"The following is intended to be parts of a primer on recordable Compact Disc formats. I have favored simple expression over technical detail. For that, I urge you to check other resources, as found in the URLs. In particular, the information from vendors is authoritative, where the following is not. The focus is on PC's and Windows; those with Unix or Mac systems are welcome to translate to the extent possible. (I try not to write about things I don't know.)" also available as a 159-page PDF file.