Nero Linux

Burning files and music to CDs and DVDs is a common job these days and even though all operating systems have some ability to do this, third-party software is still popular. Nero Linux is such a program, but for the open-source operating system Linux.

It is available in RPM and DEB files. The choice is made on the registration page as an email address is required to download the files. The exact choice depends on the distribution of Linux you own. Ubuntu users should use the DEB file and Opensuse users the RPM. Check with the distro home page for other versions.

Once installed Nero Linux looks just like the Windows version. If you've recently moved, it may well be a friendly face.

It has all of the features of the Windows version and can be used to create audio and data discs. There are no options for creating CD case inlays but templates for these are at least supplied with Openoffice. It's shame that this is not possible though.

It may seem odd to have to pay for software for Linux but there's no reason why Nero can't charge. And at just $25, it's not much money. Compared to the amount of time that may be needed to learn how to work all the tools in Linux, it is good value.