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Notes about CD/DVD burners.

Disc burners can be either single session, or multi-session.
Single session means that a disc can only be written to once and then it is closed (finalized).
Multi-session means that a disc can have more files added to it at a later date.
Some burning software is single session only, which can be limiting, depending on how you save your files.
Disc burning tends to be quite a temperamental business and software that works well on one computer, or brand of disc, may not perform very well on another.
Similarly a disc may not open using different software from that which it was burned with.

BurnAware Free Edition v1.0.

Burnaware can write to all types of CD and DVD including those new fangled and expensive Blue-Ray discs. The software can perform all basic burning tasks, creating data, audio, video and ISO image discs.

Burnaware initially opens a menu window. Choosing a burning task from the menu, opens a new window and the menu will minimize to the system tray, where it can be accessed by clicking the icon.
You can turn the system tray icon off, but it only uses a very small amount of system memory, so if you do a fair bit of burning (or have oodles of ram), it might be worth leaving on.

Creating a data disc is simple, files can be dragged and dropped, or pasted into the burning window, or the "Add Files" button can be used. If the multisession option is selected, the window is promptly updated with the previous session.
ISO images can be created from data file lists and previously created ISO images can be burnt to disc.
Standard audio discs can be created, using WAV, MP3 or WMA music files.
Non copy protected video can be burnt, using the VIDEO_TS folder.
Rewritable discs can be erased, using either quick, or full erase (quick erase should be good enough for most occasions, I usually only use full erase, if a disc becomes "buggy").

The default settings on the options are well chosen, but you can also choose to verify the content of a burned disc, or to perform a test burn (useful for older computers, or erratic CD/DVD burning hardware).

Burnaware starts quickly, has an attractive and uncluttered interface and is very easy to use, with a good help file and few options.
I was very impressed by Burnaware, it lacks some of the more advanced features of commercial software, but it meets my needs very well and is now my burning software of choice.

Free -- Download size 4.52MB -- Win 98/ NT/ 2000/ XP/ Vista
Note: The download is rather slow (well it was for me!)

http://www.glorylogic.com/

Romeo Lite v2.3.0.71

Romeo Lite is a (very) cut down version of the full Romeo burning sofware and can only produce data discs. The main interface is very simple, just drag and drop files, or folders to the window. Or you can use the file selection window.

After you have made your selection, use the burn button to open the burning window, where you can choose whether to make your disc multi-session, or add to a previous session. You have the option to erase (quick, or full) rewritable discs, before burning.

I liked Romeo Lite, it's quick and fuss free and maintains the folder structure on burned discs.
There is a downloadable help file for the full program on the authors web site, which gives information on the data burning options, but the mouse over hints should provide enough help for most people.
If like me, almost all your burning is data discs, you might find Romeo Lite to be a good choice.
Note: A command line version is also included, for those people who like that sort of thing.

Free -- Download size 2.61MB -- Win 2000, XP, Vista

http://www.romeoburner.com/
Note: You will find the Lite version in the downloads section

JetBee Free v4.0.5

JetBee can burn data, audio, DVD and UDF discs, using either CD, or DVD discs.
Data discs are easily created by drag and drop, or using the "add files" feature. By default data (and audio) discs are left "open", so that more data can be added, but they can be "closed", by changing the settings in the preferences.
Audio discs that can play on any CD player, can be created from wav, mp3, ogg and wma files.
DVD discs can be created, but only by placing pre-prepared vob files into the video_ts folder.
UDF data discs can be burnt, which is quite surprising in a freeware burner. But XP doesn't have much support for UDF and you will probably need a UDF reader to access the discs. I used UDF years ago and it does have some attractions, data is written in packets, so a CD-RW can be used like a giant floppy disc, writing and deleting files at will. However reliability was a problem and the discs wouldn't work on other computers, without installing a reader. All things considered, I would stick with standard data discs.
Quick (the default) and full erasing of rewritable discs is available, with quick taking a minute or two.

