Generally speaking, ceramic tiles encompass any stiff tiles fashioned from natural earthy clays & hardened by fire. Porcelain & ceramic tile fall into this wider group. However, porcelain tiles have their own category in the current tile market because they fulfill a set of requirements.
Tape each joint after applying a layer of compound. Water may assist embed the tape if the compound is thinned down a little. Using the 6-in. knife, smooth out any bubbles in the tape by dragging the tape outward from the center toward the ends.