Many applications, including Apple Macs, have the ability to burn CDs and/or DVDs without additional software. However, if you do a lot of burning, you might want to consider using Roxio Toast 6 Titanium-it’s a more elegant and versatile program that covers all the bases.

After spending some time with Toast, I decided it was one of the most user-friendly programs I’d ever used. Not only is the drag-and-drop install easy, but many of the functions involved in setting up a CD or DVD burn are also simple drag-and-drop processes. Even the computer-challenged will have no trouble figuring this one out. On top of that, Toast will help users get the absolute most out of a CD burner or CD/DVD combo burner.

The interface has four main tabs: Data, Audio, Video and Copy. You just select the appropriate tab for the task at hand and drag the source files onto the main area of the interface. The various parameters you have to set are presented logically. Then, you can make your selections and hit the red "Record" button. Simple!

There are more features that take Toast beyond other applications. For instance, you can drag any QuickTime or iMovie directly onto the interface and it will be converted to the designated MPEG file by the built-in Universal Video Converter.

The Plug & Burn function lets you make video CDs or DVDs directly from incoming camcorder footage. Toast will recognize the footage and digitize it to the appropriate MPEG format while importing it from the camcorder, creating an instant video CD or DVD. The Discus feature provides pre-built templates for printed CD/DVD inserts.

There’s also a Motion Pictures feature that lets you create advanced slide shows with pan and zoom. The Toast Anywhere feature lets you burn DVDs and CDs over a network. Deja Vu is a new background backup program that makes regular backups of your hard drives.

CD Spin doctor is another advanced feature for the digitizing and enhancing of analog audio. If you have analog inputs to your Mac, you can record from analog sources such as cassette tapes or vinyl, clean them up sonically, and send them to Toast for burning. A nice feature!

All in all, for 80 bucks, this is one of the best software bargains ever. If you do any burning at all, there is no excuse not to have this program in your application folder.