The interface is a fairly standard two pane design, with selected files being dragged from the top pane, to the bottom pane. Visible controls are kept to a minimum and the default settings are well chosen, which makes JetBee very easy to use.
However the interface can be improved further, by turning on the tabs for each disc type (view -- project tabs position -- top, or bottom if you prefer).
A burning progress bar runs across the top of the window, along with buffer status indicators. The bottommost pane displays burning information, with project size and disc free space information shown below.
JetBee initially starts in a rather small window, drag it to the size you require, rather than maximizing the window, as the size is only remembered if dragged (a bit like IE!).
The help file, while comprehensive is for the paid for version, so not every feature applies (none of the "extras"), which could cause some initial confusion.

I like JetBee, it's simple enough for inexperienced users, but with plenty of options hidden away for more advanced users. Burning speed is reasonable (once you turn off the option to verify the burn) and it seems very reliable.

Useful tip: The configuration files are included in the program folder, so JetBee could be used as a portable app if you wished.

Freeware -- Download size 1.57Mb -- Win 95/98/Me/NT/2000/XP/2003

Note: very little mention of the free version is given on the web site, basically just a download link.

http://www.complexnt.com/jetbee_downloads.htm

Ultimate CD/DVD Burner.

Ultimate CD/DVD Burner supports CD-R, CD-RW, DVD+R/RW and DVD-R/RW discs.
Burning options are fairly basic, it can burn single, or multi-session data discs and burn ISO images. It can also create ISO images from existing discs, providing a simple method of copying and distributing discs.

Note: To reduce image file size, this is a simplified graphical representation of the program window.

I like the program interface, it's simple, tidy and clearly shows the burning progress. There is no help file, but the burner is easy to use, just drag folders, or files, from the left hand panes, to the right hand pane and click "burn!".
I like to check the "save path" option, to preserve the folder layout and under advanced options, I opt to import session (check the box and enter -1 in the text box), allowing me to write to the disc more than once, I also check the box to eject the disc after writing, or erasing.

Ultimate CD/DVD Burner appears to write and erase very reliably, I had no problems with it at all.  The complete lack of a help file could be a problem for new users, although a quick google will explain the more exotic advanced options.
If, like me, you mainly create data discs, then Ultimate CD/DVD Burner could be a good choice, easy to use, with no unnecessary clutter. No install is required, just unzip and run and it can run from a CD, or USB drive (although settings are saved in the registry).

Freeware -- Download size 504k -- No system requirements given, tested on XP.

http://www.mispbo.com/index.htm

DeepBurner v1.8.0.224.

DeepBurner is a popular CD/DVD burner, that enables you to burn data, audio, ISO image, bootable and autorun CDs and DVDs. It can also print disc labels and case covers and inserts.

Initially the main screen displays an Explorer sub window and you are given the choice of starting a data, audio, or ISO disc. Depending on your choice, a second file sub-window will open. You can choose to tile the sub-windows horizontally, or vertically, within the main program window and then drag and drop files from one window to the other.
Personally I wasn't very keen on this layout and found it rather cluttered (perhaps because I run at a fairly low screen resolution) and awkward to use. But it is possible to close the Explorer window and run the data, or audio file window maximised, using the add files button to build your file list. I found this layout much easier to use.

Once you have decided on the contents of your disc, burning is very simple and options have been kept to a minimum to prevent confusion. Burning seems to be very reliable and I didn't produce a single "coaster" during my tests. Burning speed depends greatly on your hardware, but burning audio discs did seem to be a bit slower than normal.

Once you have burnt your disc, you can print labels and case covers for it. Inserting the file list to the case insert was simplicity, although there is no facility for downloading album details from the internet.
Adding images to your labels is very easy to do and you can insert text as well. Images and text are inserted as layers, which make it very easy to arrange them to your satisfaction.

Quite a novel and useful feature for a freeware burner, is the option to create autorun discs, that can open folders, run files, email programs, browsers etc, just like magazine cover CDs. It is very easy to create your own autorun disc, however you will need to spend some time creating new background and button graphics, as the supplied items are not very good.

DeepBurner does have a few limitations, it can't directly copy another disc and it can't rip tracks from an audio CD, but there are workarounds for copying and plenty of freeware track rippers are available.

Overall, once the layout is set to your liking, DeepBurner is a very competent and easy to use burner, with some nice features. It comes with a good help file and there is also a portable version available.
A Pro version is available for $24.95, this gives you extra features such as disc to disc copying and the ability to create backups and burn photo discs.

