If you're using WinXP, this should be enough to get you started with the built-in utilities.
Because of the way that Windows and other "simple" processes record to CD-R/W media, it's not really a very efficient way of saving stuff one file at a time, especially for moving stuff on and off the CD-R/W, although it can be done that way.
If you save up enough stuff to justify putting it on a CD, and burn it all at once, the difference in price between CD-R and CD-R/W usually justifies using the CD-R, and when you've saved up enough for an update just toss the old CD in the coaster bin and make a new one.
You need enough hard drive space to process the entire CD-R/W content for each burn, even if your just adding a file or two; so I find it simpler just to make a folder on the HD for the in-and-out and when needed, use Nero (best for data) - or Roxio ( prettyy good for audio, but sometimes has problems with data disks) and burn a CD-R.
As suggested above, a $100 external USB hard drive is much more satisfying to use than a CD-R/W (for most people).