For the best PC system utilities suite, you can’t go wrong with Advanced System Optimizer
from Systweak it is the perfect all-in-one PC optimization software.
Advanced System Optimizer is a comprehensive suite with all the right
tools to improve your computer speed and performance.
Whether you’re trying to spruce up your old computer and get rid of
the clutter, boost speed by optimizing the PC, or simply just trying to
maintain your system to that “like-new” (or better) level of
performance, Advanced System Optimizer is a great way to go. With a
robust lineup of features and effective tools, ASO is a valuable
software solution. The versatile suite includes all the features to
effectively scan, clean, and optimizer your PC registry, start-up, hard
drive and other disks, memory and more. With a variety of useful tools,
tweaks, and optimizers, Advanced System Optimizer is perfect for any
computer. Gamers, social networking butterflies, and PC pros will find
several special tools, but everyday users will find the suite just as
useful.
Standout Features
File encryption
One-click optimization
Perfect for both beginners and advanced users
Recover “deleted” files
Permanently delete files
Ease of Use:
Advanced System Optimizer is composed of a slew of
tools and features, but they’re surprisingly easy to use, even for
beginners. The streamlined interface is intuitive to navigate, and the
effective organization and layout design make the whole suite quite
simple to use. You’ll never feel like the suite is just a bunch of
utilities and tools thrown together.
The main dashboard features easy access to the main categories
(registry, disk cleaner, security & privacy, backup and recovery,
etc.). You also will be able to see at-a-glance system status and the
current status of your overall security and optimization.
The PC utilities suite manages to take the frustration and fear out
of some seemingly complex processes. If things like “registry keys,”
“startup programs,” “encryption” or “defrag” cause you to get a little
squeamish, don’t worry; Advanced System Optimizer does all the hard work
for you. In fact, ASO automatically makes a partial backup before it
makes any serious changes/deletions so that if something accidentally
goes wrong, you can easily revert back to the previously working state.
But what makes Advanced System Optimizer especially easy
(particularly for beginners) is the one-click optimize button (Smart PC
Care). With a single click Advanced System Optimizer performs a number
of scans, cleaners and tweaks to de-clutter and improve your overall PC
performance.
Ease of Setup:
Installing the software is straightforward,
following the traditional setup wizard and installation process. Advanced System Optimizer
is purchased as a direct download, so you’ll be up and running in no
time (Physical backup CD is also available). You don’t have to worry
about the download containing any adware or spyware (and even if it did,
ASO is equipped to locate and remove such malware).
Maintenance/Diagnostics:
This all-in-one utilities toolkit has all the right
tools to effectively diagnose your PC for problems, remove them, and
maintain a clean system. While several of the tools are technically
available with any copy of Windows, the software takes them to a new
level (not to mention makes the tools much easier to find).
Advanced System Optimizer has diagnostic tools and scanners for the
registry, disks, system, and even security issues. The one-click “Smart
PC Care” system includes the junk file and registry cleaners, privacy
protector, disk defragger, driver updater, and antispyware scan. The
registry cleaner scan alone finds errors from ActiveX, faulty files,
shortcuts, fonts, start menu, application paths and more.
Another scanner of note is the disk cleaner and additional disk
tools. You can easily analyze your hard drive, external hard disks, and
even a thumb drive to see a load of detailed information. The Disk
Explorer allows you to see exactly how much free space you have on any
given drive, and the overall capacity. You can also see an
easy-to-understand pie-chart that explains exactly which file types are
taking the most space. Another neat feature is the ability to see the
top 100 files that take up the most space on your computer.
System Mechanic 9.5 Professional
System Mechanic from Iolo Technologies LLC has loads of great features and excellent support. System Mechanic is a strong PC utilities suite. The overall price was the only thing that kept it from beating out Advanced System Optimizer for our number one spot.
Ease of Use:
We found System Mechanic extremely easy to navigate.
The program has seven intuitive categories including Home, Clean, Fix,
Maintain, Optimize, Protect and Options. Helpful icons with brief
descriptions label each tool. The interface is clean and the processes
are straightforward and easy to perform. With the System Mechanic Jump
List you can instantly access all information and features. It only
makes sense that a program specifically designed to help your system run
faster and more efficiently is similarly quick and easy.
Ease of Setup:
We experienced no complications while installing System Mechanic.
