The Optical Storage Technology Association (OSTA) announced publication of a comprehensive reference guide, "Understanding CD-R and CD-RW," on its website. The 50-page white paper seeks to answer basic questions about CD-R and CD-RW product technology in an understandable and accessible way. This reference guide to recordable compact disc technology is a completely updated replacement for OSTA's original "CD-Recordable and CD-ReWritable Questions and Answers," which has been a popular reference tool since it was first published in July 1997 and has typically received up to 10,000 visitors per month.

The new guide covers a wide range of both basic and technical information about recordable compact disc technology. Highlights include an overview of recording hardware and software, recording speed, disc size and capacity, as well as information on recording audio and digital pictures on CD. Physical, logical and file system standards are also reviewed, along with physical compatibility. Additional chapters cover duplication, replication and publishing, disc labeling, disc handling, storage and disposal, longevity, testing and verification, and disc construction and manufacturing.

A practical and useful Appendix includes suggested further reading and resources, and provides links to storage industry periodicals, tradeshows, industry associations, and manufacturers by product category. The guide is available online at no charge, at www.osta.org