Software
AOpen ships their new CD-writer with Nero 5.0, which can be operated intuitively. This software allows you to record all common CD types like ISO data CDs (bootable as well), audio CDs, mixed mode CDs (audio and data), video CDs, hybrid CDs and of course CD copy. If you want to start a new CD project, a tutor will guide you through all important steps. Surprisingly you are given the chance to choose 10x write speed although the AOpen drive only supports 8x-speed or 12x-speed. If you do so, the drive will switch to 8x-speed by default.
Most other CD writers come with WinOnCD 3.7 from CeQuadrat, a software that is considered as something of an unofficial reference. The differences between WinOnCD and Nero 5 are more or less cosmetic, making Nero a similarly good choice. It's important to note that we could not operate the provided version of Nero with a Plextor CD writer. Obviously it was modified in order to work only with AOpen drives.
Lots of people like CloneCD from Elby because of its ability to copy CDs including all errors. Thanks to this you may copy practically every CD. A quick check with AOpen's CRW-1232 was positive: CloneCD worked properly.