Maintenance/Diagnostics:
System Mechanic offers a strong set of maintenance
and diagnostic tools, including a Startup Manager and a Startup Guard,
which helps you manage programs that launch with Windows.
Other tools include One-Click Maintenance, an uninstaller program (which
gives you power to delete all the remnants of uninstalled programs), a
device manager (which maintains all installed devices, hidden or
connected) and a PC Health Status Gadget (which offers an immediate
overview of your computer’s health status on your desktop).
System Mechanic also allows you to launch a Quick analysis from your
dashboard to check common problems in less than a minute. As an
alternative, you can also choose to perform a complete battery of
hundreds of tests to uncover every possible issue which effects your
computer’s performance, reliability, or security.
System Mechanic
does a great job of keeping your computer maintained with ActiveCare
which automatically repairs registry problems and optimizes PC
configuration. Furthermore, the maintenance only happens during your
computer down-time and runs in the background.
Advanced users can even check out the real-time status of their hard
drives including checking temperature, error rate and various other
conditions. All these indicators can be seen with quick status graphic
displays.
Repair/Recovery:
System Mechanic comes with a customizable toolbar, a
proficient Registry Cleaner (also customizable), a secure Delete
Program with an incinerator tool (which completely wipes files from the
recycle bin), rollback capabilities and a Quick Status tool (which
provides system statistics and an overview of files cleaned, repaired
and so on).
A Search and Recovery tool allows you to recover data that has been
deleted or accidentally erased from external digital devices, such as
digital photos, digital video and sound files.
System Mechanic’s Total Registry Revitalizer tool creates a complete and
seamless all-in-one care for Windows registry, performing all crucial
repair, maintenance and optimization procedures in one straightforward
step.
The PC cleanup wizard removes over 50 specific types of junk files as
well as internet activity and even erases search history in Microsoft
Office.
System Mechanic incorporates full undo capability with backups and logs.
In the event of an emergency, System Mechanic even includes a CD to
automatically restore and repair completely crashed systems.
TuneUp Utilities 2009
TuneUp Utilities from TuneUp Software GmbH is a
strong, easy-to-use product. This software has a host of useful
utilities and powerful system optimization tools. Among the best and one
of the most complete PC System Utilities software.
TuneUp Utilities Standout Features
1-Click maintenance
Specifically designed to utilize best features for each unique OS
Customization and optimization
Ease of Use:
TuneUp Utilities is simple to use; the navigation is
divided into six categories: Increase performance, Free up disk space,
Clean up Windows, Solve Problems, Customize Windows, and Additional
tools. Each section uses icons and brief descriptions, making
identifying the tool you need a snap.
A built-in back button would have made navigation even easier, but
the interface is clean and simple. The 1-click maintenance couldn't be
easier.
Ease of Setup:
We had no complications installing TuneUp Utilities.
The setup was easy and direct, and had us up and performing tweaks and
optimization tools in no time.
Maintenance/Diagnostics:
Although TuneUp Utilities doesn't include all of the
diagnostic tools as our higher ranked utility products, it does offer
the TuneUp System Information tool, which provides detailed information
about system specifications.
On maintenance, TuneUp Utilities comes with a useful process manager,
an effective uninstall tool, a frequently used program list (which
allows you to easily manage programs used most often) and the ability to
automatically delete Internet history as you log off.
You can also manage Windows startup programs with TuneUp Utilities;
you can disable, edit, add or delete programs that begin when you logon
with the Auto-Start Manager tool. The Startup Guard notifies you
whenever a new program is assigned to start with Windows.
The 1-Click maintenance is a fast and easy way to keep your system
running at peak performance. The automatic system cleans your registry,
deletes temporary files, defrags, and simplifies shortcuts.
Repair/Recovery:
TuneUp's Registry Cleaner tool is especially
helpful, allowing you to pick areas you want cleaned and make a backup
copy so you can easily correct an accidental or harmful deletion. This
feature also breaks down the errors found into categories; you can
select an error for a brief description or double-click it to go to the
error right inside the registry.
TuneUp Utilities even detects hard drive errors and automatically
locates and corrects file errors. The TuneUp repair wizard can help you
find and fix common problems.
The TuneUp undelete tool can be used to find and restore files you
"accidentally" deleted, even after you've emptied the recycle bin. The
tool can even help you recover data from USB flash jump drives or
digital cameras.
