However, most CD‑R drives still don't support this feature at all - some will only read CD text (but not write it) and only certain models from a few manufacturers will both read and write CD‑Text information. Once burned onto the CD, this text will appear in audio players that support CD‑Text, and be ignored by those that don't. However, Nero was the first software to allow 8x‑speed recording for those drives that support it, and was also the first of its kind to support CD‑Text, for adding details like track titles and artist's name to the CD itself. It adopts a similar graphic user interface to most other packages - the Browser window lets you drag and drop selected files from your hard drive to the Compilation window ready for burning, and a wide variety of CD formats is supported. Ahead recently sent me a copy of the latest version of Nero (4.0.3.0), so I was intrigued to see just what it had to offer. This is apparently popular with many more serious users, since it provides various features not commonly available elsewhere. Mind you, there are other alternatives available, including Nero from Ahead Software, who are based in Germany.

Nearly all drives are bundled with recording software for both PC and Mac, and for PC the two most popular choices among drive manufacturers are Adaptec's Easy CD Creator, and Cequadrat's WinOnCD. Our recent reader survey showed that 16.7percent of you already own a CD recorder, and that 29.8percent are intending to buy one. Many people seem frustrated with the 'free' software that is bundled with CD‑R drives, so this month Martin Walker looks at a new low‑cost CD‑burning package, as well as reading a few meters. Nero is a versatile low‑cost solution for the majority of your CD‑burning requirements, and includes a host of features useful to musicians.

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