CD-Recordable FAQ

What's CD-R? CD-RW?
CD-R is short for 'CD-Recordable'. Recordable CDs are WORM (Write Once, Read Multiple) media that work just like standard CDs. The advantage of CD-R over other types of optical media is that you can use the discs with a standard CD player. The disadvantage is that you can't reuse a disc. A related technology called CD-Rewritable (CD-RW) allows you to erase discs and reuse them, but the CD-RW media doesn't work in all players. CD-Rewritable drives are able to write both CD-R and CD-RW discs. All CD recorders can read CDs and CD-ROMs, just like a standard CD-ROM drive.

What's CD-R? CD-RW?

Are they identical to normal CDs?

Can I create new audio and data CDs?

Can I use it to copy my CDs?

How much can they hold?

Can I just copy files onto a CD-R like I would to a floppy?

What can you tell me about DVD, DVD-R, DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, etc?

Can I copy DVDs with a CD recorder?

What's the cheapest recorder and best place to buy media?

Can I get step-by-step installation and use instructions?

Can I download MP3s from the Internet and make an audio CD?