Of course if you don't want anyone else to find some sensitive files,
you can permanently delete the data using the TuneUp Shredder. This
utility safely and completely removes the information from your
computer.
Optimization:
TuneUp System Control gives you hundreds of Windows
customization options in one convenient location. The Icon Manager tool
lets you better manage the look and feel of your system's
icons-providing you with some of their own designs and other icon
download options.
You can also tweak logon options with TuneUp
Utilities. For example, you can switch between the classic logon and the
default, increase security, or create a message that displays each time
you logon. You can also request a detailed system status when you logon
or off your computer.
Although TuneUp Utilities does a fine job optimizing memory (allowing you to load and run programs faster) we found that Advanced System Optimizer and System Mechanic both recovered more memory than it could. You can also optimize Internet connections easily.
Feature Set:
Some of the great additional features TuneUp
Utilities offers are the ability to have an error message appear when it
occurs, instead of just being logged, and the ability to keep Internet
Explorer separate from the desktop-so if Explorer encounters a problem
it will not lockup your desktop.
TuneUp Utilities also includes monitoring tools that show real-time
stats on processes and programs on your computer. You can easily manage
running processes, making it possible to stop undesired programs simply
and without rebooting your computer.
Help/Support:
GmbH provides great support for TuneUp Utilities
including a built-in help manual, searchable content and walkthroughs
for all sections of the software. The online FAQs section includes
answers to a variety of question about the product. The complete manual
for TuneUp Utilities is available online in PDF format. They even
include the manuals of previous years' editions.
Summary:
TuneUp Utilities from TuneUp Software GmbH is a
substantial PC System Utilities program that will do a great job
maintaining and optimizing your computer. The program includes several
repair and recovery tools, optimization tweaks, and maintenance tools,
making it a complete PC system utilities solution. TuneUp Utilities is among the finest system utilities software, delivering a comprehensive lineup of strong tools to increase PC performance.
SystemSuite 10 Professional
SystemSuite from Avanquest takes the stress and
confusion out of keeping your PCs running smoothly with numerous
one-click solutions and easy to setup wizards. PC Utility software does
many complex things from registry repair to encryption to system
optimization, and yet this program is surprisingly easy to use. It has
nearly every feature we were looking for and is a great deal since one
license is good for up to three computers.
We also found the searchable help files extremely useful in
explaining complex technical terms. Furthermore, they also offer free
telephone support for registered users should you need it, which is rare
these days.
This software does pretty much everything and it is really quite
capable of performing triple duties by taking care of your security,
privacy and utility needs.
Standout Features
One-Step Wizards
Fix Windows Problems
PC Diagnostics & Repair
Windows Registry Repair
Optimizes Daily Performance
Virus & Spyware Removal
Real-Time Monitoring
Internet Speed Optimizer
Improved Gaming Experience
Windows Rescue CD
Free Unlimited Tech Support by phone & email
Ease of Use:
This program is pretty easy to use, especially
considering the complexity of the processes it can run. For example it
can provide you with email protection, configure your firewall, defrag
your hard drive, detect malware and more. And most of these tests and
scans can be done with easy to understand wizards or through a simple
setup. Also, most scans, tests or processes include easy to interpret
graphs or displays so you can quickly tell if a situation is poor,
excellent, critical or only a minor threat.
The program is logically presented with the left navigation bar
showing you a selection of protection, maintenance and optimization
tools that can be expanded into more options. For example, the
optimization section expands into 10 sections, which include things like
registry defrag, data vault, Windows Mods and JETDefrag. In addition,
most processes are presented through easy to follow steps. For example,
in the system optimizer section it simply asks you how you use your
computer most (for the office, multimedia, gaming and so on) and from
your selection it decides on how to best optimize your computer for you.
Ease of Setup:
We had no problems running SystemSuite on a machines that run Windows Vista and Windows 7.
Maintenance/Diagnostics:
SystemSuite has nearly everything we were looking
for in this section including a registry cleaner, the ability to manage
ongoing processes, a duplicate files checker, encryption tools and more.
Avanquest also offers up to the hour updates to handle emergent threats
such as viruses and malware. It includes over 100 quick system checks
and it can help protect your from identity theft, keyloggers and
rootkits while you are online.
Advanced SystemCare PRO
Advanced SystemCare PRO from IObit is a great
set of PC system utilities that does exactly what it set out to do: get
your computer up to speed and keep it running with optimum performance.
