CD/DVD Burning, ISO creation: CD Burner XP Pro

CD Burner XP Pro
http://www.cdburnerxp.se/


Another entry in my 'Home Computer Freeware List' is CD Burner XP Pro.

Every PC these days has a CD Burner, and each one comes with their own OEM copy of Nero, Easy CD Creator, Sonic, or others...Typically, these packages are full-featured (or have a number of features to keep us happy) enough, so there is usually no need to buy anything else.

No OEM software, no problem!
But, what about those moments when you inherit a computer/CD or DVD recordable or rewritable drive which has no associated software with it? Or perhaps you want to have another burning solution on-hand to make sure that there isn't a problem with your OEM installation vs. the drive itself?

CD Burner XP Pro is a burning solution that can help those of us who want something different and who love to support freeware projects.

CDBPXPP features:

• Writes all kind of mediums apart from double-layer DVD (follows in next version). Burning video-DVDs is limited.
• Burn audio-CDs with and without gaps between tracks
• Burn on the fly / Burn-proof
• Supports most IDE, USB, Firewire and SCSI drives
• Rip Audio-CDs to hard drive, obtain track-information (ID3-tags) from Internet
• Burn and create ISO-files
• Customizable with many settings
• Data verification after burn, create bootable discs
• (will be) available in multiple languages
• 100% freeware - no adware or restrictions
• bin/nrg->ISO converter, simple cover printing and much more!
• Operating systems: Windows 98/ME/2000/XP/2003 Server.

See the rest of the features here.


Creating a new project is somewhat wizard-based, and makes it easier for the non-tech-initiated.

Good enough for daily use
I use this software any time I need data CD/DVDs created because I'm not fond of the Sonic interface that came with my computer. I like something that is a bit more 'Explorer-like' (in terms of looks and functionality, like drag & drop, etc.) rather than something that is prettier. Also, I've had a number of problems with Sonic hanging up on me for what seems to be no good reason...it is always good to have a plan 'B'.

Creating a data disc:


Working with .iso disc images?
Building .img & .iso files could never be easier, and likewise, you can burn easily from these disc image formats.

Burning a disc from ISO:


Also, you can rip tracks from your audio discs to .mp3, but this is hardly a novelty feature any more, since even the Windows Media Player can do this (with the addition of the lame.dll encoder). Alternatively, you can easily create audio discs with CDBXPP.

Creating a music/audio disc (just drag & drop your MP3/WMA files to the lower pane):


Likes:

• Interface
• Drag & drop
• Ability to easily create .iso images
• Convert .nrg and .bin files to .iso
  
• Burn from .iso
  
• Create bootable discs with .img floppy images
  
• DVD support
• Seems to work with every drive I've ever thrown at it
  

Dislikes:

• No 1:1 disc copy support (major)
  
• No resident burn to disc on the fly (drag & drop to drive letter) (minor)

Forums are very active, and version 4.0 is due to be out at any time, or so I've read!

Alternatives:

• Deep Burner Free
• InfraRecorder
• Express Burn
• BurnAware Free Edition (added 12/31/07)