Burning CD's and DVD's Every computer built today has an optical drives CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW DVD-ROM, DVD/CD-RW, DVD RW/CD-RW
Selecting Media R = Recordable, RW = Rewritable CDs store 650-700 MB data Two formats -R or -RW DVD's store 4.7 GB data Many formats -R +R -RW +RW Speed Quality
Software Windows Explorer Windows Media Player OEM Software Use for data to be read on computers For non-computer use, try special burning software Windows Media Player OEM Software 3rd Party Software
Data Formats Explorer Offers 2 Formats Mastered Live File format Files are gathered and burned in sessions. Most common format Any CD/DVD that is going into non-computer Live File format Works just like a USB. (Only available on Vista and Win7) Can't be read on older computers
No Coasters Limit Multi-tasking during the burn Use the right media The right format Lower the burn speed for mastered discs Don't fill past 80% of capacity for mastered Single session for non-computer use Finalize for use on non-computer or for use on ancient computers.
No Coasters Continued Do Not - Use adhesive labels on the disc. Do Not – Write on the disc with a pen or pencil. Do Not - Expose discs to extreme heat or high humidity. Do Not - Expose recordable discs to prolonged sunlight or other sources of ultraviolet light.
Homemade CD's and DVD's require special care. CD-ROM vs CD-R Commercial discs are pressed or stamped Burned discs just change the pigment of the dye to mimic the pitting on a stamped disc.
Summary There are a lot of decisions to make when creating discs. Application Media Software Data Format