diagnostics

This scanner provides tools to swiftly free hard-disk space, but it lacks explanation of its features for novice users. Fortunately, Wise Disk Cleaner 3 Pro has a simple interface and is very easy to use.

The program works effectively and efficiently to remove temporary files without using much of the computer's resources. Users can set the program to perform a disk clean automatically, but there is no way to control when the automatic clean takes place. Fortunately, the program lets the user delete all files to the Recycle Bin, which may save headaches later on over a missing file. … Read more

Vista Manager opens a nicely designed interface that's easy to navigate and tasteful. The tools in this package are comprehensive, with a set of utilities organized under each category: system info, optimizer, cleaner, customization, security, network, and miscellaneous doodads.

Vista Manager performed well in our tests. It quickly grabbed system info about hardware and software components, and we especially liked that it listed each installed video and audio codec. We were able to export the log easily to an HTML file. The Process Manager displayed far greater detail than its Windows counterpart, with a more useful presentation in a … Read more

PC Fixer launches an attractive, well-designed interface that's easy to navigate. The functional design complements its ease of use. The feature list is adequate for most users, although experienced techies will prefer a more robust toolbox with more detail provided by its analysis.

Still, this free optimizer package performed well in our tests. It responded quickly, and we liked that it prioritized "ailments" needing repair when it scanned the Registry. We also liked that we could select categories for tweaking, such as IE, individual apps, Startup, Performance, and Service. And, should your changes have a bad outcome, … Read more

TechTool launches a small black-and-white interface with a few buttons; its compactness reflects the utility's small feature set. It scans your system and outputs a log of its findings: basic stuff, such as motherboard and BIOS info, chip manufacturer and model and speed, system manufacturer, operating system, and so forth. All this info is already accessible from your system, so TechTool's features are redundant, but may be handy for some novice users.

TechTool performed quickly in our tests, but we had some issues. First, its output stated at the top of its report, "This user does NOT … Read more

Quickly and painlessly monitor a number of system resources with this simple utility to see if there are any issues slowing down your computer. Moo0 SystemMonitor has a simple, easy-to-understand interface that requires little explanation.

It places itself on the desktop, similar to the Windows sidebar. The program displays up to 24 sets of data, ranging from hard-drive temperature, memory usage, and network connections to the number of processes loaded or the length of time the computer has been on. With a simple right-click, users can manipulate where it is placed and how it will appear. If needed, it also … Read more

This diagnostic utility quickly scans your computer looking for any problems. The biggest problem is there's nothing you can do to fix those issues unless you purchase the full version of PC MightyMax.

PC MightyMax is a colorful, well designed program that's easy to use. Users only have a few options, highlighted by very large, very visible buttons. You can diagnose problems, speed up your computer, or manage previous actions you may have taken. Choosing to scan the system for problems, prompts the program to spend about five minutes scanning the entire system looking for broken shortcuts, invalid … Read more

If you've noticed your system is running slower, or you've just purged your hard drive of several programs, this registry scanner may be the program for you.

Registry Cleaner provides an intuitive design and a quick scanning tool that is easily mastered. We were happy to see that users can choose to back up the current registry files before scanning, just in case something critical gets deleted or misplaced. While this seems like an obvious feature for a registry cleaner, we've seen quite a few without this must-have safeguard. After the back up, scanning is just a … Read more

A well-organized and easily implemented set of tweaking tools for XP offset XTweak's somewhat unappealing interface. The simple tab menu system ensures users will quickly find tweaks when needed.

Particularly helpful is the program's reminder corner that lists Registry and System backup needs. The corner adds a quick link to implement the needed function, though testers found the Registry backup slower than usual. Some testers were forced to end the XTweak process to regain control of their systems.

That problem aside, XTweak's tools are ripe for exploration. The tabs speak to the multitude of accessible and helpful … Read more

It claims to speed up your PC's shutdown process, but this program did no such thing when we put it to the test.

SpeedShut places four shortcut icons on your desktop--one for logging off your computer, one for shutting down, one for restarting, and one for aborting an initiated process. According to the publisher's description, the program includes some sort of shutdown configuration for a shutdown and restart delay, but it could not be found. Each shortcut icon that we clicked performed its function, but did not ask us for any kind of configuration. We also noticed that … Read more