Pinnacle Instant CD/DVD 7 & Steinberg MyMP3 Bundle

InstantDisc is a CD-R and DVD-R burning utility, similar in function and looks to programs like Nero and Easy CD Creator. Like these programs, it offers an easy-to-use wizard for creating new disks, as well as an Explorer-style interface for those who like to drag-and-drop file selections when compiling new CDs. It lacks the ability to recognise drive speeds and there's no mention in the program or its documentation of support for buffer under-run protection. Disc copies appear to be made via a hard-drive data buffer.

Pinnacle Expression is a simple digital video compiler that enables you to specify video clips, order them and produce a DVD menu for the finished disc. There's very little editing capability within the program, but it's fine for preparing simple DVDs of your home videos.

InstantCopy copies CDs and DVDs directly from one disc to another. It's a very easy-to-use, one-click application but won't copy protected DVDs, so don't buy it expecting to pirate a movie collection from your local video library. You can also use it to create disk images of unprotected CDs or DVDs that can be held on your hard drive and loaded into InstantDrive. This makes them available at high speed from virtual CD or DVD drives.

Instant Backup is another straightforward routine that enables backups of individual files, folders or complete partitions. It's similar in function to the backup routine in Windows XP and, like that applet, doesn't include a scheduling function.

InstantMusic enables you to gather together and sequence audio clips to produce your own music. While pretty much an entry-level application, it does share a well-thought out CD and DVD labeller with other parts of the suite. This little application includes a range of interesting, coloured backdrops and can import track details automatically to add to case inserts. --Simon Williams

Steinberg My MP3:
All-in-one MP3 & CD Burning Software. With myMP3, you can listen to, convert, organize and then burn your music onto CD. Upload playlists to external hardware players or download music from the Internet. Play and record Internet radio at the same time. MyMP3 features loads of flexible recording functions for all audio sources. MP3s can be faded in or out and even crossfaded into each other and be cut in real-time. Get perfect sound with professional effects and additional VST plug-ins. MyMP3 is simply the perfect environment for your music.