> > I have been under the impression, perhaps mistaken, that the difference between CD-Rs and CD-RWs is that you can make multiple burns to the same disk, eventually filling it up. But what you've said makes it sound like you can actually erase information you've saved onto a CD-RW and/or overwrite it.

With a CD-R disk, you can write to it once, then pop it out (un-formatted) and later *add* more to it, but you cannot delete or rewrite data. With CD-RW disks, you can do both of the above. Once a CD-R disk is formatted, however, it cannot be written to- it's kind of like punching the tabs on a tape.

> I stick to CD-R discs. They can be played in regular CD-ROMS and in newer stereos, while CD-RWs can only be used in CD-RW drives. Why wear out the expensive CD-RW drive when you can use the CD-ROM drive, especially since it's faster?

For data backup, CD-RWs *are* better, especially if you want the data but don't want it eating space on your hard drive (like Grish is going to have a problem with that, with eighty gigs! ;))

> In addition, CD-Rs are much cheaper. Look for sales and clearance specials, where I've found packs of 50 CD-Rs (usually without the jewel cases) for $20. No, you can't rewrite to them and yes, you will waste some CDs when you're getting started, but it will be cheaper in the long run.

Yeah. I've messed up a few CD-R disks, but you really can't mess up with data backup if you have the right program. It's the music copies that really mess me up.

> As for software, I recommend Adaptec's EZ-CD Creator Deluxe, although I know there are other good programs, as well.

I think Adaptec is the standard for CD-RW drives now, as mine cae with it, too, and it's the only CD-R(W) product I've seen in stores. I rather like it because it formats a disk so that I can write to it using Windows Explorer, as though it were on my hard drive. The music CD creation is confusing, however- it says it's testing your CD, but it seems to be writing to it. I guess I just need more music CD experience, hmm? :-)

ri "talks too much! :-)" a