Copying Entire CDs

Making a copy of a CD is pretty much a combination of ripping and burning. That is, you rip the files from your original CD to your hard disk, then burn those files to a new CD. Just make sure you rip the files to WAV format, to retain the original audio fidelity.

note

Some new PCs come with a limited version of this program, called Easy CD Creator, preinstalled. This version is perfect for copying CDsit just doesn't have the added DVD copying capability.

An even easier solution is to use a program specifically designed for CD copying, such as Easy Media Creator (www.roxio.com). This program makes copying an audio CD pretty much a one-button operation; just click the Disc Copier button and follow the onscreen instructions.

The Absolute Minimum

Here are the key points to remember from this chapter:

• The process of copying songs from a CD to your hard disk is called ripping; the process of copying digital audio files from your hard disk to a blank CD is called burning.

• For best audio quality, rip files using the WMA format; for best compatibility with music player programs and portable music players, use the MP3 format.

• You can use Windows Media Player to both rip digital music files and burn audio CDs.

• To make an exact copy of an audio CD, use Roxio's Easy Media Creator Program.