CD-ROM vs CD-R

A reader writes in to ask, "what's the difference between CD-ROM and CD-R? Or ... are they the same thing?" Good question. Here's the answer:


"CD-ROM optical discs differ from CD-R and CD-RW discs in that they do not have an organic dye recording layer between the polycarbonate substrate and the light reflective layer. It’s the organic dye recording layer that allows the laser in a CD-R or CD-RW device to be heated and thus create a pit, which is in turn read as digital data." - from Computer Evidence: Collection & Preservation by Christopher LT Brown


Keep the questions coming.


Enjoy.