Free Linux Software for Diskwriting to CDs & DVDs

K3B is a free Linux software, specializing in burning both CDs and DVDs. It is often updated, both for security updates and new features, so expect it to get better and better in the near future. K3B, as the name suggests, is intended for use with the KDE desktop environment. For more information, including recent updates, install guides and full feature lists, check out the K3B homepage.

GnomeBaker is a free (what else?) Linux software available to burn both CDs and DVDs. It has a number of simple, easy-to-use functions for writing CDs and DVDs, everything from ordinary diskwriting, to burning directly from an existing CD ISO, to creating multisession disks. As a Gnome application, GnomeBaker is good for use on any distro that uses this desktop environment. Check out this article for a great install and how-to guide.

Another punning title, X-CD Roast promises basic burning functionality for simple data CDs, as well as simple burning functions for audo CDs. This is a great choice if you really just need the bare minimum. Check out the X-CD Roast homepage for more information.

Sweet and simple, gCombust just uses the default Gnome drag-and-drop interface to burn your CDs. There's nothing complex here, so don't expect higher end functionality, but it will do well for basic CD burning needs.

Retro name, modern functionality. Disc-O-Matic provides in-depth CD and DVD archiving abilities, which many other Linux diskwriting software finds themselves lacking. Check out a full list of features at Disc-O-Matic's SourceForge page.

Clever naming strikes again! Gnome Toaster is yet another Gnome alternative to burning CDs and DVDs, albeit one that is a little less known. A full list of their features and functions may be found at the GnomeToaster homepage.

While this doesn't provide much by way of DVD coverage, the native file manager of Nautilus has a built in CD creator that can be utilized where applicable. Quick, easy and no download required—though, if you want to do higher end burning techniques, it might not be the best solution.

Most media players within Linux offer some sort of CD or DVD burning options—though the bugginess of such nonspecialized features often makes them unreliable. Poke around a bit in your personal favorite media players and see what's currently available. You may be pleasantly surprised at what you might find buried within the plethora of features!

Of course, if none of these softwares particularly suit your tastes, you can always just burn media from the command line. It's a technically demanding process, but quite rewarding if you're into complete control. Check out this article for an easy-to-understand how-to guide on burning from command line to get you started.

You don't necessarily need a special frontend program, nor mad command line skills, to burn a CD/DVD. Even just simple drag-and-drop might do the trick. For a very complete listing of such techniques, as well as many other CD/DVD diskwriting frontend programs, how-tos and tutorials, check out this YoLinux article on burning a CD or DVD.