External optical drive needed if computer doesn't have built-in CD/DVD drive. Windows Media Player can rip CDs directly to USB drive. MP3 format recommended for best quality-to-size ratio. Files can be copied to USB drive or computer's Music folder
CDs are optical storage devices for digital data like audio and video. Made of circular plastic with aluminum reflective coating. Standard diameter is 12cm, thickness 1.2mm. Stores data in pits of 0.83-micrometre diameter
Optical discs store information through surface variations read with light beams. Discs can be reflective or transmissive, storing analog, digital or both. Most common size is 12 cm diameter, thickness about 1.2 mm. Data stored on spiral pattern from innermost to outermost track
Sony and Philips collaborated to create the first digital audio disc in 1979. The Red Book CD-DA standard was published in 1980, becoming an international standard in 1987. The first commercial CD was released in Japan in 1982. Sony and Philips developed the technology independently, with Philips contributing manufacturing and EFM
CD was co-developed by Philips and Sony in 1979. First released in Japan in October 1982, followed by Europe and North America in March 1983. Standard CDs have 120mm diameter and hold up to 74 minutes of audio. By 2007, 200 billion CDs were sold worldwide
Some customers report good variety of music, especially German Bear Family Records. Some praise exceptional sound quality in 1950s-60s music. Regular catalogs provide access to new and rare titles