HotBurn - For The Technically Challenged!
Written: May 28 '00 (Updated May 29 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Easy to use
Cons: No Advanced Features
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| rpllingrock's Full Review: HotBurn |
If you are technically challenged or just want a simple to use, attractive interface to create your CD's then this may be your savior! This program was created with simplicity in mind, but lacks features found in a more expensive CD recording packages.
Installation/Setup
Can be purchased online and downloaded. HotBurn requires a test disc before performing necessary tests on your source CD drive. This is accomplished by creating it from a blank CDR, but the disc can still be written to again for backup of files but with files installed by HotBurn.
Features
You won't find many features here! All controls are right on the interface which consists of your project area to the left that contains four buttons, Data CD, Audio CD, CD Copy and System Test. The display area in the center and basic close, minimize, help and about to the right. This could be a good thing, if you desire an easy to use program. I find that when features are added to programs it complicates it to the point that it's not fun to use, especially when you're setting options and clicking buttons just to configure it to function.
Its small list of features are as follows:
CD-Text read and write support. - Enables text to be written to Audio CD's.
The ability to create multi-source CD's- This feature will enable you to make a customized CD of your favorite music, using tracks from different Audio CD's or MP3's.
MP3 Support- Will convert your MP3's to CD without the need to manually convert them to wav files first.
Create a Data CD- Such as a backup disc of files.
Copy CD's. Either Audio or Data- Make a duplicate copy of software or music CD's in one easy motion, closing the disc when completed.
Skins- Enables you to change the background of the interface by downloading additional skins from the Asimware Innovations Website. Seems like every program will have the "skin feature" in the near future! ;)
Compatibility
I have come across similar programs that conflict with Adaptec's DirectCD, such as Nero. I have yet to experience a problem using HotBurn but this doesn't mean that I won't, I just wanted to mention the possibility of such problems. One way to avoid such conflicts is to prevent DirectCD from starting with Windows and only running it when I need to write a DirectCD disc. I have found this to work with most conflicts.
Documentation
As simple to follow as the program itself, covering all the basics without the high tech jargon.
Overall
Chances are if you purchased a CD-RW, you have software included to perform what this will accomplish, but this will do it at an easier less complex level. I have evaluated HotBurn thoroughly for the past several weeks and have recommended HotBurn to several friends and family for its simplistic, no nonsense approach with excellent results.
If you desire the ability to tweak your software, then look elsewhere; this software is designed for the non-nerds! ;)
Recommended:
Yes
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