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Burning CD's is a HUGE HASSLE



 
 
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  #1  
Old November 26th 07, 05:22 AM posted to microsoft.public.win98.gen_discussion
[email protected]
External Usenet User
 
Posts: 2
Default Burning CD's is a HUGE HASSLE

What ever happened to the good old days where all that was needed was
a simple floppy disk, and files could be dragged and dropped from
Windows, or use the "copy command" from dos.

After not even owning a CD player for years, I just bought an external
Iomega ZipCD player and recorder, connected to my USB port. After a
little hassle getting the drivers installed, it works fine, and I was
able to install a few CD's that have been sitting on the shelf for the
last several years.

On the other hand, I have never burned a CD or DVD or anything. This
drive came with Iomega Hot Burn Pro. I have played with it, but have
not yet purchased any blanks. One thing I am not sure whether to get
the Write once or Multi-write ones. Worse yet, which are which. In
the store they had R and RW. What do these letters mean? I thought
that R meant READ and RW meant READ-WRITE. But what good is a blank
CD that is only readable? The Walmart clerk did not know what I was
talking about (typical Walmart idiot), so I left the store not buying
any discs because I did not know what to buy.

Then, when I finally do get the disks, what do I do next?

The software has the following options to select.
Music Disc
Data Disc
MP3/WMA Disc
Disc Copy
CD Label

MP3's are music, so why is there both a "music disc" and a "MP3/WMA"
option?

I am sure the Data Disc is for backups and saving files off the hard
drive. And I know that CD Label makes labels (which my laser printer
would unlikely be able to make.

Then I started to select a bunch of MP3 files on my harddrive and it
told me that they will not all fit. Well, DUH..... Why does it not
tell me where to stop, assuming I will need several discs?

Do I need to manually copy the files to a special directory until I
know I have no more than 700 megs (or is it 650, since several
websites do not agree and list 650 on some and 700 on other sites for
the max capacity).

Then it says that MP3's can not be played on a standard CD player on a
stereo. What's the point of putting them on a CD if they wont play
(other than as a backup).

On to the Data Disc.
Am I going to have to manually select files till I reach the 650 or
700 meg limit? I dont see any option to have it just tell me to
insert another disc when one is full.

I spent half a day reading help files and websites, and this seems to
be the most complicated thing any computer can do. Like I said, what
ever happened to the good old days of floppies. Just copy the files
and the job is done. It looks like with CD's there are hours if not
days of preparation required before making each and every CD.

Now I know why I never wanted to own one of these cd burners.

I'm seriously thinking that although it will cost more, I may be
better off just buying a pile of those memory sticks for backing up my
computer, and forgetting the CD burning. At least I got a CD player
now.

By the way, if I ever do get this thing to work, how can I label them
with a pen or something like that? I dont have the printer to make
labels and it all seems like too much hassle anyhow. But they do need
some soft of label, even just numbering them would help. I have at
least a dozen CDs that other people made for them, and none have
labels, so I got to install them one by one to see what is on them.

Either I'm too old for this, or I just dont understand any of it.

By the way I'm runing 98SE.

Jim

  #2  
Old November 26th 07, 06:29 AM posted to microsoft.public.win98.gen_discussion
Bill in Co.
External Usenet User
 
Posts: 1,335
Default Burning CD's is a HUGE HASSLE

wrote:
What ever happened to the good old days where all that was needed was
a simple floppy disk, and files could be dragged and dropped from
Windows, or use the "copy command" from dos.


Those days are LONG gone.

After not even owning a CD player for years, I just bought an external
Iomega ZipCD player and recorder, connected to my USB port. After a
little hassle getting the drivers installed, it works fine, and I was
able to install a few CD's that have been sitting on the shelf for the
last several years.

On the other hand, I have never burned a CD or DVD or anything. This
drive came with Iomega Hot Burn Pro. I have played with it, but have
not yet purchased any blanks. One thing I am not sure whether to get
the Write once or Multi-write ones. Worse yet, which are which. In
the store they had R and RW. What do these letters mean? I thought
that R meant READ and RW meant READ-WRITE. But what good is a blank
CD that is only readable? The Walmart clerk did not know what I was
talking about (typical Walmart idiot), so I left the store not buying
any discs because I did not know what to buy.

Then, when I finally do get the disks, what do I do next?

The software has the following options to select.
Music Disc
Data Disc
MP3/WMA Disc
Disc Copy
CD Label

MP3's are music, so why is there both a "music disc" and a "MP3/WMA"
option?


Just two different formats. Keep researching it.

