NERO 11 Platinum Free Download

ven if you've never purchased software from Nero, there's a good chance that you've already used some of it. That’s because Nero also produces basic disc burning software which is bundled free of charge with many external drives as well as with PCs outfitted built-in disc burning drives. However, the bundled software isn't nearly the same as Nero 11 Platinum, a comprehensive software package which lets you do just about anything you'd want to do in disc media creation, ranging from backup, rescue, and creating a CD or DVD cover to advanced audio and video editing.

A Mixed Collection

Nero essentially gives the bundled software away on the chance that some end users (you and I) will pay to upgrade to the “full” versions. Nero 11 Platinum is the “fullest” version currently available.

Unlike most upgrades from bundled software though, Nero 11 Platinum is not a more capable and full-featured expansion of a “lite” version. Rather, it is a collection of multiple programs, among which Nero Express (the basic free disc burning program) is just one.

If you’re getting ready to download Nero 11 Platinum, be forewarned. The download amounts to over 1GB, and it takes a while. As with many programs, you’re offered a choice of express or custom installation. I've never been so glad to have chosen custom. If I hadn't made that choice, I think I might have missed several “hidden” component programs!

With custom install, you’re offered your choice among a dozen software components: (1) Nero Burning ROM; (2) Nero Updates; (3) Nero BackItUp (4) Nero Cover Designer; (5) Nero Express; (6) Nero Kwik Media; (7) Nero RescueAgent; (8) Nero Video; (9) Nero SoundTrax; (10) Nero Wave Editor; (11) Nero Recode; and (12) Nero ThemePacks.

The software runs on Microsoft Windows 7, Vista and XP (note: The slightly lower-priced Nero 11 -- not the Platinum version -- is essentially the same as Platinum, but it comes minus the ThemePacks, which provide extensive libraries of templates).

After you install Nero 11 Platinum, four icons appear on the desktop: Nero Video 11, Nero Kwik Media, Nero Burning ROM, and Nero BackItUp. I initially assumed -- incorrectly -- that all the other programs I just installed must be subcomponents of these main four. I'll tell you more about that later. In any event, the video editing program was the most complex and feature-filled of the group.