Where do I stand with version 3.5 Delux

[acensor]

I purchased a Hammer 16X DVD writer almost a year ago at Frys.
Only just installed it. Yeah, I know, I procastinate.

I came with Video Studio 8 SE
Photo Explorer 8.5 SE
My Scrapbook 2
PhotImpact 10SE
CD & DVD pictureshow 3 SE
Ulead DVD player software

NoveBackup 7.1
and possibly most important to me--
Ulead Burn Now (although I don't see it in my Programs menu)
and
Movie Factory 3.5 SE (Thursday, June 17, 2004, 4:41:18 PM) -- which I am running.

I notice everything is now in later versions.
My GENERAL question is am I so seriously behind the curve that I should slit my wrists?

The main things I want to do are make data disks (I was able to do that with one of the applets just an hour ago.
The second important thing is to be able to duplicate DVD movies.
I doubt I'll be doing much movie creation or editing.

Do I have the software I need?
Is it worth upgrading any of the things I have?
Are there any free upDATES to any of my bundled apps?
(If so, where do I find 'em?)

Before I installed all the above stuff from the CD labled Ulead Digital Media Center Windows Media player refused to play any DVD's saying I needed Codecs. Apparently some codecs were installed with the Ulead software because now Win Media Player is happy.
However I investigated codecs and found that there are many different packages, some free, some note out there.
Do I need more different codecs?
If so, do you folks have any thoughts on which package(s) to use or avoid?

Also: Am I correct that Ulead software will not allow me to make backup copies of my own commercial DVD movies -- even within the "fair use" boundaries?
If I'm correct, does anyone have any preferences among the many software packages out there that claim to offer that ability?

Alex


Apologies for the nubie questions.

M

[heinz-oz]

I can't see a reason for you to upgrade any of the soft you have. There are no "free" upgrades for Ulead software either. If you are happy with what you have and all your apps perform reliably, don't mess with codecs.

[acensor]

..... There are no "free" upgrades for Ulead software either. ....

Thanks for the reply!

Yeah, I figured that, but was wondering if there are, as there often are, maintainance upDATES that, for example, fix minor bugs in software and improve drivers, etc.

[htchien]

And that goes to Update Packs. Check http://www.ulead.com/tech/dmf/dmf.htm for more details.

H.T.

[heinz-oz]

..... There are no "free" upgrades for Ulead software either. ....

Thanks for the reply!

Yeah, I figured that, but was wondering if there are, as there often are, maintainance upDATES that, for example, fix minor bugs in software and improve drivers, etc.

The sooner you get to apply the correct terms for things the quicker people will understand what you are saying precisely.

The answer to your question is: No, there are no free Upgrades (Upgrades take you from one version to a later one) but, Yes, there are free Updates, these are meant to fix bugs in a programs release and sometimes add extra functionality.

The problem with Updates is, that often, they do not apply to the SE versions of a program that comes bundled with some hardware

Upgrades however, are available for SE versions(reduced price from a full version)

Updates also do not work with trial versions