I am sure the Data Disc is for backups and saving files off the hard
drive. And I know that CD Label makes labels (which my laser printer
would unlikely be able to make.

Then I started to select a bunch of MP3 files on my harddrive and it
told me that they will not all fit. Well, DUH..... Why does it not
tell me where to stop, assuming I will need several discs?

Do I need to manually copy the files to a special directory until I
know I have no more than 700 megs (or is it 650, since several
websites do not agree and list 650 on some and 700 on other sites for
the max capacity).

Then it says that MP3's can not be played on a standard CD player on a
stereo. What's the point of putting them on a CD if they wont play
(other than as a backup).


I spent half a day reading help files and websites, and this seems to
be the most complicated thing any computer can do.


A half day isn't really long enough to get into this stuff with all the
questions you have. It will take more research than that.

Also, you might try the (more appropriate_ windows multimedia newsgroups,
when you get to a specific question or two.


  #3  
Old November 26th 07, 08:10 AM posted to microsoft.public.win98.gen_discussion
MEB[_2_]
External Usenet User
 
Posts: 1,626
Default Burning CD's is a HUGE HASSLE



wrote in message
...
| What ever happened to the good old days where all that was needed was
| a simple floppy disk, and files could be dragged and dropped from
| Windows, or use the "copy command" from dos.
|
| After not even owning a CD player for years, I just bought an external
| Iomega ZipCD player and recorder, connected to my USB port. After a
| little hassle getting the drivers installed, it works fine, and I was
| able to install a few CD's that have been sitting on the shelf for the
| last several years.

So at least that was useful, eh..

|
| On the other hand, I have never burned a CD or DVD or anything. This
| drive came with Iomega Hot Burn Pro. I have played with it, but have
| not yet purchased any blanks. One thing I am not sure whether to get
| the Write once or Multi-write ones. Worse yet, which are which. In
| the store they had R and RW. What do these letters mean? I thought
| that R meant READ and RW meant READ-WRITE. But what good is a blank
| CD that is only readable? The Walmart clerk did not know what I was
| talking about (typical Walmart idiot), so I left the store not buying
| any discs because I did not know what to buy.

CDR - write once
CDRW - write more than once - deletable/re-writable

Most people use CDR, due to the present low cost.

|
| Then, when I finally do get the disks, what do I do next?
|
| The software has the following options to select.
| Music Disc
| Data Disc
| MP3/WMA Disc
| Disc Copy
| CD Label
|
| MP3's are music, so why is there both a "music disc" and a "MP3/WMA"
| option?

Different sound formats, different storage techniques ...

|
| I am sure the Data Disc is for backups and saving files off the hard
| drive. And I know that CD Label makes labels (which my laser printer
| would unlikely be able to make.

Actually it probably would. The Label Maker program would be controlling
the printer..

|
| Then I started to select a bunch of MP3 files on my harddrive and it
| told me that they will not all fit. Well, DUH..... Why does it not
| tell me where to stop, assuming I will need several discs?

It should have if you were using the burner program... you weren't trying
this in Explorer were you? That type of copying would generally take a
packet writer/driver..

|
| Do I need to manually copy the files to a special directory until I
| know I have no more than 700 megs (or is it 650, since several
| websites do not agree and list 650 on some and 700 on other sites for
| the max capacity).

Not sure about your particular program, but again, it should have something
in the BURNING program which indicates how many and what files, and their
total amount.
650 is the *norm*, overburning can allow more than that for data CDs,
leadin and leadout, and directory entries all take up some space..
Music CD burning is based upon minutes, though that coverts to size at
approximately 700 to 800. There is some overhead involved depending upon the
format used, so that's part of the variable...

|
| Then it says that MP3's can not be played on a standard CD player on a
| stereo. What's the point of putting them on a CD if they wont play
| (other than as a backup).

Some DVD/CDROM home players support MP3 as do some car stereo systems, and
some home stereos. However, they general state such support somewhere [label
or manual]. The key word was *standard*, though in today's world MP3s are
pretty standard, so most players generally have that support ...

|
| On to the Data Disc.
| Am I going to have to manually select files till I reach the 650 or
| 700 meg limit? I dont see any option to have it just tell me to
| insert another disc when one is full.

Manual backups, or just burning a few files will require you to limit the
total. You can burn just a few or burn a full disk, but each will be limited
to the blank's capacity. Again, the software program should have a bar or
some other indication showing the amount presently *qued* for burning.
If the software includes a BACKUP program, then it will likely ask for
another disk when full.

|
| I spent half a day reading help files and websites, and this seems to
| be the most complicated thing any computer can do. Like I said, what
| ever happened to the good old days of floppies. Just copy the files
| and the job is done. It looks like with CD's there are hours if not
| days of preparation required before making each and every CD.

