What type of technology should be used to preview digital media without making changes?

Using read-only technology is essential when previewing digital media to ensure that no alterations are made to the data. This type of technology allows examiners to access and examine the contents of digital media without the risk of modifying any files or metadata, which is critical for maintaining the integrity of evidence in forensic investigations.

In a forensic context, maintaining a pristine state of the original media is paramount, as any changes—even unintentional ones—can jeopardize the validity of the evidence. Read-only technology safeguards against this by permitting only the observation and extraction of information, which helps to preserve the authenticity and objectivity of the findings.

In contrast, read and write technology could allow for modifications, thereby compromising the integrity of the evidence gathered. Write-only technology would not be suitable for previewing, as it prohibits reading or accessing the data needed for analysis. Thus, utilizing read-only technology is the most effective way to ensure that digital media can be previewed safely and reliably.