A recordable CD is great for storing files long term.
When shopping for recordable CDs, it can be difficult to discern exactly what to purchase. CD-R (Compact Disc Recordable) and CD-RW (Compact Disc Rewritable) are the most popular discs, and though they sometimes can be used interchangeably, they also have their own special functions.
CD-R
A CD-R is a standard blank CD. It can contain many forms of data, such as music, photo and video files. When a CD-R is burned, it becomes a CD-ROM. CD-ROM stands for Compact Disc Read Only Memory, and is what you purchase in a store. A CD-ROM cannot be recorded again or edited in any way.
CD-RW
A CD-RW is also a blank CD, but it is made using a different process that allows it to be rewritten many times. Re-recording is not selective. All of the information on the disc must be removed before new information can be stored. The CD-RW supports the same file types as the CD-R.
Playback of CD-R and CD-RW
Because of the differences of the two types of CD, playback in different types of machines varies. If the CD-R is burned well, it will play back in both a computer and a CD player. However, a CD-RW does not work well or at all in CD players.
Tags: Compact Disc, CD-R burned, what purchase