Nero 11 software review

Nero 11 is the latest multimedia suite to offer all encompassing control of your music, photos and videos. This software has had quite the overhaul since Nero 10. For example, you’ll see quite a different display, and all the major applications have consistent interfaces so switching between will keep a familiar layout that you can quickly get to grips with.

Its predecessor got with very positive reviews, and it combined editing, burning and backup software. New Nero 11 has built upon all these features for a better user experience, as well as stirring in a couple more to really make this a five-star suite.

What we like best

The abundance of tools Nero 11 puts at your finger tips at such a low price makes it excellent value for money. You get eleven applications which allow you to edit, format, burn, share and backup. There isn’t really much you can’t do with Nero 11.

These main applications each have consistent interfaces, so once you master navigation of Nero 11 you can easily switch between tasks and find your way quickly. The general layout has been reworked, making the users interaction with Nero 11 a much more intuitive process. Upon installation, we suggest you watch the introductory video which shows you exactly what the software contains. The rest is a pain free learning experience, but if you’re in a rush to get going then most of the applications have program wizards to help you zip through tasks, as well as succinct video tutorials.

Once you’ve worked with your media files, they can be burnt to high quality Blu-ray discs, CDs or DVDs using Nero Burning ROM. If a hard copy isn’t enough, Nero BackItUp live is one of the most efficient programs we’ve seen to safeguard your data. Once the application is opened, a flick of a switch from off to on will launch LIVEBackup, which stores your data as you work. If you’d prefer a more tailored approach the configure button will allow you to edit backup destinations and the extent and type of files that are being backed up. You can set up scheduled backups as well.

Nero 11 also allows you to convert LPs and cassettes to CDs. Nero Recoder is a universal video converter. It has a customizable option, so you can get the best playback for your device – be it tablet, console or phone. This application goes hand-in-hand with Nero Kwik Media, which is like the HUD (heads-up-display) of this suite: you have quick access to your media libraries and at the click of the appropriate button you can sync to your mobile device.

One of the most conscientious features we found was the option to shut down your computer when the job list is finished. If you need to convert a lot of files and love your computer too much to leave it on overnight, or have strong feelings about energy consumption, this feature will let you rest easy and unshackle you from your desk.

What we like least

Nero certainly doesn’t give a good first impression: it’s a bulky software requiring 5 GB hard drive space. Including download, InstallShield, reboot and actual installation it took about 2 hours to have Nero 11 up and running.

To be fair though, I did go make a cup of tea during the reboot, so a minute or two could be shaved off. The size of Nero 11 and the plodding installation aren’t mutually exclusive and can be forgiven since this software covers most aspects of media management and does the job well. Other niggles include the lack of Mac coverage and the fact that it insists you install an Ask toolbar, which frankly I didn’t want to do.