Guadalajara Reporter

Last time we talked about backing up your computer data to CDs. This week we’ll discuss how to make audio CDs that you can share with others. If your computer has CD recording capabilities, you can create your own CDs.  When you write information to a CD (that is, save information on the CD), the computer “burns” the files onto it with a laser.

For music, use CD-R (one burn) rather than CD-RW (reusable), since some stereo systems cannot read a CD-RW. If you want supposedly better quality audio, use an audio CD. You can place about twenty songs on one CD.

You can use iTunes (www.itunes.com) to create a music cd on either a Mac or PC.  This is especially handy if you already have your music in iTunes for use with your iPod or iPhone. First, create a playlist by clicking File - “New Playlist”.  Type a name for your playlist, and then click and drag songs to it. Next, click File - “Burn Playlist to Disc”. In the new window, select Audio CD and the amount of silence you want between songs. Also click “Use Sound Check”, so that all of your songs will play at the same volume. When you click Burn, your CD drawer will open to receive your CD.

For more information: support.apple.com/kb/ht2239.

If you don’t want to use iTunes, you can use Windows Media Player (WMP) on your PC. Open WMP, insert a CD, click on Burn in the upper right corner. Then simply drag songs to the space on the right side, and click Start Burn.

For more information:  www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/windowsmediaplayer/getstarted/burncd.mspx

On a Macintosh, insert a CD first. Double-click the CD icon that appears on your desktop, and then drag songs to the folder. This creates aliases in the folder and does not move or delete the songs that you have dragged into the burn folder. Click File - Burn Disc, and follow the instructions.

For more information: docs.info.apple.com/article.html?path=mac/10.4/en/mh854.html

Whichever method you use, after you have selected the songs you want to burn, you can arrange the songs in the order you want by simply dragging them above or below other songs.

You can also use iTunes or WMP to copy songs from music CDs to your computer.  Simply open iTunes or WMP and insert a music CD into your computer.  iTunes will automatically begin copying the songs to your computer. With WMP, you need to click on the “Rip CD” button near the top left.

Once created, CDs should be stored flat, in a cool (4–20 degrees Celsius, 37–64 degrees Fahrenheit), dark, dry and clean environment, preferably in a container designed for CD/DVDs. Don’t leave grit or fingerprints on the disk surface.  Over time this could damage the data. Hold the disks by the edges. You can clean the surface with a lint-free cloth and a very mild soap solution, if needed, making sure it is thoroughly rinsed and dried off.