It was mentioned that there is better software than the Adaptec software
that came with my H-P, but none were mentioned. Any suggestions?
_________________________________

To my knowledge, There is the Adaptec software, the Nero Recording ROM, and
CDRWin.  Of these three, I prefer Easy CD Creator by far for ease of
use...Nero is just as powerful (options-wise), but the interface is much
more cumbersome in my opinion.  I did not see the reference to "better"
software you mentioned...






Also, I will be copying audio tapes to CD. Anyone know of good software
for doing this?
__________________________________

You will have to record to a .wav file, then have your mastering software
convert it to CD-audio format (Redbook I believe).  Adaptec's program gain
handles this with ease, any /wav files you select in the wizard will prompt
a dialogue box asking you if you wan to convert them or leave them as .wav
files...

One thing that might be helpful is an waveform editor of some sort, such as
CoolEdit (PRO).  Using an editor, you *might* be able to reduce the slight
hiss you will get from the conversion.  This is not required, as you can
record to a .wav file using the sound recorder program that is included with
Windows.






Finally, any suggestions on the best CD-R's and RW's to use and any
brands to stay away from?
______________________________________

I buy mine generic from the online distributors.  www.cd-recordable.com has
some great buys...just make sure you get the correct rated speed media for
your drive.  If you write at 4x, make sure the media you get is rated for it
(which most is BTW)  I always get silver on silver (face color on writeable
layer color, common naming convention) as they are of a higher quality of
the green-blue-gold variety and cost only marginally more.  There is
however, a new gold variety that exceeds the silver, but I have not had any
problems with the silver, so the added cost is not worth it to me.  Some of
the more technical-minded out there (Dave? Jim?) might be able to fill us in
on the significance of the colors, but I know them only by cost and
reliability.

Hope this helps...

Brad in Tulsa

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