Really should know this but don\'t, so ...

Should I back up (to CD-RW)as audio or data? Whilst we're on the subject of things I should know but don't (yet), why is it that when I back up to the same CD-RW I have to erase the disk first? Shouldn't I be able to back up new and changed files only, without erasing everything? I use MusicMatch Jukebox Plus.

Standard Data CD-R's. ISO9660 format is best if you plan on sharing with Mac PT users. PC's can read that just fine too. Personally, I have always used CD-R's instead of CD-RW's - 'RW's have always been more hassle than they're worth IMO.

Jonah, On your first question, for backing up PT sessions and audio files, you definitely save as Data. You would save as Music mainly for playback of existing songs or mixes. On the CD-RW question, I do not know the answer. I use a fresh CD every time..

I believe on CDRW's you have to reformat every time you backthem up. They have multiple uses, but not multiple file copying. You cna add to a CDRW, but you can not overwrite without going through the whole disk again. So, if you want to add a newer updated session to an RW, stick in a new CDRW, or reformat your old CDRW.

Very good, El Capitan...

Yesterday I saw an ad for an IoMega zip drive that hold 750MB. Faster thank writing a CD and runs on both USB 2.0 and 1394. I was interested. Still don't have my 1394 DVD-RW... Mark

I would stay away from the Iomega company. They really seem to be taking a dive for the worse. I work as kinda a tech/sound/video guy here at the college of dentistry. I do alot of the little tech work and we have had problems over and over again. One of the most recent problems we have had have been with thier newer disks. On some of our computers when you put the disk in, it would shut down the computer. Thats never good and people start blaming us for it but what can you do. Also another thing to think about is that while alot of people have just the 100 mb or 250 mb disks, very few other people have anything more than that. I remember when jazz drives were going to be the latest thing and that just never panned out. We had one here for a test drive and had all sorts of problems with it. I guesss i just dont' trust Iomega any more. Stick with the cd's, you can take them anywhere.

CD-R as data is the short answer. CD-RW's are a waste of time and money. If your sessions are exceeding the 700mb CD-R limit frequently, you might want to consider a DVD drive.They have come down considerably in price, and now are under $400 for the Pioneer. 4.2gb of usable storage space, taking about 30 minutes to burn and verify, depending on your system. Blank DVD's are under a dollar in bulk, which mb for mb is about the same as a CD-R. Hope this is helpful.

I used to use "direct CD" (adaptec) to make my CD-RW available like a drive letter. Makes the process of using a Re-Writerable medium easy.