I have Windows XP Home Editon that comes with a CD burner software but I don't know if it comes with DVD burner software program? If it doesn't where can I download the BEST freeware software to burn DVDs? Also, what is the actual purpose of burning a CD or DVD? I can't find a direct answer anywhere to this question. Thanks

"what is the actual purpose of burning a CD or DVD?" If you don't know the prupose, why do you need to burn a CD or DVD?? There are numerous purposes, for instance: - backup important data just in case the hard drive fails - backup copies of software - backup copies of music CDs - backup copies of video DVDs - backup copies of your operating system - backup copies of all your device drivers - sharing pictures, videos, games, software with friends or relatives Try DeepBurner: http://www.filehippo.com/

Possible that the CD/DVD drive will only burn CDs. For if you have an HP or Compaq computer--- Go here--- http://h18000.www1.hp.com/ then enter in your exact Model name, and number, then tick what information you want to know, then proceed from there. You may find the Specifications List of what's in your computer.

XP normally only comes with CD burning software. DVD burning software is normally added on unless included with the DVD drive itself when purchased separately. You also need to make sure it is a DVD burner you have on your machine (DVD's will not burn on CD-burners, however CD's will usually burn on a DVD burner). As jam mentioned, there are many reasons for moving files to optical media (CD's or DVD's), and there are several free burning programs available for both CD- and DVD-burning... http://www.deepburner.com/?r=download http://infrarecorder.org/?page_id=5 http://www.tech-faq.com/Free-DVD-Bu... Most of these programs are fairly basic, but get the job done quite well (I've had more success with Deepburner than the others). Commercial packages such as Nero and Roxio's Creator have more capabilities, but often these are more than many users need. Remember though that CD's can hold up to 700MB of data while DVD's normally hold up to 4.7GB of data (thus the same number of DVD's tend to be more expensive than CD's). Also, the quality of media is often important as well (I have a couple of burners that will burn to almost anything, but one that is quite picky about the media). Stick with well known brands: http://www.amazon.com/gp/richpub/sy... and also remember that the environment you store your media in is directly proportional to its' longevity (by keeping media in a dark, cool and dry location, I have backups from 12 years ago that still read fine): http://www.archives.gov/records-mgm...

Windows XP usually comes native with a CD burner drive. You have to check your specific machine to see if this has been upgraded to a DVD burner. If the burner has been upgraded then you must use third party burning software to burn DVD's as XP only burns CD's with the built in burning software. Several have been mentioned above. I use CDburnerXP. It is available at http://cdburnerxp.se/ It is not an advanced burner but does the basic things quite well.

A real good, simple to use basic DVD Burning program that I have used for some time is "Image Burn." It burns nicely but does NOT Convert, etc.

Thanks for all the helpful information and leads. And I would like to thank all of you who took the time to try to help me out. Much appreciated.