With Windows Essentials Codec Pack you get a complete collection of all the codecs you need to play most video and audio files you find on the Internet – up to 99% of them, according to the developer.

Windows Essentials Codec Pack includes filters and codecs for many formats, though only one of them per format to reduce the risk of conflicts and errors. The pack also includes codec configuration tools and a copy of Media Player Classic.

The pack is very easy to install. Simply launch the executable file and follow the instructions. During the installation process Windows Essentials Codec Pack will let you select which codecs you want to install and which you don't need. Also, as the pack includes a special update utility, you'll always have the latest version on your PC.

Windows Essentials Codec Pack includes all the codecs you need to play most audio and video files on your system. The pack includes a media player and is updated automatically.

Download Windows Essentials Codec Pack 4.4 in Softonic

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

Creating a professional sounding audio CD is not just about putting a blank disc in your CD burner and starting Nero. To create professional results, you need to refine the audio so that your audio levels are precise, especially if you're creating a musical CD. Sony CD Architect provides all the tools you need to produce professional CDs from beginning to end. Be warned though, this is not a program for the faint hearted and you'll need some experience in audio engineering or mixing to use it.

With Sony CD Architect, you can perform full PQ code editing, apply effects, create customized crossfades, and generate disc-at-once premasters suitable for professional replication. There are a multitude of special effects that you can apply including EQ, compression, reverb, and noise gating. You can apply effects to individual tracks, sections of a track, or the master bus itself.

You can edit soundwaves in minute detail as it allows you to zoom right-in on waves and perform precise, real-time edits, fades and crossfades. You can invert audio phases, normalize tracks, and perform audio scrubbing - even apply real-time pitch changes and time stretching. The amount of features and options in Sony CD Architect is in fact mind boggling and for anyone interested in producing a professional music album, an essential tool.

Download Sony CD Architect 5.2 in Softonic