I've got a mac laptop running windows xp any suggestions for which dvd burning software I should use. I tried nero 9 express but it messed up my system and had to uninstall it.

For random data backup I have no idea. If you mean burning images then ImgBurn is nice, and free.

I generally head on over to sourceforge for these kinds of applications. I'm usually able to find what I need pretty easily. And you can't beat open source on price.

I actually had to burn an image yesterday and i tried a few programs. CDBurnerXP did the trick for me, simple and it worked. Can burn images, data, music whatever and to both CD and DVD.

Don't give a shit about image burning just want to pop a dvd in the drive and click burn files to it from my hard drive.

http://www.imgburn.com/
It's not just for burning images.

Though CDBurnerXP is easier to use.
http://www.cdburnerxp.se/

Went with cdburnerxp works great, thanks guys.

I am using Imgburn as my DVD burning software and DVD decrypter to burn my ISO files. They both works with me and the good thing is they are free. My OS is also windows so it should works fine to you too.

Massive necro post there. The fact that you say you use IMGBurn and then link the following text to another URL (not to mention this is your 1st post on PC) makes me think that's a malware link. Beware :E