http://www.cdrfaq.org/faq.html

The "CD-Recordable FAQ", a very good basic newbie (and even not so newbie) FAQ. Answering hundreds of questions, from "What's CD-R? CD-RW?" to "What kind of HD should I use with CD-R? Must it be AV-rated?" and "How do I make a CD that will work on a PC or a Mac?", and many many more. The FAQ is updated often and full of answers.