Nah, just seems that way,,, try to remember the first time you used a
floppy,, how many times did you screw-up...
CDR disks are relatively inexpensive, so purchase some and play around till
you get the feel for the software and how its done.

|
| Now I know why I never wanted to own one of these cd burners.
|
| I'm seriously thinking that although it will cost more, I may be
| better off just buying a pile of those memory sticks for backing up my
| computer, and forgetting the CD burning. At least I got a CD player
| now.

Not a good idea,, as with any device based upon a chip, some degradation
may occur over time. They're good for temporary storage, but not recommended
for long term. You're not likely to be able to continually supply an
electro-magnetic free environment in your own home. CDROM's [or DVD style]
can also decay to some extent over long periods, and certainly can be
damaged, but for the cost per disk they can't presently be beat for long
term occassional use permanent storage.

|
| By the way, if I ever do get this thing to work, how can I label them
| with a pen or something like that? I dont have the printer to make
| labels and it all seems like too much hassle anyhow. But they do need
| some soft of label, even just numbering them would help. I have at
| least a dozen CDs that other people made for them, and none have
| labels, so I got to install them one by one to see what is on them.

You can use a regular "magic" marker or paint pen to label them [on the
label side]. Make sure you do NOT scratch the surface trying to use a pencil
or pen...

To view the disks: Just put the CD in the drive and look at it from
Explorer...

|
| Either I'm too old for this, or I just dont understand any of it.
|
| By the way I'm runing 98SE.
|
| Jim
|

Hey, we all went through the learning curve,,, you should have been here
when CDROM devices first came out, not fun or cheap at all ...

--
MEB
http://peoplescounsel.orgfree.com
________



  #4  
Old November 26th 07, 08:28 AM posted to microsoft.public.win98.gen_discussion
[email protected]
External Usenet User
 
Posts: 2
Default Burning CD's is a HUGE HASSLE

On Sun, 25 Nov 2007 22:29:08 -0700, "Bill in Co."
wrote:

wrote:
What ever happened to the good old days where all that was needed was
a simple floppy disk, and files could be dragged and dropped from
Windows, or use the "copy command" from dos.


Those days are LONG gone.

After not even owning a CD player for years, I just bought an external
Iomega ZipCD player and recorder, connected to my USB port. After a
little hassle getting the drivers installed, it works fine, and I was
able to install a few CD's that have been sitting on the shelf for the
last several years.

On the other hand, I have never burned a CD or DVD or anything. This
drive came with Iomega Hot Burn Pro. I have played with it, but have
not yet purchased any blanks. One thing I am not sure whether to get
the Write once or Multi-write ones. Worse yet, which are which. In
the store they had R and RW. What do these letters mean? I thought
that R meant READ and RW meant READ-WRITE. But what good is a blank
CD that is only readable? The Walmart clerk did not know what I was
talking about (typical Walmart idiot), so I left the store not buying
any discs because I did not know what to buy.

Then, when I finally do get the disks, what do I do next?

The software has the following options to select.
Music Disc
Data Disc
MP3/WMA Disc
Disc Copy
CD Label

MP3's are music, so why is there both a "music disc" and a "MP3/WMA"
option?


Just two different formats. Keep researching it.

I am sure the Data Disc is for backups and saving files off the hard
drive. And I know that CD Label makes labels (which my laser printer
would unlikely be able to make.

Then I started to select a bunch of MP3 files on my harddrive and it
told me that they will not all fit. Well, DUH..... Why does it not
tell me where to stop, assuming I will need several discs?

Do I need to manually copy the files to a special directory until I
know I have no more than 700 megs (or is it 650, since several
websites do not agree and list 650 on some and 700 on other sites for
the max capacity).

Then it says that MP3's can not be played on a standard CD player on a
stereo. What's the point of putting them on a CD if they wont play
(other than as a backup).


I spent half a day reading help files and websites, and this seems to
be the most complicated thing any computer can do.


A half day isn't really long enough to get into this stuff with all the
questions you have. It will take more research than that.

Also, you might try the (more appropriate_ windows multimedia newsgroups,
when you get to a specific question or two.


Thank You

You just answered my question by not answering anything. I can see
now this is far too complicated to answer, and thus means it's too
complicated for someone as old as me. I already wasted too much time
on this nonsense.