Complete with a variety of superb features, Advanced SystemCare is a
great option for keeping your PC running like new (or better).
Standout Features
Registry repair
Security features
All-in-one solution
Low priced
Ease of Use:
Advanced SystemCare PRO is very easy to use. Several
of the included tools are already available in every copy of Windows,
but can be hard to locate and utilize. This software packages those
tools, and several more in an easy to use system. The software is
streamlined, sleek, and utilizes a well designed user interface. The
program is pretty intuitive, and simple to navigate. Advanced SystemCare
PRO utilizes tabs and icons to help you get to each tool.
Advanced SystemCare does have several features for advanced users,
but the program also runs effectively as a set-and-forget software. The
program can be set to run automatically, including a complete defrag
system that will run when it reaches a certain level of fragmentation.
You can schedule the scans and maintenance to run at specific times, or
simply let Advanced SystemCare work when the system is idle.
But you don’t have to worry about the program interrupting your
everyday computing. You can even set the software to gamer mode so that
you aren’t interrupted, and your system is set to utilize resources
specifically for the media.
Adding another level of ease, Advanced SystemCare includes a
one-click solution, which performs all the necessary functions. You
don’t have as much custom control with this option, but it’s extremely
easy and does the work automatically. Simply click the ‘Care!’ button,
and let the software do its business.
Ease of Setup:
Setting up Advanced SystemCare is completely easy.
After a few standard choices and deciding the custom look (white or
black), then you’re up and running. And if the download or install time
does take a while, don’t worry, the software is going to help you speed
up your system, improving download speeds and installation/uninstall
time.
Furthermore, after initial setup and installation, Advanced
SystemCare works quickly and efficiently. There are a number of scans
and fixes that are combined into a single scan session, and we were
impressed with how quick they ran, even on our bloated test computer.
The defrag process took long, but certainly not any longer than it would
doing it yourself with the Windows defrag utility.
Maintenance/Diagnostics:
Advanced SystemCare PRO puts powerful maintenance
tools at the tip of your fingers. After an initial “Deep scan”, it’s
important to keep your system clean and maintained. This set of
utilities includes the tools to optimize not only your registry and
startup programs, but your copy of Windows, and internet experience.
Diagnostic utilities include graphs of PC performance and detailed
system information.
Spotmau PowerSuite 2009
Another super all-in-one PC utilities suite can be found in Spotmau PowerSuite.
The suite is comprehensive, including components for disaster recovery,
maintenance and tune-up, optimization, and privacy. Spotmau PowerSuite
2009 includes some compelling features that can’t be found elsewhere.
PowerSuite offers a host of powerful tools for a variety of uses, and
accommodates use on up to 3 home PCs.
Standout Features
Store confidential data in a Personal Safe
Locate lost passwords and product keys
Restart any computer with bootable CD
Disk backup and restore
Ease of Use:
Spotmau PowerSuite is simple to use, especially
considering some of the otherwise complex functions the software is
suited for. The interface is well organized, utilizing tabs and simple
icons. Navigating through the program and utilizing the various
utilities is straightforward and fairly intuitive.
Spotmau PowerSuite is actually a combination of several utilities
(Windows Optimization, Windows Recovery, Data backup and rescue,
password genius, etc), but the utilities come together effectively as a
whole package and never feel like individual software thrown together.
The suite is comprehensive and comprehendible.
The program actually contains two powerful components, WinCare and
BootCare. WinCare is comprised of all the utilities and tools to
optimize your computer and take advantage of a variety of other system
tools. Bootcare is used if/when your system crashes. The Bootcare
program is simple to use; simply restart the computer with the CD
loaded, and Bootcare will help you through the process of recovering
deleted, formatted, or otherwise corrupt data, and repairing problems
where possible.
Ease of Setup:
Spotmau PowerSuite was fairly easy for us to install
and setup. We were able to quickly download a copy online and setup the
program in entirety on our test computer in no time. Installation and
setup are completely straightforward, and Spotmau provides step-by-step
instructions to help walk you through the process.
If you purchase the product online, you’ll want to be sure and burn
your own disc so you can utilize Bootcare should the need arise.
Creating the disc is far from complicated, and Spotmau provides explicit
instructions.
