GEAR Software announced the release of GEAR PRO Linux 5.0 for DVD/CD-RW/Tape, a standard setting tool that optimizes data extraction, editing, formatting and building images for CD and DVD projects on Linux operating systems. With GEAR PRO Linux 5.0, making CD’s and DVD’s has never been easier. GEAR PRO Linux 5.0 enables users to create volumes in the Universal Disc Format (UDF) and ISO 9660, along with a variety of other formats including ISO/UDF, Joliet and Rockridge. GEAR PRO Linux also supports all the major recording standards (DVD+RW, DVD-RW, DVD-RAM, CD-RW, DLT, DAT). GEAR PRO Linux 5.0 supports IDE, SCSI and USB device interfaces. It is designed to create cross-platform compatible images for CD and DVD that are readable on Linux, UNIX, Mac and Windows machines.

"High-capacity DVD storage is a complement to almost any Linux data backup and archiving strategy," said Sam Plummer, Senior Vice President of Sales and Business Development at GEAR Software. "GEAR PRO Linux supports virtually every SCSI, IDE and USB recorder on the market. That means GEAR users can record to DVD for mission-critical data backup, to jukeboxes for writing multiple copies, and to pre-master tape in DDP (Disc Description Protocol) format for mastering. The new release even offers dual-layer mastering for DVD-9 projects," said Plummer.

GEAR PRO Linux 5.0 can be used to create backups on DVD or CD using batch programs. The dialogs are handled internally by GEAR in an unattended mode that allows routine activities to be scheduled by the user. With support for the complete range of CD/DVD formats and file systems, GEAR PRO Linux 5.0 can backup large data sets or massive image files. GEAR PRO Linux users can choose between many different formats for creating discs. GEAR PRO Linux also supports links, pipes, and device-special files. GEAR PRO Linux 5.0 features an easy to use drag and drop interface but also offers command line control.