Just like everything these days, the mindset of the young generation
is to make everything as complicated, costly, and difficult as
possible. I was raised with the "KISS" theory (Keep It Simple
Stupid). I'll just use memory sticks to backup and forget the CD
burning. At least I got a CD player now.

Those memory sticks are one of the few advances for computers in the
last 10 years that are worth anything. I'll stick with Win98 and Dos
programs and leave the rest of the world suffer with all the bloated
garbage they sell these days. In my opinion, the older the software
the better it is.
  #6  
Old November 26th 07, 08:54 AM posted to microsoft.public.win98.gen_discussion
thanatoid
External Usenet User
 
Posts: 2,299
Default Burning CD's is a HUGE HASSLE

wrote in
:

SNIP

Just like everything these days, the mindset of the young
generation is to make everything as complicated, costly,
and difficult as possible. I was raised with the "KISS"
theory (Keep It Simple Stupid). I'll just use memory
sticks to backup and forget the CD burning. At least I got
a CD player now.

Those memory sticks are one of the few advances for
computers in the last 10 years that are worth anything.
I'll stick with Win98 and Dos programs and leave the rest
of the world suffer with all the bloated garbage they sell
these days. In my opinion, the older the software the
better it is.


I'll be honest, I didn't read ALL of your OP, because it was
quite long, but I know exactly what you're talking about and I
agree with you, and I feel your pain.

Here's what you do:

Go to:
www.cdrfaq.org

and download the whole thing as a zip file (this option is near
the start of the page), and unzip it into a nice new directory
on your machine.

Read about what seems most baffling to start with. Read more if
you want. It has everything but VERY well organized.

Don't bother with stuff like multisession, "Rainier",
proprietary software (like the one that came with your drive)
etc. Goes against what we both believe.

Since you had enough money to buy an external CD burner, I'm
sure you can spend 35 bucks to get the best software there is,
from www.goldenhawk.com

Uninstall the Iomega stuff and forget everything about it.

Buy TDK CD-R's in spindle packs of 50 or 100 for write once, buy
the most expensive you can find, made-in-Japan if possible, CD-
RW's for "write, erase, write again a bunch of times". "They"
claim up to a 1000 times but about 100-200 is most I've gotten
IIRC.

Generally CD-RW's are a waste of time since they cost
considerably more than CD-R's (which cost about a quarter) and
are less reliable. I just use CD-RW's to transfer stuff from one
computer to another, and when a disc dies, I just get a new one.
I've gone through about 5 in 3 years.

Always make an ISO file on a defragmented partition and then
burn that.

Burn at lower speeds. 4x, 8x, MAYBE 12x. What's the rush?

Good luck.
  #7  
Old November 26th 07, 09:54 AM posted to microsoft.public.win98.gen_discussion
thanatoid
External Usenet User
 
Posts: 2,299
Default Burning CD's is a HUGE HASSLE

With all due respects to MEB's very helpful post, I am adding a
few comments since I know you won't understand a few of the
things he mentions, plus I got a new small burst of energy from
somewhere...

"MEB" meb@not wrote in
:

SNIP

| On the other hand, I have never burned a CD or DVD or
| anything. This drive came with Iomega Hot Burn Pro. I
| have played with it, but have not yet purchased any
| blanks. One thing I am not sure whether to get the Write
| once or Multi-write ones. Worse yet, which are which. In
| the store they had R and RW. What do these letters mean?
| I thought that R meant READ and RW meant READ-WRITE. But
| what good is a blank CD that is only readable? The
| Walmart clerk did not know what I was talking about
| (typical Walmart idiot), so I left the store not buying
| any discs because I did not know what to buy.

CDR - write once
CDRW - write more than once - deletable/re-writable

Most people use CDR, due to the present low cost.


| Then, when I finally do get the disks, what do I do next?
|
| The software has the following options to select.
| Music Disc
| Data Disc
| MP3/WMA Disc
| Disc Copy
| CD Label
|
| MP3's are music, so why is there both a "music disc" and a
| "MP3/WMA" option?

Different sound formats, different storage techniques ...




"Music Disc" is a largely meaningless (or at least multi-
interpretable) term which the Iomega software uses, which is one
of the many reasons I suggested you dump it and forget
everything about it. All you need is the drivers for the
machine, which you have already installed. You can use ANY
burning software. Go with my suggestion (funny I should say
that, huh?).

Music, photos, text, it's all DATA.
cdrfaq!!!




| I am sure the Data Disc is for backups and saving files
| off the hard drive. And I know that CD Label makes labels
| (which my laser printer would unlikely be able to make.

Actually it probably would. The Label Maker program would
be controlling
the printer..




