Scratches effect much less than most people think, as long as they're superficial. (For instance, dings from the case are likely fine, but run the tip of a key across the one...)
Contrary to what most people expect, the data pits on a CD are much closer to the label side than the shiny side - the bottom of the disc is a clear plastic layer that as far as the optics of the drive are concerned are out of focus.
Scratches effect much less than most people think, as long as they're superficial. (For instance, dings from the case are likely fine, but run the tip of a key across the one...)
Contrary to what most people expect, the data pits on a CD are much closer to the label side than the shiny side - the bottom of the disc is a clear plastic layer that as far as the optics of the drive are concerned are out of focus.