zack371
03-08-2004, 11:24 PM
ORIGINALLY POSTED BY HOSS (dead links to be removed soon)
Burning Software
*Note- Make sure you check your CDRW is supported by the software before using.
I've also decided to add a few comments. Now these are only my opinion, use them for a guideline if you like. But try a few and make up your own mind.
EZ-CD, DirectCD, Toast, GoBack (http://www.roxio.com/en/products/) from Adaptec/Roxio
This is the default program most receive when you buy a CDRW. The Deluxe version is Full Featured and is quite good.
The additional Spin Doctor provides a great deal more control for Audio CD's.
DirectCD is perhaps the best Packet Writing app available and GoBack a very nice utility.
Grade:A -No Demo Available- Price $89
Nero & InCD (http://www.ahead.de/en/Index2.htm) from Ahead Software
Nero is also another of the Premier programs.
And one of my favorites, highly recommended.
It is capable of burning very good audio and data. It will also convert Mp3's to CD Automatically and Encode Mp3 with Optional Plug-In.
It has many options including, Normalization of Audio Tracks, Equalization of same, Noise removal, and more. Advanced, but still easy to use.
InCD is their Packet Writing app and it is Fair.
Grade:A+ -30 Day Demo Available- Price $69
CDRWIN (http://www.goldenhawk.com/cdrwin.htm) from Golden Hawk Technologies
This is a very good app for games and more.
It is capable of manipulating and patching games thru the use of .bin and .cue files.
A must have in order to copy some games.
It is also capable of burning most anything.
Grade:A+ -30 Day Demo Available- Price $49
CloneCD (http://www.elaborate-bytes.com/) from Elaborate-Bytes
The Premier Game Copying Program.
Especially for PSX games.
It works like no other in its ability to duplicate Copy Protected CD's.
Takes a bit of learning and a Copy Protection Detection application to go along with it is Highly Recommended
Grade:A+ -Demo Available, Limited to 2x Write Speed- Price $49
WinOnCD, PacketCD & Just! Audio (http://www.cequadrat.com/english/products/index.html) from CeQuadrat/Roxio
WinOnCD is Full Featured Software. Great for Audio, Data and VCD's.
This is my favorite Burnware, it produces the best sounding Audio CD's I have found yet. Especially when burning directly from Mp3's
You can manipulate Audio and Data in a myriad of ways, many options to choose from. Advanced but it is still an easy to use application.
PacketCD has now been replaced by DirectCD v5.0 starting with WinOnCD v3.8 which is NOT available in the US at this time.
Grade:A++ -No Demo Available- Price $59
Feurio CD Writer (http://www.feurio.com/English/index.shtml)
An Excellent Audio Only App
If you like Options for Burning Audio then this might be your Choice!
Also includes several Diagnostic Tools.
Grade:A+ -Demo Available- Price $29 & $39
Dart CD-Recorder (http://www.dartpro.com/New.asp) from D.A.R.T.
This is a very nice easy to use Audio Only Burnware that offers quite a few features and options as well. Including Normalization & Equalization, plus more.
Very Good Audio Quality for Mp3 to CD Burning
Grade:A- -30 Day Demo Available- Price $50
NTI CD-Maker Professional (http://www.nticdmaker.com/) from New Tech Infosystems
A good but rather simple burnware.
Too simple for my likes, but if you're a beginner who wants it as easy as 1-2-3 in a fully functioned burnware, this may be the one.
Has a few options including an Mp3 Encoder/Decoder.
And has been recently updated to the Pro Version with a few new features, including the ability to Record Live from LP's, Tapes and Mic's.
Grade:B+ -Demo Available- Price $50
Click 'N Burn Pro & Plus (http://www.clicknburn.com/) from Stomp/Veritas
A very small fully functional easy to use burnware. The Pro Version supports Multiple Drives and Live Recoding. The Plus version does not and won't burn VCD's.
Another good choice for the beginner and the Price of the Plus Version is Very Nice!
A Macintosh Version is Available as well.
Grade:Not Rated -No Demo- Price - Pro-$70 Plus-$20 Mac-$60
SimpliCD (http://www.oaktech.com/products/recording_software/simplicd.html) from Oak Technologies
Another simple easy to use burnware, with a few interesting twists.
It incorporates itself into Windows in a new and different way. I have not used it but the reviews I have read rate it high.
If you want it simple and functional, this may be for you.