As I believe cdrfaq mentions, NEVER apply ANY labels to CD-R's
UNLESS the blanks are the "print-on" kind (with a layer of -
usually white - paint on them), which is not worth bothering
with. Write a few descriptive words using a Sanford Sharpie (not
the thin kind!!!, the regular one!) gently. You can print the
contents as an insert or just a page to put in the
case/envelope.

[If you want to know WHY, take a useless (you'll get a few until
you get the hang of this, but they're ONLY a quarter) CD-R (NOT
a real Compact Disc - different animal entirely) and scratch the
printed side with a nail or razor blade and see what happens.]



| Then I started to select a bunch of MP3 files on my
| harddrive and it told me that they will not all fit.
| Well, DUH..... Why does it not tell me where to stop,
| assuming I will need several discs?





The goldenhawk software tells you EXACTLY how much space you
have left, and whether you should be using an 80 min CD or
whether a 74 is enough. There are 74 min and 80 min discs (they
use minutes since it's a term most people can comprehend) and
they are 650MB and 700MB respectively. 700MB will actually store
about 715,000,000 bytes... Remember - cdrfaq!




It should have if you were using the burner program... you
weren't trying
this in Explorer were you? That type of copying would
generally take a packet writer/driver..




Don't even bother trying to understand/use the packet writing
technology. Just perceive the CD-R as a write-everything-at-once
technology, as opposed to a floppy disk.



| Do I need to manually copy the files to a special
| directory until I know I have no more than 700 megs (or is
| it 650, since several websites do not agree and list 650
| on some and 700 on other sites for the max capacity).





cdrfaq




| Then it says that MP3's can not be played on a standard CD
| player on a stereo. What's the point of putting them on a
| CD if they wont play (other than as a backup).

Some DVD/CDROM home players support MP3 as do some car
stereo systems, and
some home stereos. However, they general state such support
somewhere [label or manual]. The key word was *standard*,
though in today's world MP3s are pretty standard, so most
players generally have that support ...





Pretty much every DVD player made in the last few years, and
many car CD players and walkman-style players and blasters will
play mp3's. Some will "play" WMA and jpg photos as well.

SOME may not play the highest mp3 bitrate (320) rips, but no one
REALLY needs to use the highest rate. Go with "192 true stereo"
for your mp3's and don't worry about the other options. Stay
away from WMA.




SNIP

| I'm seriously thinking that although it will cost more, I
| may be better off just buying a pile of those memory
| sticks for backing up my computer, and forgetting the CD
| burning. At least I got a CD player now.

Not a good idea,, as with any device based upon a chip,
some degradation
may occur over time. They're good for temporary storage,
but not recommended for long term. You're not likely to be
able to continually supply an electro-magnetic free
environment in your own home. CDROM's [or DVD style] can
also decay to some extent over long periods, and certainly
can be damaged, but for the cost per disk they can't
presently be beat for long term occassional use permanent
storage.





Amen.




| By the way, if I ever do get this thing to work, how can I
| label them with a pen or something like that? I dont have
| the printer to make labels and it all seems like too much
| hassle anyhow. But they do need some soft of label, even
| just numbering them would help. I have at least a dozen
| CDs that other people made for them, and none have labels,
| so I got to install them one by one to see what is on
| them.

You can use a regular "magic" marker or paint pen to label
them [on the
label side]. Make sure you do NOT scratch the surface
trying to use a pencil or pen...




See above.




To view the disks: Just put the CD in the drive and look at
it from Explorer...




You MAY need to eject the disc from the drive after burning it
to properly see it. I don't know why this is, but if you try to
look at it and see gibberish, don't panic. Eject, insert, try
again. It will take a few moments for the disc to spin up to
speed and read the directory.





| Either I'm too old for this, or I just dont understand any
| of it.
|
| By the way I'm runing 98SE.




So am I (on my other computer, a 2GHz) and I will NEVER run
anything more recent.

THIS machine is 95B, 166MHz :-)




Hey, we all went through the learning curve,,, you should
have been here when CDROM devices first came out, not fun or

cheap at all ...



I remember when at work we got the first 1x speed HP for what, a
thousand dollars or something, and the smartest guy was the one
who had to learn the Adaptec software to burn stuff on Quantegy
(formerly Ampex) CD-R's... I wish I could remember how much the
blanks cost!
  #8  
Old November 26th 07, 10:13 AM posted to microsoft.public.win98.gen_discussion
Jeff Richards
External Usenet User
 
Posts: 1,526
Default Burning CD's is a HUGE HASSLE

Your frustration is clouding your common sense.

