buying a cd writer

I usually just go in the store and tell the guys what I'm looking for. lol So I'm not of much help to you. Sorry!!

Yes... a combo writer is the way to go. It does both CD and DVD. Don't worry about the -R and the +R. Computer DVD writers can do both. It is only the DVD recorder attached to your television which need +R for recording. And old DVD players not compatible with computers can only read +R. (for television) One more thing... make sure that your DVD writer can burn both DVD 5 (4.7Gb) and DVD 9 (8Gb). Apart for that... I have two ASUS DVD writers and I had no problem with them.

DVD-R just a DVD rom, and DVD+RW is a DVD writer.

I know what u mean? I wish i could be of more help... I just got a laptop with the CD/DVD burner available in it if that helps at all I can play CD re writables in it (which are cds that lets say ur friends made u) same with DVD RW and the CDR/DVDR - is just ones u CAN burn ( if im wrong please some correct me as im learning too ) lol but i just took the guess work out of it all and got a laptop equipped with that ability! to play the RW and burn as well thats much easier to ask about and for in 'puters too when ur shopping lol hope i helped a bit atleast :) happy shopping XX