*Note- Limited No. of CDRW drives supported...so check for yours first!
Grade:Not Rated -No Demo- Price $50-65
DiscJuggler (http://us.padus.com/discjugg.htm) from Padus
I very impressive little app capable of doing it all.
This is especially liked for backing up Dreamcast Games.
Grade:A- -15 Day Trial Available- Price $49
Blaze Media Pro (http://www.blazemp.com/blaze_media_pro.asp)
I have not tried it yet, but it has a lot of nice features.
Audio Only app with a lot of Conversion Options
No Grade -15 Day Demo Available- Price $50
Music Match Jukebox (http://www.musicmatch.com/home/)
The Basic version is free and it works quite well. It's not my favorite but the price is right!
Audio Only Burning...No Data, VCD etc..
It also includes a nice Mp3 Player and Ripper
Grade:B- - Free Version Available w/Advertising or-
Price = $20 & $30 for Registered Version
HotBurn (http://www.iomega.com/iom_software/hotburn_main.html) from Iomega
Have not tried it since Iomega bought them out, but it's simple to use and a decent app and it's cheap.
Grade:B -No Demo- Price $30
SmartDisk MVP (http://www.smartdiskmvp.com/) from SmartDisk
Another new easy to use app, but I have not tried it. The only nice thing I see is it contains other nice apps with it such as Neato CD Labeler
Grade:Not Rated -No Demo- Price $40
Need help with many of the Applications Above and Below?
Make Sure to Check Out our Tutorials From A-Z Folder (http://www.cdrom-guide.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=6834)
___________________________________
Hard Drive Backup & Imaging Apps
-------------
HD Backup
Veritas Backup MyPC & Simple Backup (http://www.veritas.com/products/listing/ProductFamilyList.jhtml?categoryId=100&_requestid=39373)
Top of the Line Backup App
*Note- Looks like Veritas has changed some things. Backup Exec is now a High End app costing $795!
The old Backup Exec is now called Backup MyPC
Grade:A - -30 Demo Available (click here) (http://www.stompinc.com/bump/bump-retail.phtml?.)- Price $70
They also now offer a Low Price, Low End Version called Simple Backup (http://www.stompinc.com/sbu/sbu-retail.phtml?.)
No Grade -No Demo- Price $30
Dantz Retrospect (http://www.dantz.com/)
Great Backup App, Easy to Use & Nice Features
This is what I now use
Grade A+ -30 Day Trial Available- Price $50 for the Express Version
Backup Now! (http://www.ntibackupnow.com/) from NTI
This is an up and coming backup app that's getting great reviews. I have not tried it and it's a little expensive, but..
Grade:Not Rated -10 Day Trial Available- Price $80
They also have a light version NTI Drive Backup available for $50
Ultrabac UB Safe (http://www.ultrabac.com/product/ubsafe.htm)
A Nice Little App, Best of all....
It's FREE, but does have limitations
Worth a look though.
Grade:B+ Price $49 if you wish to Register it
They also have a Full Win2k Version available
for D/L, but very expensive
------------------
HD Imaging
Norton Ghost PE (http://www.symantec.com/sabu/ghost/ghost_personal/)
DOS Based Imaging App, One of the Best
Grade:A+ -No Trial Available- Price $70
Check Here if you wish to Image Direct to CDR:
List of Norton Ghost Compatible CDRW Drives (http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/ghost.nsf/docid/2000032414453025)
Powerquest Drive Image (http://www.powerquest.com/products/desktop.html)
Another Great Imaging App
Grade:A+ - Price $70 - Trial Available for D/L
__________________________
Audio Utilities
AudioTools (http://www.audiotools.co.uk/)
Mp3 Convertors, Rippers, Encoders and Much More
Mp3 Check & Convert (http://www.ashampoo.com/products/0008/)from AShampoo
Nice Utility, use it to Scan your Mp3's for Corrupt Files.
[*One Note - It does not work on 320 bitrate files]
Once Found you can use Mp3 Workshop, or another,
to Resample & Fix them Before Burning
Grade:A- -Trialware 30 days- Price $10
Exact Audio Copy (http://www.exactaudiocopy.de/)
One of the Best Audio Rippers Out There,
And Works With LAME Mp3 Encoder
Grade:A+ - Price Free!
CDex (http://www.cdex.n3.net/)
Another Good Ripper/Encoder
Grade:A- - Price Free!