The good old days are still with us - you can install a floppy drive in the
machine and drag and drop files to it or use the copy command from DOS just
like you always did.. Nothing has changed, except perhaps that you are now
finding that the floppy isn't quite big enough for you.

Did you check what the documentation supplied with the drive said about the
correct blank disk to purchase? You have many more choices than just R or
RW, and you will need to consult the manual. And if you need advice from a
sales assistant, don't shop at Walmart.

I don't know how you expected the software to tell you when to stop
selecting files when you did not have a blank disk inserted in the drive - I
think it would be very magic software that knew what type of disk you
intended to buy. I suspect that if you buy a blank disk and insert it in
the drive you may find there's a wizard that will start by telling you how
much space you have available, and then guide you through the steps
depending on what it is your are trying to copy to the disk - at least
that's how other brands of CD writing software work (and if your software
doesn't do that for you, perhaps you purchased the wrong product).

Take a deep breath, do a little bit of reading, find a sales assistant in a
store that knows what they are talking about, get some blank disks, and
start experimenting. And while doing all that, keep in mind the degree of
puzzlement you experienced when your first turned your own computer on many
years ago, and just how much your knowledge has grown since that day.
--
Jeff Richards
MS MVP (Windows - Shell/User)
wrote in message
...
What ever happened to the good old days where all that was needed was
a simple floppy disk, and files could be dragged and dropped from
Windows, or use the "copy command" from dos.

After not even owning a CD player for years, I just bought an external
Iomega ZipCD player and recorder, connected to my USB port. After a
little hassle getting the drivers installed, it works fine, and I was
able to install a few CD's that have been sitting on the shelf for the
last several years.

On the other hand, I have never burned a CD or DVD or anything. This
drive came with Iomega Hot Burn Pro. I have played with it, but have
not yet purchased any blanks. One thing I am not sure whether to get
the Write once or Multi-write ones. Worse yet, which are which. In
the store they had R and RW. What do these letters mean? I thought
that R meant READ and RW meant READ-WRITE. But what good is a blank
CD that is only readable? The Walmart clerk did not know what I was
talking about (typical Walmart idiot), so I left the store not buying
any discs because I did not know what to buy.

Then, when I finally do get the disks, what do I do next?

The software has the following options to select.
Music Disc
Data Disc
MP3/WMA Disc
Disc Copy
CD Label

MP3's are music, so why is there both a "music disc" and a "MP3/WMA"
option?

I am sure the Data Disc is for backups and saving files off the hard
drive. And I know that CD Label makes labels (which my laser printer
would unlikely be able to make.

Then I started to select a bunch of MP3 files on my harddrive and it
told me that they will not all fit. Well, DUH..... Why does it not
tell me where to stop, assuming I will need several discs?

Do I need to manually copy the files to a special directory until I
know I have no more than 700 megs (or is it 650, since several
websites do not agree and list 650 on some and 700 on other sites for
the max capacity).

Then it says that MP3's can not be played on a standard CD player on a
stereo. What's the point of putting them on a CD if they wont play
(other than as a backup).

On to the Data Disc.
Am I going to have to manually select files till I reach the 650 or
700 meg limit? I dont see any option to have it just tell me to
insert another disc when one is full.

I spent half a day reading help files and websites, and this seems to
be the most complicated thing any computer can do. Like I said, what
ever happened to the good old days of floppies. Just copy the files
and the job is done. It looks like with CD's there are hours if not
days of preparation required before making each and every CD.

Now I know why I never wanted to own one of these cd burners.

I'm seriously thinking that although it will cost more, I may be
better off just buying a pile of those memory sticks for backing up my
computer, and forgetting the CD burning. At least I got a CD player
now.

By the way, if I ever do get this thing to work, how can I label them
with a pen or something like that? I dont have the printer to make
labels and it all seems like too much hassle anyhow. But they do need
some soft of label, even just numbering them would help. I have at
least a dozen CDs that other people made for them, and none have
labels, so I got to install them one by one to see what is on them.

Either I'm too old for this, or I just dont understand any of it.

By the way I'm runing 98SE.

Jim



  #9  
Old November 26th 07, 10:37 AM posted to microsoft.public.win98.gen_discussion
RobertVA
External Usenet User
 
Posts: 60
Default Burning CD's is a HUGE HASSLE

wrote:
What ever happened to the good old days where all that was needed was
a simple floppy disk, and files could be dragged and dropped from
Windows, or use the "copy command" from dos.