Freeware -- Download size -- 2.8Mb -- Win 98, Me, 2000, XP

http://www.deepburner.com/

ImgBurn v2.4.1.

ImgBurn, as the name suggests, is focused primarily on creating, reading and burning image files (ISO, BIN etc). But it can also burn data discs, audio CDs (from a wide variety of file formats) and DVD video discs.
The initial interface, with just six options is very simple, but this hides a plethora of options and settings, which appear on the secondary interfaces.

Note: To reduce image file size, this is a simplified graphical representation of the program window.

ImgBurn isn't the easiest burner to use and it doesn't follow the standard layout of most burning software. But it is remarkably powerful for its size and offers a lot of control for keen burners.

There is no built in help file, but there is an online help forum with comprehensive guides, describing the various burning features and after some study, I had no problems performing basic data and audio burns.
However, ImgBurn does not appear to support multi-session data discs, which limits its appeal for me (I may be mistaken, but I eventually got fed up of wading through the reams of information on the forum) and creating audio discs is a convoluted process.

Overall, ImgBurn is an impressively featured burner, when working with image files and advanced users will appreciate the control it gives you.
But for burning standard data and audio discs, there are simpler and better choices of freeware.

Free - Download size 1.8MB - Win 95, 98, Me, NT4, 2000, XP, 2003, Vista

http://www.imgburn.com/

Small CD Writer v1.12.

I found this interesting little CD burner while looking for portable applications, that will run from an external hard drive, or USB drive. The current version (v1.33) is in Russian with no English translation, but a bit of searching produced this earlier unofficial English translation.

The program is a compact 310k download and can burn multisession data CD's and can build and burn ISO images.
There is no help file, but the program is very easy to use, just add files and folders to your project and burn, there are very few settings, which helps to keep things simple.
You can check the current contents of a disc using the info button and use quick, or full erase to clear a CD-RW. The progress of any actions is shown in a small window.

Small CD Writer is a cute little program and doesn't load itself down with unnecessary and unused features.

Freeware -- Download size 311k -- Win 98, XP.

Small CD Writer (English version)

If you can speak Russian you can find the latest version here:
http://www.avtlab.ru/scdwriter.htm

Free Easy CD DVD Burner v1.2

This is an easy to use CD/DVD burner, it can burn single, or multi-session data discs and audio discs using the most popular audio formats (mp3, wma,ogg, wav, etc). It can also erase (full and quick) rewritable discs, burn DVD video discs, copy CD/DVDs and rip tracks from CD.

The software is very easy to use, with options kept to a minimum, there is a useful, if slightly confused help file, but most operations are intuitive.
The data and audio burner are the best features, you can simply drag & drop files onto the interface. Unlike many freeware burners, the folder structure is retained, so you don't end up with a data disc full of files.
The CD/DVD copier, cannot do a direct copy, but it can copy the disc as an .iso image file to your hard drive and then copy it from that.  For some reason the program can also create bin/cue image files, but it can't write them, so I would stick with .iso.
The audio CD grabber can rip tracks from CDs and save them as mp3, or wav files. It can also access the internet, to find track information (artist name etc).
The DVD video section isn't documented, but I presume it is intended for home video copying, as there is no mention of decryption, or compression.

Free Easy CD DVD Burner is quite a nice burner, it has an attractive interface, is easy to use and burns at a respectable speed. Disc to disc copying could be better and the help file could be improved, but the data and audio burner and CD ripper features are excellent.

Note: There is a registration form on the download page, this can be ignored if you prefer not to give your details.
During installation you are asked if you wish to download wma file support, this is a standard Windows file, so you probably already have it. By default the program is set to check for updates and report problems, if you wish, this can be turned off in the parameters.

Freeware -- Download size 5.6Mb -- Win 2000,XP,2003,Vista

http://www.koyotesoft.com

CDBurnerXP Pro v3.0.116.

CDBurnerXP Pro burns both CDs and DVDs, it also works with Win 98,Me,XP,2000 and 2003, so its name isn't particularly descriptive. But despite that, it is a surprisingly well featured piece of software.
It can burn to most of the common disc formats, create both single and multi-session data discs, erase rewritable discs, create bootable discs, create audio discs, rip tracks from audio CDs, create and burn ISO files and print a cover for your CD case.

