The three I really like and can never choose between (and usually install them all :S)
Isorecorder A tiny program (uses native Windows functions, so it is just a GUI to features that already exist) that allows you to create ISO files easily by right clicking on a folder, and from there you can burn Iso's to DVD's and CD's very efficiently.
CDBurnerXP A good program that supports many different types/formats and works well.
Deep Burner Free Portable A portable good burner that supports the usual features you would expect.
All of these programs I believe (well, think) use native Windows functions and do not install any drivers.
I personally use Isorecorder for the small jobs where everything is in one place and I just need to copy it to a cd/dvd QUICK.
CDBurnerXP When my requirements are slightly higher such as creating a CD that involves files from many different sources, or need to burn from a non iso/standard format.
Deep Burner Personally I just keep this on a USB stick, I used to use it all the time, but I find myself using CDBurnerXP more and more. As this is a portable utility, it sometimes just comes in very handy.
I Didn't know they had a free version, I've had good luck with Nero in the past. Thank you for this. Additionally, I like the fact that they explicitly state Windows 7 compatibility. – Dan Rigby – 2009-08-28T01:27:10.653
Ahh, Nero ... the memories. i haven't been using Nero since v6.6.15 or so, i found the notion to install 1.8 GB of code to burn some disks rather apalling :) – None – 2009-08-28T01:27:58.360
Nero has become very bloaty with recent releases. Hopefully if the free version has restricted functionality it will be smaller. I have to admit that I haven't tried it so I can't confirm either way. – Dave Webb – 2009-08-28T01:32:59.007
I'm still investigating. The free version is a much smaller download (50MB vs 350MB) and the UI is clean, but I'm still determining if you can actually burn an image with it... – Dan Rigby – 2009-08-28T01:42:20.410
1just be careful during the installation with Nero 9 Essentials, or your web browser will sport the lovely ask.com toolbar :) – None – 2009-08-28T01:42:40.677
@Molly Yeah I saw that... Also, I'm convinced that the free version will not allow you to burn an image. You can copy a disc or burn files, but not an image. However, since I didn't explicitly state I needed to burn an image, I'm going to accept this as the answer because I'm probably just going to buy a Nero license. Thanks! – Dan Rigby – 2009-08-28T01:49:11.523
no image burning, only data discs and copy function. – None – 2009-08-28T02:00:36.747
@Dan: nothing wrong withspending money on software (a program worth using is worth paying for), some folks write code for a living. however, personally i don't think Nero is worth a dime. they've really lost it quite a while ago. – None – 2009-08-28T02:16:54.783
not available ( or free ) anymore – cwd – 2013-11-17T21:27:02.567