While ImgBurn is my program of choice when it comes to the burning of data on optical discs, I do keep an eye on other free programs as well. BurnAware is one of those programs. It is highly popular and while the free version is somewhat limited in comparison to the paid versions - it lacks disc to disc copying, audio extracting and the burning of iso images to multiple burners simultaneously - its functionality should be sufficient for most users.
BurnAware 6.0 Free has been released today introducing several new features, improvements and a couple of fixes. The new version ships with an updated burning engine, optimized data transfers and buffering during writing processes, a rewritten user manual and minor changes like the ability to change the size of the home screen or a folder history that you can make use of to select data stored in previously used folders faster.
You can access the full change log here on the developer website. The core functionality of BurnAware Free remains the same. Once you have installed the application on your system and started the program, you are presented with the available options in the main interface. Actions are sorted into groups such as data, multimedia or disc images and the selection of an item here usually opens a new window where it can be configured.
The new data disc window for instance provides you with the means to add files or folders from the local system using built-in file browsers or drag and drop. The program is fast and responsive, and its minimalistic design makes the configuration phase a breeze.
Before you start the writing, you may want to open the options with F10 or via File > Options. The settings displayed here differ depending on what action you have selected on the main screen. One option that is available here is to change the cache size, which is a new feature introduced in BurnAware 6.0.
Verdict
BurnAware 6.0 improves the burning software only marginally. While it is still recommended to update to the latest version to resolve issues, it is likely that the majority of users won't notice the changes introduced in this version. The program is technically mature and there is little to improve anyway.
I think they also changed the name of Burnaware Home to Burnaware Premium.
Yes that is correct.
yeh, the best in terms of size and usability.
dont forget to skig AVG Toolbar that is inbuilt with setup.
just use inno unpacker to unpack the setup and u will find hidden avgtoolbar inside.
I have not seen any trace of the toolbar during installation. Can anyone confirm that it is included in the setup of version 6.0?
There is no attempt to install any toolbar from BurnAware Free 6.0. I don't know about older versions, but this one seems perfectly clean.
In version 6.0 during Express setup (recommended) will install AVG toolbar, while on custom set up you can opt out (unchecked) the AVG toolbar. Hope this helps.
I somehow did not get the AVG Toolbar in my installer. Can it be because I downloaded it from the BurnAware site directly using the mirror link?
as i said u need to unpack setup.exe with INNO UNPACKER then u will find toolbar setup inside.
The INNO SETUP UNPACKER can be downloaded from sourceforge.net.
it is to be noted that , i hav download burnaware_free.exe.
Ok I see the AVG files but what I do not get is why nothing from AVG is installed on my system when I run the installer? I also do not get a customize option during setup.
.also. I hav downloaded BA free setup from OFFICIAL SITE.
Within the packed Burnaware_free.exe v6 file is a tmp directory that contains the avg.exe file dated 1/9/13, v14.0.0.12 and digitally signed by AVG Technologies. This little compressed 2.8 mb program expands to 13 mb and 192 files and 61 folders!
This program contains the AVG Safeguard toolbar, and a host of other goodies such as exe files like MachineIdCreator.exe and dll files, hence the need for an excellent uninstaller. There appears to be no mention of it in the Burnaware license.rtf file.