# CD writer

> optical drive that can be used to burn information onto a compact disc (CD)

**Wikidata**: [Q11789206](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q11789206)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cd-writer

## Summary
A CD writer is an optical drive capable of burning information onto a compact disc (CD). Also known as a CD burner or CD recorder, it functions as a piece of personal computer hardware and belongs to the broader class of optical disc writers. This device enables users to write data permanently onto CDs.

## Key Facts
- **Definition:** An optical drive used to burn information onto a compact disc (CD).
- **Aliases:** CD burner, CD recorder, CD書き込み装置.
- **Classification:** It is a subclass of an **optical disc writer** (an optical disc drive that supports writing and reading).
- **Category:** It is an instance of **personal computer hardware** (hardware forming part of, or used with, a personal computer).
- **Related Drive Type:** It is closely associated with the **Combo drive**, a specific class of drive capable of burning CDs and reading DVDs.
- **Specific Application:** It is utilized by the **Freedom Toaster**, a public kiosk class designed to burn copies of free software onto user-provided discs.
- **Identifier:** WordNet 3.1 Synset ID: 03083498-n.
- **Identifier:** BabelNet ID: 00016923n.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary function of a CD writer?
A: The primary function of a CD writer is to "burn" or write digital information onto a compact disc (CD). It operates as an optical disc drive that supports both reading and writing data.

### Q: How does a CD writer relate to a Combo drive?
A: A CD writer is the general component for writing to CDs, while a "Combo drive" is a specific related class of hardware that combines the ability to burn CDs with the ability to read DVDs.

### Q: Is a CD writer considered a standalone device or part of a computer?
A: According to its classification, a CD writer is a form of personal computer hardware, meaning it forms part of or is used in conjunction with a personal computer.

## Why It Matters
The CD writer is a fundamental piece of personal computer hardware that bridged the gap between read-only optical media and user-created storage. As a subclass of the optical disc writer, it transformed the compact disc from a pre-recorded medium into a versatile storage solution for data backup, audio recording, and software distribution.

Its significance is highlighted by its integration into various hardware tiers, from standard drives to "Combo drives," which offered added utility by reading DVDs while maintaining CD writing capabilities. Furthermore, the technology played a specific role in digital inclusion efforts; the "Freedom Toaster" utilized this technology in public kiosks to distribute free software to users, demonstrating the CD writer's utility in making information more accessible. By allowing users to "burn" information onto physical media, the CD writer served as a critical tool for data portability and personal archiving in the landscape of personal computing hardware.

## Notable For
- **Data Creation:** Distinct from standard CD-ROM drives, it allows users to write (burn) data to discs rather than just reading it.
- **Hardware Versatility:** It serves as the foundational technology for related classes like the "Combo drive," which expanded functionality to include DVD reading.
- **Software Distribution:** It is the core mechanism used by "Freedom Toasters," public kiosks specifically designed to burn free software onto discs provided by users.
- **Nomenclature:** It is widely recognized by multiple synonyms, including "CD burner" and "CD recorder," reflecting its core function of recording data via optical laser.

## Body

### Definition and Classification
A CD writer—alternatively known as a **CD burner** or **CD recorder**—is defined as an optical drive capable of burning information onto a compact disc (CD). In the hierarchy of computer hardware, the device falls under the class of **optical disc writers**, which are drives that support both writing and reading operations.

Additionally, the entity is classified as **personal computer hardware**, defined as hardware forming part of, or used with, a personal computer. Its usage is predominantly linked to personal computing environments where data portability and physical media creation are required.

### Related Hardware Classes
The CD writer is contextually related to several specific hardware implementations:

*   **Combo Drive:** A related class of optical disc drive that combines the specific ability to burn CDs with the ability to read DVDs. This distinction separates it from drives that could only handle CDs or those that could write to both formats.
*   **Optical Disc Writer:** The parent class of the CD writer. This category encompasses any drive capable of writing data to optical discs, confirming the CD writer's role as a specialized subset of this broader technology.

### Practical Applications
Beyond standard personal computing use, the CD writer is integral to specific implementations such as the **Freedom Toaster**. This entity is a public kiosk class designed to burn copies of free software onto CDs and DVDs provided by the user. This application underscores the CD writer's role in accessible software distribution and open-source ecosystems.

### Identifiers and Data
*   **Synset ID:** The specific WordNet 3.1 synset ID for the CD writer is **03083498-n**.
*   **BabelNet ID:** The entity corresponds to the BabelNet ID **00016923n**.
*   **Multilingual Presence:** Wikipedia entries for the CD writer concept exist in Danish (da), Dutch (nl), Polish (pl), and Swedish (sv).

## References

1. BabelNet