LAME Encoders Homepage (http://www.sulaco.org/mp3)
Updated Frequently, High Quality Encoder
And Best of All it's Free!
Monkeys Audio (http://www.monkeysaudio.com/)
A Wav Compression App that is Very nice!
It will Compress Wav's to Half their Original Size with No Audio Loss
And Includes a WinAmp Plug-in to Play the Ape Files Grade:A -Demo Available-
SoundForge (http://www.sonicfoundry.com/Products/NewShowProduct.asp?PID=426) One of the Best Pro Audio Editing apps out there. Very Expensive!
But Demo is Available
Cool Edit Pro (http://www.cooledit.com/)
Another Very Good Editing app
Demo Available
Cakewalk (http://www.cakewalk.com/Products/Index.html)
Cakewalk has a lot available, form Guitar Lessens to a Very Good Editing app.
Demo Available
_______________________________
Burning Utilities
CD Media World CD/DVD Utilities Page (http://www.cdmediaworld.com/cd_utils.htm)
You Will Find Many Useful Utilities Here
ISO Buster (http://users.pandora.be/smart.projects/isobuster.htm)
A Must Have Utility and it's Free!
Extracts all type ISO's or Use it to Recover Lost Data Files as well
CD-R Diagnostic (http://www.cdrom-prod.com/software.html) from CD-ROM Productions
A Very Nice Little Utility for Recovering Files Burned to a CDR or CDRW
Grade: A+ - Demo Available [However it will NOT recover files] - Price $50
CD-R Verifier (http://www.cdrom-prod.com/software.html) from CD-ROM Productions
Nice Utility for Verifying a Copied CD is A Duplicate of the Original
CDCheck (http://www.elpros.si/CDCheck/) from Fusion
Another Utility for Checking Copied CD's
BurnC - Another Comparing App (http://www.sbsoftware.com/)
CD Media World's CDRW/DVD Utilities (http://www.cdmediaworld.com/cd_utils.htm)
Lots of Must Have Utilities Here!
LPJ SlideShow (http://hjem.get2net.dk/lpj/Download.htm) A Nice FREE App for making Slide Shows
FlipAlbum (http://www.flipalbum.com/)
Or do you want to make a nice Digital Flip Album?
Have a look here: Price $50 - Trial Available
Burning Software
*Note- Make sure you check your CDRW is supported by the software before using.
I've also decided to add a few comments. Now these are only my opinion, use them for a guideline if you like. But try a few and make up your own mind.
EZ-CD, DirectCD, Toast, GoBack (http://www.roxio.com/en/products/) from Adaptec/Roxio
This is the default program most receive when you buy a CDRW. The Deluxe version is Full Featured and is quite good.
The additional Spin Doctor provides a great deal more control for Audio CD's.
DirectCD is perhaps the best Packet Writing app available and GoBack a very nice utility.
Grade:A -No Demo Available- Price $89
Nero & InCD (http://www.ahead.de/en/Index2.htm) from Ahead Software
Nero is also another of the Premier programs.
And one of my favorites, highly recommended.
It is capable of burning very good audio and data. It will also convert Mp3's to CD Automatically and Encode Mp3 with Optional Plug-In.
It has many options including, Normalization of Audio Tracks, Equalization of same, Noise removal, and more. Advanced, but still easy to use.
InCD is their Packet Writing app and it is Fair.
Grade:A+ -30 Day Demo Available- Price $69
CDRWIN (http://www.goldenhawk.com/cdrwin.htm) from Golden Hawk Technologies
This is a very good app for games and more.
It is capable of manipulating and patching games thru the use of .bin and .cue files.
A must have in order to copy some games.
It is also capable of burning most anything.
Grade:A+ -30 Day Demo Available- Price $49
CloneCD (http://www.elaborate-bytes.com/) from Elaborate-Bytes
The Premier Game Copying Program.
Especially for PSX games.
It works like no other in its ability to duplicate Copy Protected CD's.
Takes a bit of learning and a Copy Protection Detection application to go along with it is Highly Recommended
Grade:A+ -Demo Available, Limited to 2x Write Speed- Price $49
WinOnCD, PacketCD & Just! Audio (http://www.cequadrat.com/english/products/index.html) from CeQuadrat/Roxio
WinOnCD is Full Featured Software. Great for Audio, Data and VCD's.
