unit. Most purchased PCs have a combined drive for reading and writing.