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Appfail: Nero 9 Free - of good reasons to install it, that is
While I agree with that statement on the Nero 9 Free Edition download page, I'm not going to recommend any of you rush over to download it. Why not? I've got eight reasons.
1. They're asking for your email before giving out the download link.
Not a huge deal, I know, but it's still annoying. I'd recommend using something other than your primary email address on the download page or something like OtherInbox. In addition to the setup file, "you will also begin receiving Nero News with the latest tips, special offers and technology info from Nero."
2. The installer bundles the Ask.com toolbar
Again, not a massive problem - you can always opt out by unchecking the boxes during setup. Regardless, bundled toolbars are always an irritation during installation.
3. Upon completion, the installer asks you to send anonymous data
It's opt-in, but it's the third piece of the "why do they give it away for nothing" puzzle. A new address for their mailing list, possible referral bucks from Ask, and maybe some anonymous usage info from you.
4. The first launch begs for your contact information again
After a ridiculously lengthy install for a burning app, I fired up Nero only to be poked in the eye with "please fill out the blah blah blah." What's that you say? Yes, of course the "please send me your fail promotions and crap newsletter" box was checked.
Further BS: the red X to close does nothing, all you can click is "remind me later." What happened to "never register" or "no, thanks?"
Third launch: yep, still there. Fourth: back again. Fifth: you betcha. Sixth? Come on, Nero. Remind me later doesn't mean "nag me into submission."
5. You can only burn data discs
No, I'm not kidding. The piles of Nero Essentials OEM that I receive with every DVD burner we order wholesale can do audio, but this free version can't? I'd wager 99% of my customers would rather be able to burn audio than data, yet Nero Free chucked it out the window.
6. Smart Start is little more than a giant ad for the paid version
Since you can only burn data discs or make copies, what's the point of leaving all the other tabs (Rip and Burn, Create and Edit, Home Entertainment, etc.) in the interface? Why, to constantly remind the rubes that installed this turkey that it's a piss-poor burning application and they'll have to pay if they want any real functionality.
7. The uninstaller is predictably sloppy
Files were left behind in my AppData\Roaming folder, the Nero folder in Common Files was not removed, and several registry entries were missed. At least have the decency to clean up after yourself, Nero.
8. 55Mb download / 130Mb installed is way too bloated
ImgBurn: 2.1Mb. CDBurnerXP: 3Mb. InfraRecorder: 3.2Mb.
Some people you know may want to stick with Nero because they recognize the name. If that's the case, it's time for you to set them straight. There are plenty of better free alternatives. They're smaller, less annoying, and have loads more features.
You know, like the ability to burn a freaking audio CD.
I can't believe there was a time when I recommended Nero to people. My advice: avoid Nero 9 Free like the plague.
Comments
35
Subscribe to commentsblasztaAug 1st 2009 4:46AM
Try DVDStyler: http://www.dvdstyler.de/
rancid-lemonAug 1st 2009 6:57AM
Does anyone know the best program to use for lightscribe on Win 7? The disc that came with my lg drive fails at install?
motangAug 1st 2009 10:46AM
Imgburn FTW!
MollyAug 1st 2009 10:54AM
"Does anyone know the best program to use for lightscribe on Win 7? The disc that came with my lg drive fails at install?"
the version on that disc of yours is probably too old.
http://www.lightscribe.com/downloadSection/windows/index.aspx?id=810
the latest version claims support for Windoze Se7en RC.
rancid-lemonAug 1st 2009 1:45PM
"the version on that disc of yours is probably too old.
http://www.lightscribe.com/downloadSection/windows/index.aspx?id=810
the latest version claims support for Windoze Se7en RC."
Cheers Molly, I am giving it a try now.
Kenn.keeperAug 1st 2009 2:37PM
To Techpops: Your post #9
Reguarding my post #8, apparently you didn't read it very well. Read someting more than once as it suggests......I wasn't suggesting that this nero was my choice, it isn't. Go back and read what I said,,,,,,My Motto is "Free is Good" meaning that why pay for something when there are equal and sometimes better programs for Free......
This is a good example of why people get into computer hassles, they don't fully read something.
Free is Good
Kenn.........
DanAug 1st 2009 5:25PM
Wow, I'm glad I read this. I was kinda bummed about the Ask toolbar when I first read about this but all those other points are valid. I've always been a CDBurnerXP and Roxio E.M.C. 10 man anyway... :)
MeneldurAug 1st 2009 6:46PM
All my burning needs are solved with ImgBurn. I abandoned Nero a lot of time ago. I see why I won't return...
blogwardAug 2nd 2009 2:51AM
nero? er, no.
tingrin87Aug 2nd 2009 3:48PM
i still have Nero 6 Ultra installed - i got it for free when i bought a laptop (i'm thinking this was 5 years ago now). no real reason to upgrade, is there?
RyanAug 3rd 2009 1:46AM
The only reason that I'd install Nero 9 is because I bought it a while back (needed Nero Vision software and some other titles).
I hate how slow Nero installs and launches, how it steals all my file associations without asking, and doesn't let you buy individual software items.
Since installing Windows 7 RC1 as my main OS a few months back, I haven't installed Nero 9 (or any burning app yet now that I think of it), I sometimes use Nero 7 Express at work. I don't use Nero Vision any more either - I use Sony Vegas, Video Redo, and/or Windows DVD Maker.
dablinbigbandSep 6th 2009 8:00PM
Free is not always good_ya!!!_i like nero9 TQ_Free is Good
DIMITRISAug 28th 2009 7:04AM
OK
JenniferOct 13th 2009 9:23PM
Question!!!!????
I am using DVD Shrink and it wants me to install Nero in order to do my backups!! Is there another one I can use that DVD Shrink will recognize??!!
ViggoOct 13th 2009 10:34PM
I needed to burn an audio CD. For some reason Windows Media Player wouldn't work, so I downloaded Nero 9 Free. What a piece of crap. The only good thing was that the Norwegian version I installed didn't want me to install that stupid toolbar.
But I could not figure out how to burn not a data, but an audio disc. A ninth point you could add is that there is no built-in help file, nor is there an online help. In order to get help, you have to download a pfd-file. Thankfully, I found this site with Google and found out that THIS CD BURNING PROGRAM CAN NOT BURN AUDIO CD'S!
I have never really liked Nero's burners very well, but I have been using them on and off for about a decade. I am pretty certain that you could burn audio CDs in earlier free version, so this might be a new restriction they have added. No I have downloaded CDBurnerXP, and I doubt I'll ever use Nero again!
PS! Another stupid thing about this awful Nero shit is that it is not possible to maximise it to full screen view. It's always stuck in a medium-sized window, which it is not even possible to change in size!