Feature Set:  

Nero included all the features we were looking for in a great CD Burning software, and then some. Although Nero can only rip CDs to MP3, Nero Digital or WAV formats, it can read popular most music formats including WMA and AAC. It can also convert tracks to MP3, M4A/MP4 (similar to AAC), WMA, FLAC, OGG and more.

Other music and audio features include the ability to edit and record sound files, and edit and mix music.

Nero’s data burning is pretty straight forward and supports CDs and DVDs. Simply drag and drop the data information you want to copy and burn in Nero’s display and click the burn button. Perhaps one of Nero’s most valuable data tools is the ability to read and write ISO files.

You can also backup and recover your computer data using Nero.

In addition to music and basic data support, Nero can also be used as a photo editor, create slideshows with pictures and music tracks, author, edit and capture video and even create labels. Nero can also burn unencrypted DVDs, convert video files, and record TV from your built-in TV tuner.

Ease of Use:  

Nero is simple to use. It has an excellent, intuitive startup menu. Most of your most common tasks can be located on the SmartStart screen and more advanced tools are neatly tucked away in the application list located in bottom left corner of the screen.

All you need to do to begin the program is click on a category and follow the accompanying steps. The process is so uncomplicated that even a new user can easily and successfully burn CDs and DVDs.

We didn’t have any difficulties burning music, data or video CDs or DVDs.

Ease of Installation:  

Because Nero’s feature list is so comprehensive the installation package is quite large. We do not suggest you try downloading Nero over a dial-up connection. However, besides the size of the application we didn’t have any difficulties installing the software.

Help/Documentation:  

Nero’s help and support is vast. It includes a large, comprehensive user guide in the SmartStart screen and more specific user guides in each additional application and tool. However, you have to download all the user guides of the internet the first time. After the software is closed and restarted they will be incorporated into the software.

Additional help can be found online including email support, FAQ and active forums.

We would like to mention that although Nero has phone support there is a $1.29 per minute charge. However, considering the expansiveness of Nero’s other help options we find it highly unlikely you’ll actually need to call anyone.

Nero is one of the oldest names in CD burning and they’ve continued to expand and improve their product from a simple CD burner to an all encompassing media manager. Even if you are only looking to burn the occasional CD you won’t be disappointed with all the other features Nero has to offer, and you just might be surprised at how often you use the extras.