This is my favorite Burnware, it produces the best sounding Audio CD's I have found yet. Especially when burning directly from Mp3's
You can manipulate Audio and Data in a myriad of ways, many options to choose from. Advanced but it is still an easy to use application.
PacketCD has now been replaced by DirectCD v5.0 starting with WinOnCD v3.8 which is NOT available in the US at this time.
Grade:A++ -No Demo Available- Price $59
Feurio CD Writer (http://www.feurio.com/English/index.shtml)
An Excellent Audio Only App
If you like Options for Burning Audio then this might be your Choice!
Also includes several Diagnostic Tools.
Grade:A+ -Demo Available- Price $29 & $39
Dart CD-Recorder (http://www.dartpro.com/New.asp) from D.A.R.T.
This is a very nice easy to use Audio Only Burnware that offers quite a few features and options as well. Including Normalization & Equalization, plus more.
Very Good Audio Quality for Mp3 to CD Burning
Grade:A- -30 Day Demo Available- Price $50
NTI CD-Maker Professional (http://www.nticdmaker.com/) from New Tech Infosystems
A good but rather simple burnware.
Too simple for my likes, but if you're a beginner who wants it as easy as 1-2-3 in a fully functioned burnware, this may be the one.
Has a few options including an Mp3 Encoder/Decoder.
And has been recently updated to the Pro Version with a few new features, including the ability to Record Live from LP's, Tapes and Mic's.
Grade:B+ -Demo Available- Price $50
Click 'N Burn Pro & Plus (http://www.clicknburn.com/) from Stomp/Veritas
A very small fully functional easy to use burnware. The Pro Version supports Multiple Drives and Live Recoding. The Plus version does not and won't burn VCD's.
Another good choice for the beginner and the Price of the Plus Version is Very Nice!
A Macintosh Version is Available as well.
Grade:Not Rated -No Demo- Price - Pro-$70 Plus-$20 Mac-$60
SimpliCD (http://www.oaktech.com/products/recording_software/simplicd.html) from Oak Technologies
Another simple easy to use burnware, with a few interesting twists.
It incorporates itself into Windows in a new and different way. I have not used it but the reviews I have read rate it high.
If you want it simple and functional, this may be for you.
*Note- Limited No. of CDRW drives supported...so check for yours first!
Grade:Not Rated -No Demo- Price $50-65
DiscJuggler (http://us.padus.com/discjugg.htm) from Padus
I very impressive little app capable of doing it all.
This is especially liked for backing up Dreamcast Games.
Grade:A- -15 Day Trial Available- Price $49
Blaze Media Pro (http://www.blazemp.com/blaze_media_pro.asp)
I have not tried it yet, but it has a lot of nice features.
Audio Only app with a lot of Conversion Options
No Grade -15 Day Demo Available- Price $50
Music Match Jukebox (http://www.musicmatch.com/home/)
The Basic version is free and it works quite well. It's not my favorite but the price is right!
Audio Only Burning...No Data, VCD etc..
It also includes a nice Mp3 Player and Ripper
Grade:B- - Free Version Available w/Advertising or-
Price = $20 & $30 for Registered Version
HotBurn (http://www.iomega.com/iom_software/hotburn_main.html) from Iomega
Have not tried it since Iomega bought them out, but it's simple to use and a decent app and it's cheap.
Grade:B -No Demo- Price $30
SmartDisk MVP (http://www.smartdiskmvp.com/) from SmartDisk
Another new easy to use app, but I have not tried it. The only nice thing I see is it contains other nice apps with it such as Neato CD Labeler
Grade:Not Rated -No Demo- Price $40
Need help with many of the Applications Above and Below?
Make Sure to Check Out our Tutorials From A-Z Folder (http://www.cdrom-guide.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=6834)
___________________________________
Hard Drive Backup & Imaging Apps
-------------
HD Backup
Veritas Backup MyPC & Simple Backup (http://www.veritas.com/products/listing/ProductFamilyList.jhtml?categoryId=100&_requestid=39373)
Top of the Line Backup App
*Note- Looks like Veritas has changed some things. Backup Exec is now a High End app costing $795!
The old Backup Exec is now called Backup MyPC
Grade:A - -30 Demo Available (click here) (http://www.stompinc.com/bump/bump-retail.phtml?.)- Price $70
They also now offer a Low Price, Low End Version called Simple Backup (http://www.stompinc.com/sbu/sbu-retail.phtml?.)
