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A free and easy to use CD burning software compatible with most Windows devices

A free and easy to use CD burning software compatible with most Windows devices

Vote: (55 votes)

Program license: Free

Developer: Canneverbe

Version: 4.5.8.7128

Works under: Windows

Vote:

Program license

(55 votes)

Free

Developer

Version

Canneverbe

4.5.8.7128

Works under:

Windows

CDburnerXP 32-bit is a modern, but reasonably simple, application that handles your audio and data CD needs, be it reading or writing.

It may seem as though CD-ROMs and DVDs have dropped off the radar in recent years, but someone forgot to tell CDburnerXP 32bit, because it's still in active development. This will come as good news to anyone who still uses optical discs. Certainly, these formats have lost popularity compared to increasingly cheap and plentiful flash devices and cloud storage, but not everyone has the money to spend on a high-capacity flash device or professional grade Internet connection. For users wishing to perform inexpensive backup tasks, make bootable operating system discs, transfer files on the cheap or even write a mix CD for listening to in their car stereo or boom box, CDburnerXP 32-bit might be just the tool to get the job done.

As it says in the title, CDburnerXP 32-bit is intended for 32-bit versions of Windows. However, it should work fine in 64-bit versions such as Windows 7, Vista and Windows 8 by turning on "Compatibility Mode" in the program's properties. Its tasks are divided up into three main 'wizards.' After you have selected the one you wish to use, you will be brought to the screen that handles the relevant functionality. The three choices are to burn a data CD/DVD, to burn an audio CD that can be played in a regular stereo or boom box, or to rip an existing audio CD to the MP3 format and label the tracks according to artist and song name, among other options.

These three key features are a welcome addition for Windows users who were dissatisfied with Windows XP's handling of writable CDs and audio CDs. By default, that operating system did not offer support for "ripping" CDs to MP3 format. It did support writing data CDs and audio CDs, but this process was slow and tedious due to its insistence on building an ISO image before writing the disc, which is an unnecessary step that CDburnerXP 32-bit skips over. CDburnerXP 32-bit also supports "burn proof," which uses a buffer to store data that is yet to be written to the disc. If this buffer is emptied due to system activity, the disc recording process is paused until it can be refilled, thus preventing the dreaded "buffer underrun" error that can turn a recordable CD or DVD into a coaster.

CDburnerXP 32-bit PROS:

  • Easy to use and simple interface makes novices feel at home
  • Able to handle both data and audio CD types
  • Supports ripping audio CDs to MP3 format, including ID3 tagging

CDburnerXP 32-bit CONS:

  • No support for double-layer media, but it is expected in a future version
  • Requires choosing a wizard option before opening an existing project, which might be confusing to some
  • Interface could use a little more polish