after searching several databases and help logs in different sites,

[zianuray]

I still have the question:

What is the practical difference in CD-R and CD+R? I've been told that it's really not anything I "need" to worry about at this point, but I'd like it in plain American so I can decide that for myself, TYVM.

Comments

[elfwench.livejournal.com]

I think CD-R and CD+R are a matter of semantics. However I do know that CD-R is a one shot deal, you cannot re-record over top of it, so you better get it right the first time or you have an expensive coaster. CD-RW, however, you can record over top of if you wish.

[marence.livejournal.com]

CD-R is a recordable CD. CD+R is a misnomer - there's really no such thing. The different designations on recorded media are based on the specifications the manufactureres use when then first propose the standard.
If you want more information, google on "Red Book" which it the name of the collection of standards.

[salix-03.livejournal.com]

Plus and minus R/RW are sort of like Beta and VHS video tapes. Minus R/RW is the accepted industry standard, but a lot of stuff is released in plus R/RW. It's a lot more expencive to get plus R/RW blank disks than it is to get the minus ones. Burners that only handle plus R/RW were going cheap at too-good-to-be-true prices here several years ago - my ex bought one and then complained bitterly about buying disks till he bought a minus R/RW burner instead. Nearly all of the burners sold these days handle plus, minus, R/RW, CD and DVD burns, and can read everything but the kitchen sink.

Plus and minus only matter if you have a burner than only handles one or the other, or if you're using the disks in a very old CD player. Minus is cheaper by far, and there is no quality difference at all. If you want my opinion - get a plus/minus/DVD/CD/R/RW/dual layer burner (mine was $99 several years ago), use -R disks to burn on if you're reading them in another machine, and forget about the whole thing ;D