Section 1. Getting Started
PlexWriter 40/12/40U Installation and Users Manual
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About SimpliCD and Easy CD Creator Software
In order to create CD-R and CD-RW discs you will need to have mastering, packet
writing, or duplication software installed on your computer system. If you purchased
your drive from Plextor, you’ll find two software packages, SimpliCD from Oak
Technologies and Easy CD Creator / DirectCD from Roxio, that have this software.
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Mastering software: Mastering software is used to create specific disc formats
such as data, audio, video, mixed mode, etc. Both SimpliCD and Easy CD
Creator include this software.
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Packet writing software: Another type of software writes packets. This software
allows you to format a CD (similar to the procedure used with floppy disks).
Then you can drag and drop files straight to a CD, use the Send To function on
your computer, or use copy and paste to place files on the CD-R or CD-RW disc.
This type of software turns your CD-R/RW disc into a giant floppy. With this
drive, Plextor has included Roxio’s DirectCD software for packet writing
software. The SimpliCD version included does not have packet writing software.
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Duplication software: Yet another type of software copies from CD to CD.
However, not all CDs can be duplicated. CDs created with packet writing
software cannot be replicated with duplication software. (The packet writing
technology used to create those discs limits this function. It is not the fault of the
duplication software or your hardware.) In addition, certain CD manufacturers
may use special “copyright-protection” programs that prevent you from making a
backup copy of the original disc. Both SimpliCD and Easy CD Creator include
duplication software.
There are also many other software packages on the market. You can check our web
site (www.plextor.com) for an updated list of software that supports your drive.
Precautions
Like the rest of your computer system, your PlexWriter requires reasonable care in
its installation and use.
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Keep the area around your drive clean from dust, smoke, and other contaminants.
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Do not allow moisture or liquids, including water or cleaning fluids, to touch the
drive. Thinner, benzene, or alcohol-based solvents can mar your drive’s surface.
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Do not drop or jolt the drive.
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Do not move, carry or transport a disc in the drive because this can cause
damage.
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Do not attempt to open the drive and service it yourself. Removing the cover may
expose you to harmful electrical voltages or the laser beam. For your safety,
entrust service to Plextor-authorized service personnel only.
