I found this web-site that did a really good job of explaining CD Technology such as CD-R, CD-RW, Mini-CD, the Disc T@2 feature, and etc. It also has some nice pictures and guides to help define what each part on the CD means or does. There was another guide on the same sight that also did an excellent job explaining DVD technology and the different DVD formats.
PC Technology Guide on CD Media
http://www.pctechguide.com/09cdr-rw.htm
PC Technology Guide on DVD Media
http://www.pctechguide.com/10dvd.htm