The program is easy to use, displaying three options at start up, that allow you to perform data, audio, or ripping tasks.
The data and audio burning windows are very similar, just select your file location and drag your chosen files from the top window, to the bottom window and burn. I would have preferred to have to the file windows side by side, but the layout cannot be changed.
Once you have burnt your disc, you can print a simple cover for it, there are no graphic options, but a list of your audio tracks, or data files is automatically added to the cover.

The audio ripping program works well, giving you a choice of MP3, WMA, OGG, or WAV formats. You can add your own album information to the ripped tracks, or the program can try and retrieve it from an online database.

Overall CDBurnerXP Pro is a pretty good burning program, easy to use, with an excellent help file, it loads and responds quickly and seems reliable. The only minus points, are, that you can't copy a disc directly and if you are running at a screen resolution of 800*600, you have to maximise the sub windows at every use. But these are minor drawbacks to an otherwise good program.

Freeware -- Download size 10.7Mb -- Win 98,Me,XP,2000,2003

http://www.cdburnerxp.se

Free (open source) CD/DVD burner -- InfraRecorder v0.43.1.0

InfraRecorder can burn single and multi-session discs, audio discs, mixed data and audio discs, and video discs from unprotected Video_ts files.
It can copy disc, to disc (if you have two drives), or disc to image and image to disc.
There is a choice of quick, or full erase on rewritable discs, as well as unclose, or blank the last session, something I haven't seen before on a freeware burner.
Finally, you can fixate (close) a disc and there is a Track Manager, which allows you to copy, error check, or erase individual tracks. The Track Manager also allows you to rip CD tracks to wav, wma and ogg vorbis formats.

The InfraRecorder start menu entries give you the choice of starting the main program, or using InfraExpress, which launches a nifty little menu (pictured). Sadly, choosing a InfraExpress menu item just launches the relevant part of the not so user friendly, main InfraRecorder window.

The main InfraRecorder window is a fairly standard layout, with a couple of panes to drag folders/files between. Anyone who has used a few burners before, should have no problems finding their way around the InfraRecorder interface and options, but newcomers may find it intimidating. However there is a very good (if somewhat technical) help file included, with lots more help available on the web site.

I found InfraRecorder easy to use, but rather irritating, it puts up too many messages and options, when all I want to do is a straightforward burn. And some of the default settings are not very well chosen, in particular the default erase setting, which is for the very slow full erase, rather than the more commonly used quick erase.
I did have problems burning multi-session discs. While the previous session would import with no problems, InfraRecorder refused to burn the new session.
Burning seemed rather slow, in particularly audio discs, as InfraRecorder insists on putting up loads of progress messages about what it's doing, instead of just getting on with it.

To sum up, InfraRecorder wouldn't be my burner of choice, it does have some nice features, like the InfraExpress menu and the Track Manager, but lots of its features are just to fussy. I like to just stick a disc in the drive and burn it, I don't need, or want to know the details of the process. But if you like to micro manage your burning, InfraRecorder could be just what you are looking for.

Free (open source) -- Download size 2.5MB+ depending on version -- Win 95 or newer.

http://infrarecorder.sourceforge.net/

AVS Disk Creator v1.2.

A simple to use CD/DVD burner, with a very good help file, excellent for creating multi-session or single session Data disks, or music discs with MP3's.
Does not create standard Audio discs.
Works with most types of disc and seems quite reliable, although the interface can be a little slow to update the file list at times.
Has just enough options to make it useful, but not so many that it is too complex.
Has burning support for the Blu-ray DVD format.

Download size 5.6Mb -- Win 2000, XP, 2003

http://www.avsmedia.com/DiscCreator/index.aspx

CommandBurner.

This is a fairly simple CD/DVD burner, it only does single session Data burns, so you can not add to the contents of a previously burned disc, but it would be useful for producing backups, it can also erase rewritable discs.
The burner works reliably and has a very easy to understand interface. It can also be controlled by command line, if that appeals to you!