No Grade -No Demo- Price $30
Dantz Retrospect (http://www.dantz.com/)
Great Backup App, Easy to Use & Nice Features
This is what I now use
Grade A+ -30 Day Trial Available- Price $50 for the Express Version
Backup Now! (http://www.ntibackupnow.com/) from NTI
This is an up and coming backup app that's getting great reviews. I have not tried it and it's a little expensive, but..
Grade:Not Rated -10 Day Trial Available- Price $80
They also have a light version NTI Drive Backup available for $50
Ultrabac UB Safe (http://www.ultrabac.com/product/ubsafe.htm)
A Nice Little App, Best of all....
It's FREE, but does have limitations
Worth a look though.
Grade:B+ Price $49 if you wish to Register it
They also have a Full Win2k Version available
for D/L, but very expensive
------------------
HD Imaging
Norton Ghost PE (http://www.symantec.com/sabu/ghost/ghost_personal/)
DOS Based Imaging App, One of the Best
Grade:A+ -No Trial Available- Price $70
Check Here if you wish to Image Direct to CDR:
List of Norton Ghost Compatible CDRW Drives (http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/ghost.nsf/docid/2000032414453025)
Powerquest Drive Image (http://www.powerquest.com/products/desktop.html)
Another Great Imaging App
Grade:A+ - Price $70 - Trial Available for D/L
__________________________
Audio Utilities
AudioTools (http://www.audiotools.co.uk/)
Mp3 Convertors, Rippers, Encoders and Much More
Mp3 Check & Convert (http://www.ashampoo.com/products/0008/)from AShampoo
Nice Utility, use it to Scan your Mp3's for Corrupt Files.
[*One Note - It does not work on 320 bitrate files]
Once Found you can use Mp3 Workshop, or another,
to Resample & Fix them Before Burning
Grade:A- -Trialware 30 days- Price $10
Exact Audio Copy (http://www.exactaudiocopy.de/)
One of the Best Audio Rippers Out There,
And Works With LAME Mp3 Encoder
Grade:A+ - Price Free!
CDex (http://www.cdex.n3.net/)
Another Good Ripper/Encoder
Grade:A- - Price Free!
LAME Encoders Homepage (http://www.sulaco.org/mp3)
Updated Frequently, High Quality Encoder
And Best of All it's Free!
Monkeys Audio (http://www.monkeysaudio.com/)
A Wav Compression App that is Very nice!
It will Compress Wav's to Half their Original Size with No Audio Loss
And Includes a WinAmp Plug-in to Play the Ape Files Grade:A -Demo Available-
SoundForge (http://www.sonicfoundry.com/Products/NewShowProduct.asp?PID=426) One of the Best Pro Audio Editing apps out there. Very Expensive!
But Demo is Available
Cool Edit Pro (http://www.cooledit.com/)
Another Very Good Editing app
Demo Available
Cakewalk (http://www.cakewalk.com/Products/Index.html)
Cakewalk has a lot available, form Guitar Lessens to a Very Good Editing app.
Demo Available
_______________________________
Burning Utilities
CD Media World CD/DVD Utilities Page (http://www.cdmediaworld.com/cd_utils.htm)
You Will Find Many Useful Utilities Here
ISO Buster (http://users.pandora.be/smart.projects/isobuster.htm)
A Must Have Utility and it's Free!
Extracts all type ISO's or Use it to Recover Lost Data Files as well
CD-R Diagnostic (http://www.cdrom-prod.com/software.html) from CD-ROM Productions
A Very Nice Little Utility for Recovering Files Burned to a CDR or CDRW
Grade: A+ - Demo Available [However it will NOT recover files] - Price $50
CD-R Verifier (http://www.cdrom-prod.com/software.html) from CD-ROM Productions
Nice Utility for Verifying a Copied CD is A Duplicate of the Original
CDCheck (http://www.elpros.si/CDCheck/) from Fusion
Another Utility for Checking Copied CD's
BurnC - Another Comparing App (http://www.sbsoftware.com/)
CD Media World's CDRW/DVD Utilities (http://www.cdmediaworld.com/cd_utils.htm)
Lots of Must Have Utilities Here!
LPJ SlideShow (http://hjem.get2net.dk/lpj/Download.htm) A Nice FREE App for making Slide Shows
FlipAlbum (http://www.flipalbum.com/)
Or do you want to make a nice Digital Flip Album?
Have a look here: Price $50 - Trial Available