It can be tricky sorting out the good DVD authoring software from the ones that will crash frequently or leave you high and dry with technical issues. Let's take a closer look at how to pick the best free DVD authoring software for your needs.

What is DVD Authoring Freeware?

DVD authoring freeware is exactly what it sounds like: free software. Yes, free DVD authoring software does exist and there are quite a few options. But the truth of the matter is that many of the options are free for a reason. They're generally not as feature-rich as their commercial counterparts and they may not be as stable, too. As long as all you need is some simple DVD authoring tools, they're definitely worth a closer look. After all, free is hard to beat.

What to Watch Out For

Freeware has gotten a bad wrap with a host of problems related to the free software market, and DVD authoring freeware is no stranger. There are a few bad apples out there that have spoiled the mood over free DVD authoring software.

Spyware: They're Watching You

You may have heard of the term spyware. It's a version of software called malware and it's no good. Spyware is usually installed inconspicuously onto the user's computer and it secretly collects data about the user, such as private information and Web viewing history. This data can then be sent to another party via the Internet. Spyware can also install other software and/or mess with your computer's settings and ultimately create quite a nightmare for you. So, naturally, you'll want to avoid this when you go looking for DVD authoring freeware.

Our most important tip for free DVD authoring software is to fully research the software developer. One nice assurance often found on the best options is "100% Free" Softpedia.com certification. The certification process is done by Softpedia and guarantees that the software does not contain any malware, including spyware, viruses and other nasty stuff that would put your personal and private data at risk. We highly recommend you steer clear of any options that aren't certified. It's not worth it.

Stability Issues

As you might imagine, some free DVD authoring software options just aren't as stable as the more professional (and expensive) options. Some of the software developers in this category are one-man-bands. They are indeed talented developers, but even for them, keeping software bug-free can be a real challenge. Always check the forums and FAQs for a glimpse into some of the technical issues that might arise. Check if the DVD authoring freeware provider has a tech support area on its site or a way to contact the creator. Also, check to see when the last release was for the current version of the DVD authoring software. If it's several years old, then it's probably a personal project of someone that has gone by the wayside.

We've come to expect a few bugs here and there. You get what you pay for. This is especially true if you're pushing these applications to their limits. The good news is that the best providers do try their best to correct any bugs and even the big software companies out there have bugs too. At the end of the day, though, if you absolutely need to have a disc burned and ready to go to a client, free DVD authoring software is probably not a good fit for you.