CD-R

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What is a CD-R?

A CD-R (Compact Disk Recordable) is a type of CD that can be used to store a user's files inside only once using a CD recorder or a CD drive with such functionality. That is, you purchased a "blank" CD-R, and then you burned the CD using your CD drive. This "burning" meant using a laser inside your CD drive to physically alter the optical properties of the optical disk according to the data that was being stored. The CD-R could only be burned once due to its physical properties.

If the CD drive failed to burn the data successfully, the CD-R would be rendered useless, and you would have to try again with a new CD-R.

A plastic disk with a rainbow-like reflection on it. Printed on it the words: Verbatim Velocity Pro CD-R.
A CD-R. Photo: abdallahh on Flickr. License: CC BY 2.0.
Written by Noel Santos.

About the Author

I'm a self-taught Brazilian programmer graduated in IT from a FATEC. In a world of increasingly complex and essential computers, I decided to use my technical expertise in hardware, desktop applications, and web technologies to create an informative resource to make PC's easier to understand.

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