Could there really be more CD burning software out there to test? Yes, indeedie. We have only begun to scratch the surface of this type of software. CD-RW drives are quickly becoming must-have devices, coming installed on new PCs and they're a popular upgrade on existing systems. Everyone is trying to take the pain out of creating your own CDs by coming out with better burning software. Two more of these products have come to my attention of late.
One is Veritas Software's MyCD Pro ($79), intended as the industrial strength counterpart to its MyCD (reviewed in TNPC #3.16). The Pro version adds the expected bells and whistles. Although there is a wizard-like starting screen to help you on your way to a recording project, the principal interface is an Explorer-like screen that allows you to assemble the elements of your recording and set the various recording options.
Performance--the Pro version uses the same basic engine as MyCD-- is good, as is its reliability, but, frankly, it left me a little underwhelmed. There is nothing wrong with it, and as the new kid on the block, benefits from having support for some of the latest recording technologies. For example, it will work with the new 10x CD-RW drives and media, and will support anti-buffer underrun hardware. MyCD Pro also truly has "pro" features, including the ability to record on multiple drives simultaneously.
However, its ease-of-use lags behind that of Adaptec Easy CD and- -most especially--that of the $39 version of MyCD. Veritas' consumer product set new standards for "don't bother me with decisions, just make the CD" simplicity with its well thought out wizard interface.
Apparently, Veritas' marketing department must have had a similar reaction. In what is a breakthrough in CD software, the company puts both versions on the installation CD of Pro. So your $79 buys you two programs--the Pro for when you need it, and the standard version for simple jobs.
MyCD Pro Version (Amazon price $51.99):
http://www.TheNakedPC.com/t/318/tr.cgi?cd1
A couple of TNPCers suggested I take a look at Feurio!, a shareware program from Germany that comes in various versions costing anywhere from $29 to $79. The program is adequate, but only that. It is vaguely reminiscent of Nero (reviewed in TNPC #3.12) but has fewer features. Indeed, for its imaging capability (making a disk file of a CD--the technique required when you have only one drive on your system), the instructions are to download Nero's trial version and use its imaging features.
You can download Feurio! here:
http://www.TheNakedPC.com/t/318/tr.cgi?cd2
At TNPC we always applaud entrepreneurship and Feurio! does support an impressive range of CD burners, but for the money, there are better choices.
