Should I install Sonic and InterVideo

I just re-installed windows. My laptop came with a disc that has drivers and software. I didn't install Sonic Digital Media Plus and InterVideo WinDVD Player. I can install these whenever I want but I will be unable to uninstall them.

My question is: Is there better free programs that will do this job?

Thank you,
Tim

 

Oh I forgot to mention the two programs were OEMs. Therefore once I install them they are on for good. I just don't want too many excess programs if I can help it.
Tim

 

Sonic is the cd buring software. I would say it is useful, and worth installing, as it's a lot better than the built in windows software. There was a few addons to it that I uninstalled though, like the auto update control panel feature, so I don't know what you mean by "it's stuck on your computer forever" thing.

I don't think you will be able to find a free dvd decoder either online. I honestly don't see what's wrong with either of the programs.

 

Well if you don't mind paying for it, I would go with Nero instead of Sonic. You can find a downloadable OEM version for around 20 bucks (buy.com ). I think Nero is alot better than Sonic, and has more user friendly options/design.

Its really just a user preference.

Intervideo/WinDVD is pretty good for player/decoder. I like it, but prefer Cyberlink - sucks that it isn't free though.

 

I like Cyberlink to. You get what you pay for. You don't want Intervideo, it installs automaticlly when you try to play a DVD from Disney so its probably a spy tool from the tyrannt mouse. =D

 

SouthernGirl,
What is the latest version of Nero? How much does Cyberlink cost?

taylor138,
It doesn't give me the option to uninstall it once it is on the computer.
Thanks,
Tim

 

Retail for Cyberlink Powerdvd can cost between 40-70, but that's off their website. You can probably find it for a cheaper price on buy.com or pricegrabber.com

Nero 7 is the latest I believe. I'm running Nero 6.

 

Thanks for the replys,
Tim

 

InterVideo is known for keeping the CPU at higher-than-needed usage while playing DVD. I prefer PowerDVD. Intervideo gives some 20% less playback time when on battery (unless it has some new patch to remedy this)

 

vassil_98,
Is PowerDVD free?
Thanks,
Tim

 

i have to say I don't quite agree. I just got myself the most recent WinDVD version (7) because it has a special mobility option giving a longer battery life when watching DVD's than other software DVD Players. Unfortunately its not freeware though.
A while ago Tomshardware had a larger article of getting the most out of your notebooks battery life and they also recommended using WinDVD.

 

So I guess I will install InterVideo WinDVD and maybe look at Nero. Otherwise it will be Sonic.
Thanks,
Tim

 

I must disagree with most of the people here who recommended Nero... I prefer sonic coz it's more user friendly and doesn't slow down my lappy... i got this Nero for some bucks thinking that it's better but much to my surprise it's not and use a lot of resources... if you are here at my place i'll give NERO to you for free and try it for yourself.

i want a burner that is fast, reliable, and user friendly! Sonic has it!


However, with regards to dvd player i prefer powerdvd rather than my oem windvd.! i don't know why... i just like it!

 

I agree Nero eats up a lot of resources. I don't know why but I can't do anything while I'm burning a DVD. Maybe it's because I only have 512mb RAM but my Hard drive is almost not responding while burning any disk.
I liked Nero 6 better than Nero 7 but I"m lazy to get it back.

 

WinDVD, if you already have it, is great,and as noted above is better for mobility due to it's battery saving features.
However, I disagree with the recommendations for Sonic - Nero still has more features, is more stable, and has more regular updates. But Nero 6 suits most, worth every penny.