Download size 2.73Mb

http://www.commandburner.com/

Express Burn v1.09

Very easy to use CD burner, burns Audio and Data CD's, its main limitation is that
data CD's can only be single session, but apart from that pretty good, with an excellent help file.
The program can be expanded with other freeware downloadable addon programs, allowing CD track ripping, track converting and editing.
When burning Audio CD's the program supports a wide range of formats, unsupported formats can be downloaded from the internet.
Read the help file before use, to understand the programs features/limitations.

Download size 250k -- Win 95/NT4/98/2000/Me/XP/2003

http://nch.com.au/burn/index.html

ISO burning software -- BurnCDCC v2.0.0.1.

This simple burning tool is designed for just one task, to burn ISO images to CD, or DVD. Options are limited to session-at-once recording and finalizing the disc. But there is also the option to verify the disc contents, which is useful for images.
You can set the burning speed, although I didn't encounter any problems using the default settings.

If your current burning software cant burn images, this little tool could be useful, it doesn't require installation, just unzip and run.

Freeware -- Download size 70k -- Win(all)

http://www.terabyteunlimited.com/utilities.html

Backing up to CD software -- Simply Backup CDRW v1.0

When working with computers, you can guarantee that sooner or later you will suffer a hardware failure, or more likely an Operating System failure and all your pictures, music and documents will be lost. Often they can be recovered, but at the expense of time and sometimes money (spend money, I feel faint )

A much better idea is to make regular weekly, or daily (if your data is very important) backups to CD. I learnt this the hard way, after system failures forced me to download my entire web site, twice, from my web space, after losing the copy on my computer.
You can just burn a data CD, with the relevant folders and files on it, but this means you have to remember what you want to save each time and the CD can get rather untidy with folders and files in any old order.

Simply Backup CDRW is a simple solution, it lacks the complex settings of many backup programs, but has the advantage of being very easy to use.

Backups are done by creating a profile of whatever folders, or files you wish to backup.
Simply click New and press the top green arrow to the right of the window, this will open the add files/folders window. Then highlight whichever files, or folders you wish to backup and press the button with the green cross on it.
Your chosen files and folders will then be listed in the main window, when you are happy with your selection, you can save it as a profile.
You can have as many profiles as you like and you can edit them as your needs change. The saved profiles can be loaded the next time you want to backup.

You can backup to CDR or CDRW discs and after inserting your disc in the drive, pressing the Prepare button will tell you the status of the disc and the size of the files you intend to burn.
You have the option of erasing the disc before burning (CDRW only) and you can choose to continue a multi-session disc, or close the disc and automatically eject the disc after burning (a good idea, as you know for certain it has finished burning).

Note: If you choose to continue a multi-session disc, your files/folders will be added to the disc, but previous backups (sessions) will still be available on the disc. If you don't choose a multi-session disc, only the last backup will be available. Closing the disc prevents any further information from being written to the disc.

Once you are satisfied with your settings, press Burn to create your disc.
Files and Folders are burnt to the disc, in the same directory structure that exists on your computer and the main folder is named with the date and time of the backup.

Note: It is possible to erase a CDRW disc without burning any files, just click New and then Erase.

Personally, I like this little program, it has a nice interface, is easy to use, burns reliably and doesn't require installing, just unzip and use, the profiles are saved to the program folder.
The only downsides are that your burning settings aren't saved when the program closes and the help file is rather scanty, but apart from that a great little program.

Freeware -- Download size 497k -- No spec given, but I have used it on Win 98 and XP

http://www.taotoon.com/tongsoft/Backup/

CD track ripper -- DeepRipper v1.1.

DeepRipper is an easy to use audio track ripper. It can rip tracks to wav, mp3, or ogg format, at a variety of quality settings. Depending on the format, tracks can be tagged with the artist, album, type and year.
Audio tracks can be played before ripping and you can alter the priority of the program during ripping, which is useful if you are performing another task, or simply want the fastest possible rip!
There is no help file, which could be hindrance to newcomers to computing.

DeepRipper is a useful, if basic tool, but it does the job and is a good addition to DeepBurner, or any other burning program.

Freeware -- 780k -- Win 98, Me, 2000, XP

http://www.deepburner.com/

Rob Goldfish Web Site