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Guru
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Computer Disc Drive Question

07/15/2010 3:04 PM

This may sound like a stupid question, but what is the little thumb wheel for on the front of a CD R/RW disc drive on a computer? Computer manufacturers don't explain what the various switches, jacks, controls are for. They seem to make the assumption that we all know what there are for.

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Guru
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#1

Re: Disc drive

07/15/2010 3:11 PM

The thumbwheel is the volume control to the audio output socket...

So if you wanted to connect your own headphones you have volume control, without using the computer sound card / software.

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#2

Re: Disc drive

07/15/2010 3:15 PM

I believe it is volume control for the associated headphone jack located next to it.

You don't see it as often as you used to back in the CD drive-equipped 386 and 486 days. Who ever used this feature anyway, it just seems like an over-engineered feature that doesn't need to be there?

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#5
In reply to #2

Re: Disc drive

07/18/2010 4:01 PM

Yes they were. If I remember correctly the computer also had a speaker built in and powered by a basic audio circuit built into the motherboard for providing basic audio.

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#3

Re: Computer Disc Drive Question

07/15/2010 4:00 PM

Of course. Thanks

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#4

Re: Computer Disc Drive Question

07/15/2010 8:08 PM

For adjusting the volume of your music CD if you play one in there.

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