1. 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

2. Selecting Media R = Recordable, RW = Rewritable
CDs store MB data
Two formats -R or -RW
DVD's store 4.7 GB data
Many formats -R +R -RW +RW
Speed
Quality

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. Summary There are a lot of decisions to make when creating discs.
Application
Media
Software
Data Format