Not only are the tools and utilities in the suite designed to help
you speed up a slow computer, the tools themselves actually work
remarkably fast. Most of the scans we performed were completed in a
matter of seconds, and were able to find a surprising amount of clutter
on our system.
Maintenance/Diagnostics:
Smotmau PowerSuite has all the right tools to help
you restore your computer to optimum performance, and keep it running
that way. The suite includes the ability to help optimize your registry,
hard drive, and even your copy of Windows. Furthermore, Spotmau
PowerSuite can remove useless clutter, speedup your startup time, and
make the most of your network speed.
Spotmau PowerSuite also helps you maintain your hard drive. With the
suite you can partition and format your hard drive as well as clone and
backup the entire system.
The suite is missing a few additional diagnostic features and
analysis tools found in some of our other PC utilities suites, but
certainly has all the essential tools to help you diagnose your computer
and effectively improve performance.
PowerSuite 2010
Uniblue PowerSuite is a quality PC system utility
of tools to keep your PC running smooth and fast. Its utilities include
everything from spyware removal and prevention to assistance in
removing installed programs and defragmenting your computer registry. In
all, Uniblue PowerSuite is a great set of useful utilities that have
impressed us quite a bit in our testing.
One thing we really liked about PowerSuite is that it isn't as
cluttered as many PC System Utilities programs we have seen. The options
are pared down to things the common user will find useful. This keeps
the product simple, while still retaining a level of functionality that
is superior to many other products.
Ease of Use:
Uniblue has created a utility suite that is fairly
easy to use. PowerSuite uses a loading screen that tells you the status
of your computer from all three included programs (RegistryBooster,
SpeedUpMyPC, and DriverScanner). Most of the options are one click,
while the ones that are not include easy to follow instructions.
While it's nice that the suite contains the functions of three
programs, having three separate programs can be confusing and
frustrating at times. The interface and feel of all three are identical,
and easy to use and navigate. But having to navigate between the three
does have it's downside.
Ease of Setup:
Setup is as easy as hitting next a few times. It is
fast and informative. Uninstalling is just as easy and fast, and more
important, complete.
Maintenance/Diagnostics:
Uniblue PowerSuite includes utilities to help you
uninstal and completely remove installed programs, manage your startup
programs and clean up your Internet browsing. It also helps with
repairing and defragmenting the registry.
Repair/Recovery:
The only recovery features within Uniblue Powersuite
are those associated with the registry repair portion of the suite. The
ability to create and restore both partial registry backups as well as
full registry backups are available.
Optimization:
The optimization capabilities of Uniblue PowerSuite
are fast and complete. Utilities to help you free up system memory and
optimize processor usage are available. There is also a section
dedicated to optimizing your startup and Internet usage.
Feature Set:
Included with Uniblue PowersSuite is a spyware
detector, a registry repair and defragmentation program, a system
optimization suite, and a system cleaning utility that consists of a
file shredder, junk file remover, uninstaller, and privacy scanner to
remove cookies and temporary Internet files.
Help/Support:
Support for PowerSuite is limited to an online
FAQ/Knowledgebase and a support ticketing system. The FAQs section is
full featured and well stocked with questions.
Summary:
If you are looking to keep your system running clean
and fast, Uniblue PowerSuite is a great option. It includes spyware
protection as well as offering a host of applications to help keep your
PC clean and running fast. PowerSuite is easy to use and comes with good
support. However, even with the features of three distinct programs,
PowerSuite didn't pack as many features as some of the other utilities
software we reviewed. You may want to compare PowerSuite with Advanced System Optimizer, System Mechanic, and TuneUp Utilities
.
Desktop Maestro 3
Desktop Maestro from PC Tools is a decent utilities program and system optimizer, but isn’t as complete as some of our higher ranked utilities suites. Desktop Maestro is primarily a registry cleaner (Registry Mechanic
by PC Tools, specifically) with additional safety and privacy
functions. The utilities software does boast quite a few good features,
is easy to use, and performs its job well.
Ease of Use:
PC Tools’ Desktop Maestro is very easy to use. With a
fairly intuitive interface and helpful icons, PC users should have
little or no problem using the software. The program provides quick
access to some of the most used Windows tools as well as the Desktop
Maestro tune-up and optimization tools.
Ease of Setup:
The download of Desktop Maestro is straightforward,
and we had no problems installing the software on our computer. Updates
are not automatic, but can be easily downloaded for free directly from
the program via PC Tools Smart Update.
