Disctop

I usually avoid running little programs that do nothing to add any true functionality to my Mac; however, I've been running
Disctop since it was first announced, and they've released an update with some added functionality, so I thought I should mention it here.

Disctop, designed for the new iMac G5s but capable of working with any Mac, simply makes an inserted CD/DVD load on the screen as part of your Desktop Picture (see picture to the right). There's now a Pro version of the program, which adds an always on top feature (so that inserted disks appear in front of all other windows before fading to the background), a new control button in the bottom left corner of the CD / DVD to access Disctop's functions, the option to load cover art or any image you choose on top of the CD / DVD image, and basic iTunes controls for navigating the contents of a music CD.  Best of all, it is free and there is still a Lite version available for those of you who like the "Useless, but indespensable" idea behind the original program.