Using CD-ROM and DVD-ROM discs

You can use the applications and files on CD-ROM discs as you would any other files.

You cannot write (save) anything on a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM disc. If you want to change the files on a CD, you must first copy them to another type of disc.

You can use both DVD-ROM and CD-ROM discs with a DVD-ROM drive. You can't use DVD-ROM discs with a CD-ROM drive.

Using DVD-RAM discs

You can use DVD-RAM discs to store information, just as you can any hard disk, floppy disk, or other removable recordable media.

You can format DVD-RAM discs using the Universal Disk Format (UDF), Mac OS Standard, or Mac OS Extended format. The UDF format allows you to share information with any computer platform that supports UDF 1.5.

 Using recordable discs

If your Mac has an Apple internal CD recorder, you can create your own CDs.

Once a CD-R has been recorded, the files are "burned" onto it and cannot be erased or modified.

CD-RW (Read-Write) discs can be erased and reused. Many older computers cannot read this type of disc, and they are incompatible with most audio CD players. CD-RW discs also wear out. For longer-term storage and reliability, use CD-R discs.