CDBurnerXP, BurnAware, - - free CD/DVD burning software in general

[WillyW]

Based on posts I've read here, just recently I pointed a friend towards CDBurnerXP and BurnAware as software for him to try for burning CDs and/or DVDs.     His system is WinXP.

The link I'd given him for BurnAware is:  http://www.glorylogic.com   .   I'd simply taken it from my bookmarks.     I was surprised when he told me to visit the site.   

All the rights for the BurnAware project was sold to the BurnAware Technologies company.
BurnAware Free Edition is not available!

On to CDBurnerXP......
And we saw this:

Additional software
    *                   Nero BurnRights allows users without administrative rights         
                          to burn CDs.

    *                   Microsoft .NET Framework - needed for version 3.5 of
                         CDBurnerXP and above

Being unfamiliar with XP, I'm hoping to get some clarification here.
In other words,  what are we getting into?       

Has anyone here used this latest version of CDBurnerXP under WinXP?    Are there any pitfalls to be aware of with installing both of the above,  since it sounds like they are both required now?

Any and all comments appreciated.
Thanks



p.s.   Any other free CD/DVD burning software that you recommend now?

[Calum]

I use CDBurnerXP and I highly recommend it.
The .NET framework is necessary as it is for many programs nowadays.
I've never experienced any issues with the program.

[WillyW]

...
The .NET framework is necessary as it is for many programs nowadays.
I've never experienced any issues with the program.

So just visit MS site, download it, and run the install?

[Calum]

Yeah.  it's a pretty easy install.  There are several versions, but the 2.0 is probably the best, it's much smaller than the latest 3.0 or 3.5 versions, which aren't really needed for many programs anyway.
You may, as raised in your PM, need the Windows Installer too.  It may already be installed, but to be on the safe side download it anyway.

[WillyW]

Yeah.  it's a pretty easy install.  There are several versions, but the 2.0 is probably the best, it's much smaller than the latest 3.0 or 3.5 versions, which aren't really needed for many programs anyway.

2.0
Got it.
Downloaded.

Thanks.

You may, as raised in your PM, need the Windows Installer too.  It may already be installed, but to be on the safe side download it anyway.

"You may, ...,  need the Windows Installer too."
Does that mean that if it is not already installed, that it will be needed?

I can d/l it and burn to a CD anyway.  No problem.
But,  when I get ahold of this XP computer,  how can I tell if it needs it?
i.e.,  how can I tell if it is already installed?
Control Panel... ?

Thanks

[WillyW]

Another option - if anybody can comment on it -   what about simply using an older version of CDBurnerXP? 

I see v.3.0 is available, and if I understand it correctly,  the .net framework is not necessary for that version.

Bad idea... ?

[patio]

I just happen to use Ver. 3.0......
Just ignore the update popup every 2 months or so and don't update it...

Runs fine on Win2KPro XP and Vista...

[WillyW]

I just happen to use Ver. 3.0......
...

Aha!




Thanks!

[Calum]

"You may, ...,  need the Windows Installer too."
Does that mean that if it is not already installed, that it will be needed?

To be honest, I'm not sure.  I've never not installed it, because I like to keep up to date.  Plus, I know if I don't install it, I'll need it.  Calum's law of software.

But,  when I get ahold of this XP computer,  how can I tell if it needs it?
i.e.,  how can I tell if it is already installed?
Control Panel... ?

Should be under Add/Remove programs if you check the box to show updates.
If you can't see it, install it.  Although you won't do any harm by simply installing it anyway, if a copy is already installed it will just be reinstalled.

[WillyW]

"You may, ...,  need the Windows Installer too."
Does that mean that if it is not already installed, that it will be needed?

To be honest, I'm not sure.  I've never not installed it, because I like to keep up to date.

Fair enough.

Plus, I know if I don't install it, I'll need it.  Calum's law of software.

But,  when I get ahold of this XP computer,  how can I tell if it needs it?
i.e.,  how can I tell if it is already installed?
Control Panel... ?

Should be under Add/Remove programs if you check the box to show updates.

Ok

If you can't see it, install it.  Although you won't do any harm by simply installing it anyway, if a copy is already installed it will just be reinstalled.

Great!    .... good to know that it won't do something odd... create two installs or something.


Right now, for the sake of simplicity,  and especially considering patio's comment,  I'm leaning towards version 3.   As I understand it, it does not require these other things -  just d/l it and install.

But, with the info you've provided in this post, it is most reassuring, should I need to have a fall-back plan.   


Thanks for the help and advice -   to both of you.   

[Calum]

You're welcome.
It's always good to know there is a simpler option out there, I use a fair amount of older software for that reason.