After not even owning a CD player for years, I just bought an external
Iomega ZipCD player and recorder, connected to my USB port. After a
little hassle getting the drivers installed, it works fine, and I was
able to install a few CD's that have been sitting on the shelf for the
last several years.

On the other hand, I have never burned a CD or DVD or anything. This
drive came with Iomega Hot Burn Pro. I have played with it, but have
not yet purchased any blanks. One thing I am not sure whether to get
the Write once or Multi-write ones. Worse yet, which are which. In
the store they had R and RW. What do these letters mean? I thought
that R meant READ and RW meant READ-WRITE. But what good is a blank
CD that is only readable? The Walmart clerk did not know what I was
talking about (typical Walmart idiot), so I left the store not buying
any discs because I did not know what to buy.


CD-R: Compact Disk Recordable

Use for maximum compatibility with other CD reading devices.

CD-RW: Compact Disk Read/Write

Use for disks you expect to change or add data to in a future session.
These can be used in a manner similar to a floppy IF, and ONLY IF, you
install packet writing software like Nero or CD Creator (usually comes
with the drive - probably something that Iomega Hot Burn Pro does). Note
that CD-RWs formatted with one publisher's packet writing application
may not be compatible with applications from other publishers.

Then, when I finally do get the disks, what do I do next?

The software has the following options to select.
Music Disc

This is the classic wave file format compatible with nearly all CD and
DVD players (even some game consoles like Sega-CD Playstations and
X-Box). Utilizes tracks 1 through as high as 99 (one "song" per track).
Music CDs don't normally have a track zero.

Data Disc

Stores computer files on track 0 (zero)

MP3/WMA Disc

A data disk containing audio recordings. Compatible with SOME CD players
and DVD players. Check the player's user manual and or packaging for a
listing of compatible formats (MIGHT even be on the face plate). The
compatible DVD players might display an Explorer style music file list
on the TV screen. Many people don't mind the slightly lower sound
quality and the same blank can contain MP3 files from dozens of music CDs

Disc Copy

Can be used to duplicate a pressed (from the music store) CD on a CD-R.
Use the CD-R copy fir portable use, storing the original at home. If the
CD-R copy gets damaged or stolen you can easily make another.

CD Label

MP3's are music, so why is there both a "music disc" and a "MP3/WMA"
option?


Music disks for wider compatibility with players. MP3 on data disks for
higher capacity (the things can play for days without repeating).

I am sure the Data Disc is for backups and saving files off the hard
drive. And I know that CD Label makes labels (which my laser printer
would unlikely be able to make.


Check office supply stores for blank labels. Look for packages labeled
for use in laser printers (the glue needs to be formulated for the
higher temperatures that fuse the toner to the paper). Look near where
laser/copier compatible mailing labels are displayed. Make sure you
start with a kit that has a device to align the labels on the CD. You
CAN NOT remove a label from a CD-R without ruining the disk. The CD-R
will be out of balance and probably unreadable if the label is applied
off center.

Then I started to select a bunch of MP3 files on my harddrive and it
told me that they will not all fit. Well, DUH..... Why does it not
tell me where to stop, assuming I will need several discs?


Use the file listing in the software that came with the drive instead of
Windows Explorer (Probably the Iomega Hot Burn Pro you describe). That
list of disk type options is probably one of the steps leading to where
you select what music (or other files) you want to put on the disk.

Do I need to manually copy the files to a special directory until I
know I have no more than 700 megs (or is it 650, since several
websites do not agree and list 650 on some and 700 on other sites for
the max capacity).


The Iomega Hot Burn Pro probably automatically creates a temporary
buffer on your hard drive containing the music or other files and then
"burns" the whole lot on the CD-R at once. Pay attention to the "#x"
speed labeling on the spool of blanks for this process. Sometimes a
lower speed than what the package claims will be more reliable. Try not
to use any other applications during the actual burning process.

Then it says that MP3's can not be played on a standard CD player on a
stereo. What's the point of putting them on a CD if they wont play
(other than as a backup).


SOME CD and DVD players WILL play the MP3s (probably better chance with
the DVD players unless a VERY early model). Portable CD players with MP3
compatibility were beginning to catch on when flash memory and hard
drive based players (like I-pods) captured the portable player market.

On to the Data Disc.
Am I going to have to manually select files till I reach the 650 or
700 meg limit? I dont see any option to have it just tell me to
insert another disc when one is full.


Again check the abilities of the Iomega Hot Burn Pro.

I spent half a day reading help files and websites, and this seems to
be the most complicated thing any computer can do. Like I said, what
ever happened to the good old days of floppies. Just copy the files
and the job is done. It looks like with CD's there are hours if not
days of preparation required before making each and every CD.

