Nero (computer software)

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Nero is a popular software suite for Microsoft Windows and Linux by Nero AG, formerly Ahead Software.[1] The principal component of the software bundle is Nero Burning ROM.

Contents

[edit] Bundled Application Descriptions

  • Nero BackItUp for backup of file systems or whole disks
  • Nero Burning ROM is an optical disc authoring program
  • Nero BurnRights allows host Administrator to assign required drive access to users
  • Nero CoverDesigner - designs CD covers
  • Nero ImageDrive for mounting virtual CDs
  • InCD is packet writing software that allows optical discs to be used in a similar manner to a floppy disk
  • Nero Recode for backup of unencrypted DVDs and MPEG-4 conversions
  • Nero StartSmart displays a menu of operations available as soon as a blank optical disc is inserted. Also places a menu icon on the Windows Start tool bar
  • Nero Vision DVD authoring tool is bundled in the Premium package.[2]
  • Nero Wave Editor for editing audio files

[edit] Bundle Naming Conventions

The whole bundled suite is called Nero followed by its major version number and a catchphrase which can vary by country (for example, Nero 7 Ultra Edition Enhanced in the United States, or Nero 7 Premium Reloaded in the United Kingdom and Australia); however, the core program is still called Nero Burning ROM.[3]

The most commonly available Nero versions are the OEM suites, which are bundled with many optical disc recorders. Some of these suites do not include Nero Burning ROM program itself, [4] instead providing less advanced application Nero Express.

[edit] Bundle Contents

[edit] Nero Express 5.5

Included: Nero BurnRights, Nero Express, CoverDesigner, Wave Editor, Nero Quickstart, NeroMediaPlayer, InCD, UDF reader, Nero CD Speed, Nero DriveSpeed, Nero InfoTool

[edit] Nero 7 Essentials

Includes: Nero SmartStart, Nero Express, Nero Home, Nero Vision, Nero Showtime, Nero Recode, Nero MediaHome, Nero BackItUp, Nero CoverDesigner, Nero PhotoSnap, InCD, Nero BurnRights, Nero CD-DVD Speed, Nero DriveSpeed, Nero InfoTool, Nero DMAManager

[edit] Nero 7 Ultra Edition

Includes the following: Nero Home, Nero SmartStart, Nero Burning ROM, Nero Vision, Nero BackItUp, Nero CoverDesigner, Nero Wave Editor, Nero SoundTrax, Nero ShowTime, Nero MediaHome, Nero Recode, Nero Photosnap, InCD, Nero BurnRights, Nero ImageDrive, Nero CD-DVD Speed, Nero DriveSpeed, Nero InfoTool, Fast CD-DVD Burning Plug-In, Nero Mobile.

[edit] Linux versions

A Linux port of the Nero Burning ROM application, Nero Linux, was announced as a free "upgrade" from the Microsoft Windows version in March 2005.[5] The application replicates most features of the Windows version, and uses the GTK+ graphical toolkit. As of 2008-02-26 a trial version is freely downloadable.

[edit] Criticisms

Nero AG has been accused of software bloat due to its slow evolution from a simple, efficient burning program to an oversized home entertainment package. A large installer contains many features perceived as unnecessary by many experienced users:[1] Visual Basic ActiveX control, CD/DVD label creator, sound editor, photo editor, and others. The premium versions of Windows Vista also has all the home entertainment, DVD burning, movie editing and backup features. This has spawned a niche of unofficial, more streamlined installers, such as Nero Micro, which include only features deemed to be essential, resulting in installer sizes as low as 13 MB, and featuring "just Nero Burning Rom with basic Audio/VideoCD support (English)."[6] While many components can be removed using the official installer, its large size and the inability to remove all undesired components via its interface make these alternatives desirable. A valid Nero license key is still required for all installations.[1]

[edit] See also

[edit] Notes and references

  1. ^ a b c Cassia, Fernando. "'Nero Lite' and 'Nero Micro': smaller sometimes is better", The Inquirer, 2007-02-27. Retrieved on 2007-03-07. 
  2. ^ Nero Vision 4. Nero AG. Retrieved on 2007-02-01.
  3. ^ Nero 8 Ultra Edition - Applications Included. Nero AG. Retrieved on 2007-11-02. Fifth application in the list is "Nero Burning ROM 8".
  4. ^ Perenson, Melissa J. "The Skinny on Burner Bundles", PC World, 2005-03-15. Retrieved on 2007-02-01. 
  5. ^ NeroLinux vs K3b. Flexbeta (2005-03-15). Retrieved on 2007-02-01.
  6. ^ "Acheron" (2006-03-13). [RELEASE] Nero 7 Lite Installer v7.7.5.1 (forum thread). Microsoft Software Forum Network. Retrieved on 2007-03-07.

[edit] External links