Maintenance/Diagnostics:
Desktop Maestro includes several tools for helping
you diagnose your PC and maintain optimal performance. After a registry
scan you can clean out useless files that bloat your system. Desktop
Maestro also helps you uninstall and remove unused programs completely,
and lets you manage how programs run during startup.
Desktop Maestro also allows you to easily view various system
information, including graphical depictions of memory, specific disk
diagnostics, and even an at-a-glance status of your PC health.
Repair/Recovery:
Registry repair and recovery is what Desktop Maestro
does best. After a registry scan (full or customized), Desktop Maestro
helps you safely clean or repair invalid entries from your registry that
would otherwise collect and can even lead to complete system crashes.
Desktop Maestro is set up to automatically generate a backup of all
registry changes, so you can always restore to the original setup.
Desktop Maestro also includes a registry compacting feature to
effectively evaluate and compact (or defrag) your registry. Between
repairs, you can set Desktop Maestro to monitor your registry. After a
number of changes have been made, you will be prompted to run a scan.
Optimization:
Desktop Maestro from PC Tools does offer some good
optimization features, but is lacking in additional personalization
functions. Optimizing your PC for the best performance is simple, and
only requires a single step; simply click the “optimize your system
button”. This performs a variety of optimization tweaks to improve PC
system processing, memory and disk use, and overall performance.
Feature Set:
Desktop Maestro has a load of features and functions
to help you clean and optimize your PC. It also includes some advanced
privacy features. The Privacy Guardian section can remove any trace of
online activity, including several third-party web applications as well
as potentially private information in the recycle bin.
You can also “bleach” the free space on your computer. Files that are
deleted from your computer, even removed from the recycle bin can often
be recovered (see Data Recovery Software), but with Desktop Maestro you
can permanently remove the files.
Help/Support:
The in-program help for Desktop Maestro is decent,
and there are additional helps online in the form of FAQs. PC Tools also
provides free email support. Our query was responded to very quickly,
though the response didn’t directly address all of our questions.
Summary:
Desktop Maestro from PC Tools is a competent
utilities software that can be used to effectively diagnose, repair, and
monitor your registry. You can also optimize performance with a variety
of tweaks. The software is quite easy to use and even includes some
privacy protection tools, but just isn’t as complete as some of the more
powerful PC system utilities suites. We suggest comparing it to Advanced System Optimizer, System Mechanic, or TuneUp Utilities.
Norton SystemWorks 2009 Standard Edition
Norton SystemWorks 2009 from Symantec is a good set of PC system
utilities, but the program is missing a few features, has a complicated
installation process, and poor navigation. The suite does include a lot
of features and several tools, but also is the highest priced of the
software we reviewed. Symantec and Norton
are some of the most popular names in computer security, but we suggest
going with a more complete and easy to use pc utilities suite, such as Advanced System Optimizer, System Mechanic, or TuneUp Utilities.
Norton SystemWorks Standout Features:
Norton Insight utilizes smart technology for faster and shorter scans
No disruptions while you're watching a movie or playing a game
Prevents software you don't want from automatically loading
Ease of Use:
This software comes bundled with several other
programs, including Norton Disk Doctor, System Doctor, WinDoctor,
Optimize Disk, Wipe Info, and Explorer Shell Extensions. And although
Norton SystemWorks 2009 is easy to navigate, adjusting to the different
additional navigation layouts as you switch from program to program is
difficult. There's a lot of features packed into Norton SystemWorks, and
though it's effectively organized, it is sometimes difficult to manage.
Ease of Setup:
The first time we tried installing Norton
SystemWorks, we received an error that shut our computer down. Although
our second attempt was successful, Norton SystemWorks was not simple to
install; requiring us to go through several update checks and to restart
our computer at least four times in the process. The installation
process, like the navigation, might be overwhelming.
Maintenance/Diagnostics:
Norton SystemWorks offers many maintenance and
diagnostic tools including a Quick Status screen, a process blocker and
the ability to clear Internet activities.
This software also has a One-Button Checkup that does a Windows
Registry Scan, Program Integrity Scan, Virus Definition and Last Virus
Scan Check, Auto-Protect Check, Shortcut Scan and a Norton Cleanup Scan.
Once completed, this tool tells you the number of errors found a the
location of each problem.
This software also comes with a Startup Manager, a tool that we feel every good PC System Utilities software should include.
