Burning MP3s to CD or DVD

First you need a source or supply of MP3 music files. I prefer to belong to a peer to peer file sharing network, because the supply of music to download is practically unlimited. I personally use the Unlimited Download Center where all musical tastes and genres are catered for. I believe there are 18 billion files available - BUT you need to consider legal copyright aspects as well. Some musical artists do invite you to copy and share their songs so as to spread the word across The Internet to build their brand name and image. Big companies may think differently.

So let's say you've joined a P2P network and downloaded your choice of favorite songs or instrumentals... what's next? How do I burn these mp3s to a CD or to a DVD - where I can squeeze more files on one disk?

I'll assume you are running windows(reg) on your home or office PC computer. OK, you have your favorites in one folder or you select them by passing the cursor over them with the mouse, then holding down 'control' to select multiple mp3 media files.

Next you look in your left hand side windows menu. Look for 'write selected files to CD' or 'burn to DVD' or an instruction with this meaning. If you don't see this choice in the left hand side menu, then carefully 'right click' on the blue highlighted files you previously selected, then look for an option in that 'right click menu.' To action it you would left click on that menu item.   I hope one of these choices works easily for you.

Next step? The PC copies the selected media files to a ghost CD image. That is the digital data that will be eventually placed on the removable disk, the CD or DVD.  Windows(reg) will create a new temporary folder filled with these selected files, ready for burning. On the left hand side of THAT window you will find your next instruction to click - burn to CD or write files to CD - or similar. 

Note: Make sure that you have placed a blank media disk in your DVD ROM drawer first and that it corresponds with what your computer drive is capable of burning. Some earlier computers can only burn to CD-R (i.e. recordable compact disk) while some can burn to CD-RW (re-writable). Most modern PC computers can burn to DVD-R or to DVD-RW format. These drives are all quite cheap now to replace or to upgrade. A DVD will hold 3 or 4 gigabytes of data while a CD usually holds only 700 MB which lasts for about 80-90 minutes of playing time, as a rough guide.

If you forget to insert the blank disk, the system will tell you. It will also prompt you for a Title and/or date. I find a date is a good guide for future reference. The completed CD will be burned with the image and ejected to your fingertip convenience so remember to write a quick description on it with a permanent felt pen. Like abracadabra magic you have your portable digital copy of your selected media mp3s.

The P2P system is fully searchable for computer games, software titles, movies, films and videos as well as mp3 music in multiple genres. Everything you can imagine is in there, from country, folk and rock music, classical music to hip hop and rap and dance - the lot!  Then action thrillers, romance and comedy movies to cartoons and animations. You will see links below with much more complete information than I can provide you in this brief article about how to burn mp3 and entertainment media files to portable CD and DVD disks on your home computer.

Thanks for reading my hub pages. I sincerely hope you gained something from the experience..

Geoff Dodd. 

Perth, 6172