Now I know why I never wanted to own one of these cd burners.

I'm seriously thinking that although it will cost more, I may be
better off just buying a pile of those memory sticks for backing up my
computer, and forgetting the CD burning. At least I got a CD player
now.


Price would be awfully high. The amount of data involved might even make
the quantity of CD-Rs (or CD-RWs) an issue for making a system backup
anyway. It's becoming common for computer users to use external hard
drives connected to USB ports for system backups. CD-Rs or CD-RWs may be
useful for data backups though (as long as video isn't involved).

By the way, if I ever do get this thing to work, how can I label them
with a pen or something like that? I dont have the printer to make
labels and it all seems like too much hassle anyhow. But they do need
some soft of label, even just numbering them would help. I have at
least a dozen CDs that other people made for them, and none have
labels, so I got to install them one by one to see what is on them.


While in that office supply store look for special markers designed for
CDs. Their water based inks add a margin of safety compared to the ink
in regular permanent markers containing solvents that could soften the
lacquer coating that protects the reflective layers of optical media.

You may be able to buy an ink jet printer PLUS a spare set of ink tanks
(maybe even two extra sets) for the cost of ONE replacement toner
cartridge for that laser printer.

Either I'm too old for this, or I just dont understand any of it.

By the way I'm runing 98SE.

Jim

  #10  
Old November 26th 07, 11:06 AM posted to microsoft.public.win98.gen_discussion
Bill in Co.
External Usenet User
 
Posts: 1,335
Default Burning CD's is a HUGE HASSLE

wrote:
On Sun, 25 Nov 2007 22:29:08 -0700, "Bill in Co."
wrote:

wrote:
What ever happened to the good old days where all that was needed was
a simple floppy disk, and files could be dragged and dropped from
Windows, or use the "copy command" from dos.


Those days are LONG gone.

After not even owning a CD player for years, I just bought an external
Iomega ZipCD player and recorder, connected to my USB port. After a
little hassle getting the drivers installed, it works fine, and I was
able to install a few CD's that have been sitting on the shelf for the
last several years.

On the other hand, I have never burned a CD or DVD or anything. This
drive came with Iomega Hot Burn Pro. I have played with it, but have
not yet purchased any blanks. One thing I am not sure whether to get
the Write once or Multi-write ones. Worse yet, which are which. In
the store they had R and RW. What do these letters mean? I thought
that R meant READ and RW meant READ-WRITE. But what good is a blank
CD that is only readable? The Walmart clerk did not know what I was
talking about (typical Walmart idiot), so I left the store not buying
any discs because I did not know what to buy.

Then, when I finally do get the disks, what do I do next?

The software has the following options to select.
Music Disc
Data Disc
MP3/WMA Disc
Disc Copy
CD Label

MP3's are music, so why is there both a "music disc" and a "MP3/WMA"
option?


Just two different formats. Keep researching it.

I am sure the Data Disc is for backups and saving files off the hard
drive. And I know that CD Label makes labels (which my laser printer
would unlikely be able to make.

Then I started to select a bunch of MP3 files on my harddrive and it
told me that they will not all fit. Well, DUH..... Why does it not
tell me where to stop, assuming I will need several discs?

Do I need to manually copy the files to a special directory until I
know I have no more than 700 megs (or is it 650, since several
websites do not agree and list 650 on some and 700 on other sites for
the max capacity).

Then it says that MP3's can not be played on a standard CD player on a
stereo.


True (for a standard CD player). But can be played on a computer, or on
a portable mp3 player. Standard CD players play only WAV files (which
are real hogs of disk space, though, by comparison - mp3s are MUCH smaller
in file size).

What's the point of putting them on a CD if they wont play
(other than as a backup).


I spent half a day reading help files and websites, and this seems to
be the most complicated thing any computer can do.


A half day isn't really long enough to get into this stuff with all the
questions you have. It will take more research than that.

Also, you might try the (more appropriate_ windows multimedia newsgroups,
when you get to a specific question or two.


Thank You

You just answered my question by not answering anything. I can see
now this is far too complicated to answer, and thus means it's too
complicated for someone as old as me.


Well, not really. I'm probably as old as you are (although, admitedly,
I'm having a hard time remembering Teddy Roosevelt :-).

But you CAN get there with some perseverance, but there's a real learning
curve for a lot of it - for sure. And I added a couple of other notes
above.

Oh, and I should correct myself: you can STILL do a lot of that basic
stuff today, but things have gotten a bit more complex with all the
(additional) new technology - for sure.


 




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