New computer tip : Getting healthy discounts on DVD playback and authoring software

Question

Lots of times when a user purchases a new computer, the manufacturer includes OEM software to supplement the hardware that was purchased. OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. They can choose what features to include with your computer while disabling others. For most users, the included feature set is going to be enough to get the new owners feet wet about how their DVD Burner works, but what if you need more features then what is given? A great example is when I purchased a Compaq a long time ago. It had a feature limited version of NERO loaded on the machine. After registering the software, which I thought was required to use it, I was sent an email to buy the full version of the software for a discount. I was very skeptical. Then when I clicked the link in the email to see what the discount was , it was Nero Ultimate for $19.99! This was an upgrade version , however. but the discount was tempting! I bought it, downloaded and installed it, and within an hour I had 85 percent more features on my computer then what was included when I used the factory default software. So before you write off promotional emails as spam , listen to what they have to say. You can always opt out if you dont like it.
*******DISCLAIMER********
I am not an employee of BBY in any shape or form. All information presented in my replies or postings is my own opinion. It is up to you , the end user to determine the ultimate validity of any information presented on these forums.

Answer 1

Or you can go the "free and open source" route.
DVD playback:
VLC
or
Combined Community Codec Pack + Media Player Classic
DVD authoring:
Not sure for Windows.  There's dvdauthor + various frontends for Linux.
*disclaimer* I am not now, nor have I ever been, an employee of Best Buy, Geek Squad, nor of any of their affiliate, parent, or subsidiary companies.