InfraRecorder

Layout

The main window is split into two rows. The top row is the Explorer View. This shows what is currently on your computer. The left column shows the folder layout. The right column displays the contents of the currently selected folder from the left.

The lower row is the Disc Layout. This displays what will be burned onto the CD or DVD. Once again the left column showing the folder structure and the right column displaying the selected folder's content.

At the very bottom is a meter that measures the use of the CD or DVD. Right-click ot change the medium type between various CD and DVD sizes. Most CD-Rs are 700MiB or 80mins.

Add to compilation

To add files or folders to the CD just click-and-drag from the top to the bottom.

Example: I want to place a downloaded file onto a CD. I know it's located in a folder named My Downloads which is inside My Documents. Click on the + to the left of My Documents to show folders within. Click on My Downloads to see files inside My Downloads. Click-and-drag file from top to bottom. To add a folder click on the parent folder in left column. Click-and-drag child folder from top to bottom.

rename disc

To rename a disc just right-click on the current name next to the little CD in the Disc Layout row, column 1. Left click on Rename and type in a new name.

Consider a good name for the disc. If you're going to have a lot of discs with similar files you'll want a naming scheme to handle that amount. Here are some examples to use:

pix-000: If you want to create a volume of discs that contain nothing but pictures. "pix" identifies the category we're dealing with is pictures. The three-digit number allows up to 1000 discs (as long as you start counting at 000).
mp3sA00: "mp3s" means the disc is filled with MP3 music files. The "A" gives us A through Z and the two-digit number allows 100 discs under each letter. You'll end up with A00 through A99 and all the way to Z99.
20071004_1538: This is a method of using the day and time that a computer can easily sort. The first 4 digits are the year 2007. The next two signify the month of October. 04 designates the 4th day of the month. The last 4 digits are the time (3:38PM) in 24-hour or military format. Just add 12 to the PM hours so 3PM + 12 = 15. Tack on the minutes and you're done.

Remember to avoid using spaces in names. Use underscores or dashes. Computers handle spaces different on various operating systems.

burn disc

Click on icon near top that looks like a CD with a pencil writing on it OR click on Actions -> Burn compilation -> to a Compact Disc.
Burn Compilation window will appear. You will probably want to leave things as is. Click on the OK button to start burning.

burn-time options

on the fly: This will bypass the creation of an image file and write everything immediately to the disc.
Verify the disc after burning: Make sure everything that you wanted on the disc is actually in one piece and not corrupted
write speed: The speed you want to burn to the disc at.
write method: You can leave this alone.
eject the disc after burning: Take a guess.
simulation: The computer pretends to burn the disc, but doesn't actually turn on the burning laser.
buffer underrun protection: Old CD burners were plagued by this. If the buffer ran out then the burning would stop creating a "coaster" for your drinks. Leave this activated.
pad data tracks
fixate the disc after writing