21.2. Burning CDs

The detected writer is displayed under Device in the burning dialog. Set the burning speed in Burning Speed. The following options are offered here:

Mode

This option determines how the laser writes a CD. In the DAO (disk at once) mode, the laser is not deactivated while the CD is written. This mode is recommended for the creation of audio CDs. However, it is not supported by all CD writers. In the TAO mode (track at one), a separate write process is applied for every individual track. The RAW mode is not used very often, as the writer does not perform any data corrections. The best setting is automatic, as it allows K3b to use the most suitable settings.

Simulate

This function can be used to check if your system supports the selected writing speed. The writing is performed with the laser deactivated to test the system.

On the fly

Burns the desired data without first creating an image file (do not use this feature on low-performance machines). An image file — also known as an ISO image — is a file containing the entire CD content that is subsequently written to the CD exactly as it is.

Burnfree

This option was formerly known as burn-proof. It helps to avoid buffer underruns of a CD writer. If burnfree is selected, the CD writer will mark the current position and can return here in the event of a buffer underrun. However, this causes small data gaps that are audible in audio CDs. It is preferable to select a suitable burning speed that avoids buffer underruns.

Create Image File only

This option creates an image file. Set the path for this file under Temporary File. The image file can be written to CD at a later time. To do this, use Tools+Write ISO Image. If this option is used, all other options in this section are deactivated.

The Settings tab features options needed for the creation of CDs with multiple data or audio tracks (multisession CDs). In the Name of Media tab, specify a name, description, publisher, and other details for the CD.

Under File system, specify settings for the file system on the CD (RockRidge, Joliet, UDF). Also determine how symbolic links, file permissions, and blanks are treated. In the Advanced tab, experienced users can specify additional settings.

Figure 21.2. Burning CDs with K3b

Burning CDs with K3b