CD/DVD writing software

[Mark]

As I'm about to reformat my main PC for the first time in several years (it's lasted really well but it's still on SP1 and is finally showing signs of the PC equivalent of Parkinson's, so it's got to be done) I'm reviewing some of the more insidious sofware that gets installed. I'm going to install Vista and have a quick play but I given I didn't like the previews I'm 99% sure I'll go back to XP SP2 (besides, I'd have to actually buy Vista if I kept it on this PC).

I'm ditching ZoneAlarm and going back to Windows Firewall. I've already done the Symantec to NOD32 transition, and a few other bits and pieces are on their way out.

However, DVD writing software is a problem. I'm currently on Easy CD Creator 6 which was released god knows when. I like it, but it's time to move on. I'm tempted by stick with the program and get Easy Media Creator 9 but exploring other options first.

I've tinkered with the basic version of Nero and not been too keen, but not had long enough to form a definite opinion. I also have the option of writing DVDs on Linux but I just prefer the pointy/clickyness of a Windows interface in this case (particularly as getting it wrong costs money).

So, I'm throwing this open to the BD masses for suggestions. :)

[Daz]

CDBurnerXP is the best free app I've come across on doze, but last I checked it was the closed beta release that was more feature complete, and with an alleged better GUI (the current stable release has a few quirks that I'm not keen on). Does it's job though, along with an ISO creater/burner power toy (I like a simple shell interface for that.

Linux wise, if you go that route, k3b is the best burning app I've come across on any platform. It just works and does everything, including rip DVD's.

[Mark]

You've mentioned k3b before, and I've installed it, just not tried it.

Looks like I'm going to have to update the laptop as well as I plugged a DVD writer in and it threw a wobbler about the prinstalled Roxio software on there. :/

[Mark]

I'm not worried about simplicity - I like my features. :)

Nero isn't as bad as I remembered (had to install it for emergency use - just hope I didn't trash the laptop in the process).

[Mark]

I can't deny that (or at least I shouldn't). :)

Think my external DVD writer has died. T'is one I got for my parents a few years back and since they don't need it I've had it back. They said they'd had trouble reading discs from it and now I know why. :/