The numbers refer to the speed.
If you want to write DVDs (a much more space economical way of coping with your FS downloads ) then you'll want an RW.
Now the plus/minus thing is the type of DVD you can use. My drive can handle plus and minus, but I tend to use -R for my own stuff, it seems to be more reliable and is emerging as the more popular type. If possible get one that is +/-RW.
Oh and 4 speed is more than enough at the moment for watching movies and the like

Mark

The main difference is between DVD+ and DVD- is the method in which data is recorded onto the disc. It's a good idea to get a writer that supports both formats and will record them both at the same speeds. DVD+ is generally the preferred media because it's more versatile. Both cost the same.

Aye.  That would be correct.

This might explain the different media types a bit better.
http://reviews.designtechnica.com/guide19.html

If your planning on using the drive for backups, get one that's DVD-RAM compatable. That's the best format for data backup because it can be re-written hundreds of thousands of times. It uses an off shoot of UDF format. If you have Nero, that's what InCD does.

Quote:

Just a guess but DL probably stands for Double Layer. Some single sided DVDs can hold two layers of data on the recording surface. That's how long movies like Lawrence of Arabia or the Godfather for example can fit on a single sided disc.
It works a bit like a two sidded casette tape. One layer is recorded above the other. The laser can actually penetrate the first layer to read the second. This might explain things better.
http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/dvd3.htm

As for 2.4x, that's the recording speed, obviously. Your guess is as good as mine on the R9 bit.

We have an LG CDRW 40*12*40 drive and it seems to chew just about any R/RW disc with Nero.
Dan

Actually I have a q. When i'm using my drive, for example installing summat will it be running at its highest read speed, i.e. 40*?
Dan