New to this version is the ability for Norton SystemWorks to complete
a performance test that evaluates your computer and hardware and
compares it with other systems.
Repair/Recovery:
Norton SystemWorks comes with a Secure Delete tool
that wipes out any file or folder so completely that the strongest
recovery programs cannot restore the data, including the Department of
Defense Wipe.
The software also comes with an Unerase Wizard that keeps a record of
all deleted files and allows you to restore them at will (not the files
you securely delete obviously). Although our test document was
restored, we had a difficult time finding it. The system also comes with
an individual undo as well as a complete undo tool, which restores
changes made while using the software.
The program's registry repair tool, WinDoctor, allows you to choose
which areas you want to scan for errors. When finished, it breaks the
errors into categories but can't take you to the actual error in the
registry.
Optimization:
Norton SystemWorks includes an additional program to
take care of your optimization needs; System Optimizer allows you to
personalize hundreds of Windows settings in one convenient place.
However, the Norton System Optimizer is difficult to navigate.
The software includes a defrag tool for optimizing your hard drive, but the defrag process does take quite a while to complete.
One nice feature of the software is that it automatically schedules
updates and scans to happen when you aren't at your computer.
Furthermore, the program is set up so that it won't interupt you in the
middle of a game or movie.
Feature Set:
There are several additional features in Norton SystemWorks, most notably an antivirus
program. One of the other additional features is Norton Cleanup, which
is used to get rid of internet activity that not only compromises your
privacy, but slows down your computer.
Help/Support:
Norton provides a good set of help and support
features with Norton SystemWorks, including a context-based help button
(which provides in-context help information), email support, paid
priority support and a decent knowledge base online.
Summary:
Norton SystemWorks 2009 from Symantec is a fair PC
System Utilities software with the added bonus of antivirus protection.
But for the same price you could purchase both the PC System Utilities
software, Advanced System Optimizer, and the antivirus software, BitDefender,
giving you two powerful products—both top in their fields—in place of
one. Norton SystemWorks works well, but leaves a bit to be desired in PC
utilities.
Ace Utilities 4.2
Ease of Use:
Ace Utilities navigation is extremely simple. It is
very well-organized for the novice user and offers plenty of
customization options for the advanced user. The All-In-One wizard makes
it easy to run all the scans that Ace Utilities provides.
Ease of Setup:
We had no complications installing Ace Utilities.
Maintenance/Diagnostics:
Ace Utilities offers a One-Click Maintenance wizard
that runs a Registry Cleaner that looks for empty folders, duplicate
files, temporary and junk files, and for invalid shortcuts. You can also
run each of these scans separately.
This software also helps you deal with software references left in
the Windows Add/Remove software list after you manually delete a
program. Ace Utilities allows you to manage Windows startup programs
with a Startup Manager and a Startup Guard. The Startup Guard alerts you
whenever a new program has been assigned to startup automatically with
Windows and offers several options to manage them.
This software does not allow you to Manage Running Processes-or kill
processes while they are running (especially helpful when dealing with
spyware) or a hardware diagnostics tool, which helps you determine if
your hardware is installed and working properly.
Repair/Recovery:
One of Ace Utilities strong points is their Registry
Repair tool, which allows you to easily customize areas you want the
registry cleaner to avoid. After scanning your registry, you can switch
to Expert Mode and double-click any error found to be taken to the place
in the registry where the problem originates.
Whenever you clean the registry, Ace Utilities generates an Undo
file, which allows you to put deleted files back into place in case you
encounter errors after cleaning.
Ace Utilities also comes with an excellent Secure Delete tool, which
lets you specify the number of times you want a file overwritten before
it's considered completely deleted. The US government's standard is
three times, the US military considers seven the magic number, but Ace
Utilities offers to overwrite up to ten times for secure deletion.
Optimization:
Although Ace Utilities does come with a Duplicate
File Finder, which searches for and deletes duplicate files on your
computer (as storing duplicate files slows your system), there are no
other optimization features available.
Feature Set:
Additional features Ace Utilities offers include a
Clean Disk tool (which removes obsolete files and cleans your C drive), a
Broken Shortcut Cleaner, a Disk Analysis tool and Auto-Updates.
Help/Support:
AceLogix Software offers plenty of help support for
Ace Utilities, including a built-in manual, an online FAQs page, email
support, as well as an instant update button.
