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>1.  Are there any good web sites that have overall information about CD-ROM
>writers, re-writeables, and whatever other flavor of CD-ROM burners that
>are out there today?  (I don't even know what types are  available, the
>pro's and con's, and the general specifications of different types.  Sigh.
>I'm *really* starting from scratch.)
>
www.adaptec.com
There is also a CD-R FAQs somewhere

>2.  From the list's experience, are there any particularly good or
>particularly bad models?
From what I read (dejanews), JVC has some models with problems creating
certain types of CD. Yamaha models are usually highly rated. TEAC has the
fastest one. Panasonic 7502B is the cheapest 4X. Maybe a little
over-generalization here.

>5.  Am I correct in my assumption that some sort of software is bundled
>with the purchase of a CD-ROM burner, so that a separate software purchase
>is not necessary.  (Just buy the hardware, install it with the included
>software, and go!)

Usually, software is bundled with the drive. Some mail order companies sell
only bare drive (hardware only) with cheaper price. If you need the
software, you probably need to add $25 to $40 for the software. Not too bad
since you have to pay around $100 for the software if you buy separately.

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