Nero is the most popular desktop recording suite, but it has been often accused of becoming a piece of bloatware. Now it seems they're trying to make up for it with the launch of a light app - Nero Kwik Burn. Remember that this is the same lite version as before, they've just taken a while to decide on a name, passing through Nero Lite, Nero Free and Nero BurnLite before settling on Kwik Burn. Keeping up?!

Nero Kwik Burn is basically a stripped-down version of the original Nero suite. In fact it's so reduced it only lets you burn data discs and also create copies of discs. Nero Kwik Burn works with CD and DVD, and offers some basic options such as the ability to simulate the burning process before actually doing it or verify data on disc after burning. Nero Kwik Burn also includes tools to analyze your disc and also erase re-writable discs.

Nero Kwik Burn features a clear, easy-to-use interface with the burning and copying tools on the left side, and a tab bar on top – which I found a bit misleading because it only shows you all the other great things you could do with the full version of Nero if only you upgraded.

In any case, Nero Kwik Burn remains a good alternative for those of you who're looking for a quick, efficient and reliable CD recorder without all the bells and whistles of the complete suite.

Nero Kwik Burn is the free version of the well-known Nero suite: a nice, simple tool for the most basic recording needs.

Download Nero Kwik Burn ex. BurnLite 12.5.00300 in Softonic

Nero Multimedia Suite is comprehensive and if you are looking for a one-stop shop for your video editing, burning and back-up, it will definitely fit the bill. Although getting started is a bit of a mystery (the app installs lots of icons for features that can be managed via the StartSmart button), the various components are slick, easy-to-use and meet most basic to intermediate needs.

As in previous versions, Nero Multimedia Suite offers a range of quick burning/ripping tasks on the left and the complete range of features divided into tabbed areas at the top. When you choose an option, a window will open. You control the feature from there, choosing options and tweaking configurations.

The whole Nero Multimedia Suite experience is very simple. There are loads of online tutorials, wizards and step-by-step instructions for burning, ripping, backing up and editing - among Nero Multimedia Suite's most interesting features are the ability to digitize tapes and records, the file recovery application and, of course, Nero's famous burning skills.

Nero Multimedia Suite's critics will call it bloated and filled with unnecessary features. That's not entirely wrong, but what it brings in bloat, it makes up for in ease of use and centralization. Sure, you could carry out all of Nero Multimedia Suite's functions using other, cheaper software, and it's true that you may never use many of its functions, but users who will be interested in Nero Multimedia Suite won't care, because it allows them to do exactly what they want, when they want, and with minimal technical knowledge.

Nero Multimedia Suite 10 is bloated, but provides centralization and flexibility that many users will find irresistible.

Download Nero Multimedia Suite 12.0.02000 in Softonic

With the HD-DVD and Blu-Ray formats becoming increasingly dominant, it's important to have a burner that can handle them all.

The problem with most new burners is that they come at a cost and Astroburn is no exception. The full version will cost you a few dollars but this demo allows you to perform basic burning of small files. Unlike big name programs such as Nero, Astroburn is one of those programs that's easy to use and allows you to carry out a wide array of functions.

You can burn discs, create and record ISO, copy discs, erase rewritable disks and create music CDs. The interface is incredibly stripped down featuring a drag and drop burning process that's easy to use. The fact that the interface is so basic should not give the impression that it's not particularly powerful though.

However, it doesn't always burn as it should do. Normally CD burners automatically optimise burning for the speed of your drive but it seems that Astroburn requires you to configure this yourself. If you don't define the right speed , the buffer is too slow and you'll suffer from the dreaded "buffer underrun" problem. The support page is useless because it simply gives you a phone number for technical assistance rather than an FAQ.

Nevertheless, if you need a simple solution to burning HD-DVD and Blu-Ray and don't mind paying a bit for the pleasure, Astroburn is a worthy option.

Download Astroburn 1.0.91 in Softonic

The Nero Media Player program enables you to play back audio tracks. The program supports the most current formats, including MP3, WAV, AAC, to name but a few. Nero Media Player also enables you to play back Internet streams, and to create and play back playlists.

• Create playlists from your audio CDs, MP3, HE-AAC, WMA, WAV, and MIDI files, and from Internet radio stations
• Rip audio tracks to MP3, HE-AAC, WMA, and WAV
• Add digital track-labeling to your audio CDs
• Make your own sonic profiles with the graphic equalizer
• The very latest Fraunhofer MP3 audio-encoding technology
• Standard bit rates from 96 to 320KB/s
• Winamp DSP plug-in support

Download Nero Media Player 1.4.0.35 in Softonic