How CD Writers Work

    By far one of the better inventions for the computer is the CD writer.  Why did they make it so touchy then?  One answer could be that a lot of software and music media corporations didn't like the idea that you would be able to steal their media so easy.  If you'll notice, your CD writer and the software that make it work are made by two different companies even though they came packaged together.  I personally don't think this was a mistake but rather a try at a deterrent or road block to keep you from copying some of the more sought after software and media.

     A lot of CD writers come packaged with Adaptec software which is good software and can accomplish most of your needs.  First thing I would suggest you do once you've installed it is go in and disable the wizard that is supost to guide you through the process.  This so called wizard really knows nothing about the media or the requirements needed for your copy to work.

     What you need to know though, regardless of the software you choose to use, is how that media was intended to be recorded.  As far as the discs it is on, I highly recommend Maxell.  For music CD's you need to make sure that your software supports disc at once or DAO.  This means basically that your CD will be made in a single process.  The laser will stay constant and not be turned on and off.  By doing this, it eliminates a two second pause that would otherwise be placed between tracks on the CD and also closes the disc after the last track.  This method works best when recorded at 1x speed and is also recommended when recording Playstation games.  If you are recording a program from one disc to another or copying just one program to a disc I recommend this route as opposed to the other ways that it can be done.  This by far is the most successful way to copy any type of CD.

     The other methods I will now cover briefly for they are not as effective.  A good program should allow you other options such as write one track at a time, close session and open new session, and close the disc.  By writing a track at a time, you are stopping the recording process and leaving the disc open to be recorded to later.  You will then be able to continue later from where you left off.  To close a session, you are simply splitting the CD up into sub groups which will require you to open a new session later to pick up where you left off.  The problem with that is that other computers will only be able to read the last session on the disc unless they contain the software that you used to write the disc.  Lastly, to close a disc means that no more can be written to it.  Closing the disc is the finalizing of it and will usually then allow other CD ROMs to read the disc unless it is the afore mentioned multi-session disc.

     Should you have any more questions on this subject please email them to me at [email protected].  I will try to answer them within a weeks time.