ISO and CD burning software - Freeware

[hootowls]

I have been using CDBurnerXP for about the last 4 years for all my CD burning needs. It seems to have less issues than the big-boys and will not take over your system like some of them. Very small also, download is just over 3 mb. The last update included ISO burning. I burned an ISO from PSG and was very happy with the results. It was very quick. It is free-ware.

hootowls

http://cdburnerxp.se/en/home

[BarbaraC Profile Private messageWebsite]

Another one that a lot of people here use is ImgBurn. Works well and is free.

Barbara

[gpsmikey Profile Private message]

Have not used the CDBurnerXP, but I have heard good reports (I have been using the free iimgburn for several years - works very well). Several important things that both imgburn and CDBurnerXP do that people should be aware of (AND USE!!):

1) verify data written -- check the box and it will write the data to the CD/DVD then read it back and verify it. If you are writing important stuff to disk, check that option. Listen to the CD/DVD disk drive when is is in the verify portion - even if it passes verification, if you hear the drive speeding up and slowing down in a particular area, that often means it is having trouble reading the data.

2) read disk to ISO -- this is a very handy one that many people overlook - you can either use it to create a master ISO of a previously created DVD, OR, you can use it to save a copy of that install CD you got for some program or utility. I have used it to create an iso of my windowsxp install CD for example. If something happens to the install cd, I can re-create it from the ISO. Those other things you have purchased on CD ? make an iso and keep it on your hard drive.

I just wish one of those authors would release a version that runs under Linux !!

mikey

[BarbaraC Profile Private messageWebsite]

Mikey, the problem I ran into with ImgBurn is that the instructions aren't written for ordinary folk. A lot of esoteric language is scattered throughout, and abilities such as you just described are off somewhere in The Land of Murk. I wish they'd write hand-holding directions.

Barbara

[gpsmikey Profile Private message]

That was why I mentioned those features - many people are not aware of them (or what they do) and they can save your posterior.

As far as the hand holding, with your left hand, grab your right hand ... there you go !!

mikey

[BarbaraC Profile Private messageWebsite]

Mikey, you're a pain in the butt.

Barbara

[gpsmikey Profile Private message]

Thank you !!
(everybody needs a hobby !! )

mikey

[hootowls]

I never have used Imgburn. So far I have not needed to look around.

Barbara - There are some great tutorials listed on the CDBurnerXP site. Many are written by users and some are better than others. Many give general information that would apply to other programs.

The good thing about hand holding is it keeps both of your hands out of trouble...

hootowls

[nwenban Profile Private message]

Don't know if this is applicable to non Aussies, but the Jan 2009 issue of Aust PC User (might have a sister mag in the US?) has a full copy of Ashampoo Burning studio 2009 on the cover disk. This app also includes the ability to design & print disk covers & directly onto disks if your printer is capable.

http://www2.ashampoo.com/webcache/html/1/home_2.htm is the website but it's not listing the 2009 version on it.

Neville

[BarbaraC Profile Private messageWebsite]

Neville, is this an older version than the one provided by your magazine?

http://www.download.com/Ashampoo-Burning-Studio-Free/3000-2646_4-10776287.html?cdlPid=10903152

Barbara

[nwenban Profile Private message]

Hi Barbara,

Ashampoo seem to be very keen to offer a wide range of their products as freebies, you need to sign up to get the reg code & you regularly receive upgrade offers. Burning Studio (free) does all I need so have no reason to upgrade.

Looks to be a later version

Here's the labeling options


If anyone would like to evaluate this app from the mag, I've put it here:
http://www.justvend.net/abs09.zip - 18mb
If any members have a concern with this link being supplied please let me know & it will be removed.

Neville

[BarbaraC Profile Private messageWebsite]

Neville, this looks like absolutely straightforward software where you can see very clearly which button to push for what you want to do. I've had occasion to use Nero, which drives me nuts with its attempts to be user friendly. I don't want cute little names for things and I don't want to do anything esoteric. I just want to get in there, perform a function, and get back out.

Thank you. I'm going to give this one a try.

Barbara

[nwenban Profile Private message]

Hi Barbara,
If you do decide to get a reg key for this app, the upgrades to the latest version are reasonably priced.

Just received an emailed offer to upgrade to "Ashampoo® Burning Studio 8" for $9.99.

Neville

[BarbaraC Profile Private messageWebsite]

That certainly isn't bad at all. It reminds me of Serif's free version of PagePlus that costs only $9.99 to upgrade to the next much better level.

I wish there were more companies out there who knew they could make as much or more money selling in quantity because of low price. There's so much software I don't own and probably never will, not because I wouldn't enjoy having it, but because I can't afford it or because it just seems overpriced to me.

Barbara