ImgBurn 2.5.5.0

ImgBurn is a great free software for writing CDs, DVDs, or backup images. It has a very simple user interface that may take some time getting used to. The program doesn't feature any fancy wizard or dialog, but has great functionality.

All other CD/DVD writing applications have special buttons or dialogs which give you access to their features. ImgBurn is different, because you need to use the program's main menu in order to choose what you want to do. The "Mode" menu allows you to select whether to write on removable media, create or restore a backup, or analyze the data.

Besides being able to read, write, or create an image of a CD/DVD, this program has some extra features. These features turn it into a highly customizable application. At the same time, these features clearly show that it isn't intended for beginners. You can do all kinds of things with ImgBurn, including locking, ejecting, and closing the CD/DVD drive's tray, setting the read and write speed, changing the label of a ISO image, and so on.

Pluses: There's a feature which made me use ImgBurn for writing CD/DVDs on my computer. This feature is available in the "Tools - Drive" menu and is called "Check for firmare updates". The program directs you to a page containing updates for your CD/DVD drive, based on the information it finds about it. I used such an update, because my DVD was unable to write on certain types of DVDs. Now, it works flawlessly.

Drawbacks / flaws: I guess that from a beginner's point of view, ImgBurn is not very easy to use. However, if you have a bit of experience with computers, you shouldn't have any trouble getting used to the spartan user interface.

In conclusion: The fact that ImgBurn is not very user friendly is compensated by its powerful features.

version reviewed: 2.3.2.0