IBM 10K3786 manual Using the drive, Handling and caring for a CD

CD Creator is used to copy CDs, create new data CDs, and produce new audio CDs that can be read by standard CD-RO drives and CD players.

DirectCD is used to make file archives and data CDs that can be altered many times. It also provides the convenience of direct drive letter access. When used with CD-RW media, DirectCD is very much like using a diskette to store files. If DirectCD is used with CD-R media, you can write and rewrite until the CD is full, and then the data becomes fixed. DirectCD-created media can only be read with newer CD-ROM drives and DVD-ROM drives that support multi-read mode. Some operating systems require a UDF Reader to be able to read DirectCD-created discs.

Note: CD-R discs are playable on audio CD players. CD-RW discs are not playable on most audio CD players.

Note: CD-R media is rated by write-speed. For 12x write mode, 12x media will be required. Contact the manufacturer of your media to determine its maximum required speed. The following table shows the compatibility matrix for high and low speed media:

Drive	Media	Write	Read
Low Speed	Low Speed	Yes	Yes
Low Speed	High Speed	No	Yes
High Speed	High Speed	Yes	Yes
High Speed	Low Speed	Yes*	Yes

*Will write at low speed on low speed media.

Using the drive

This section will give you information on how to handle and care for CDs and your CD-RW drive, how to load CDs into your CD-RW drive, and how to get started using the Easy CD Creator and DirectCD programs.

Handling and caring for a CD

CDs are high-density media that must be handled with care and kept clean to ensure that they remain readable. These precautions will help to prolong the life of your CDs.

Part 1: Installation and user’s guide 1-11