Recordable disks (CD-R) are compatible with the vast majority of CD-ROM drives and CD audio players and will work in most DVD-ROM drives.

CD-R/RW disks are only read compatible with multi-read-capable CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs and CD-R/W drives.

Standards:

• MS-DOS data CDs (High Sierra, Mode 1 & Mode 2 complying with ISO 9660)
• Data CDs (Joliet) Note: Only readable under Windows 95/98 and Windows NT 4.0
• CD ROM XA
• Mixed mode CDs
• Kodak Photo CDs (single and multi-session)
• UDF (Universal Disk Format)
• Audio CDs

Mastering
Mastering is a process for writing audio and data CDs. During the mastering process, the data is written to the CD according to various industry standards. This allows, for example, audio CDs to be read by any CD player. Special programs such as "Roxio Easy Creator" or "Roxio Toast" are necessary to convert data into these specified formats. These programs are necessary for writing data CDs in ISO 9660 and Joliet formats and for writing audio CDs, Mixed Mode CDs and Photo CDs.

Packet Writing
Packet Writing can be used to create a CD without a special mastering program. This process allows you to use disks in combination with the Universal Disk Format (UDF) as an additional hard disk or floppy disk. This means that you simply copy files onto the disk. You can drag and drop files to the CD or use "Save" from any application.