How do you put an MP3 or WAV recording on a disk?

[Jennie Ann]

I am technologically handicapped, and I admit it.

A friend called me last night who, believe it or not, is more technologically handicapped than I am. [We both still transcribe in WP5.1, a DOS-based program.]

She needed to put a 2.5-hour MP3 file on a disk for her client. The CD says that it can only hold up to 80 minutes of data, but it also says it can hold up to 700 MB. The 2.5-hour MP3 file is less than 700 MB, though it is more than 80 minutes. I don't get it.

How do you get the 2.5-hour MP3 file on a CD from your desktop? In other words, if the MP3 file is on your desktop, how can you make a copy of it and put it on a CD?

I went to Windows Media player and tried to rip and burn, but, apparently, the CD cannot hold this much. Am I correct in thinking that it is not possible to put this much audio on a CD?

TIA to any and all responders.

[Beverly Lano]

Not to upset the applecart any and, Glen, your explanation was indeed eloquent. Cleared things up for me.

But the question still remains, Jennie, why did it work for you and not for your friend? Did you ever get to the bottom of that?

[Jennie Ann]

Bev, she told me that she didn't wait long enough for it to copy. My friend, like me, expects immediate gratification when she clicks her mouse and thought the audio file would copy within a second or two. LOL

Hope you have a GREAT weekend. :-)