KCdSpeed is a little applet for K Desktop Environment's panel. It provides a quick and handy way to change CD-ROM read speed, and it can also eject and close tray, and mount/unmount disc.
u3-autorun is a full-featured replacement to the cumbersome and proprietary U3 Launchpad included by default on all U3-enabled USB devices. It allows you to control what you execute off of your thumbdrive and allows for auto-eject.