Top 5 System Tools
Free up RAM, tweak your hardware, and remove remnants of programs when you uninstall.PCWorld.com Downloads Team
1. FreeMem: You know that each application you run uses up system memory. But you may not know that even when you close an application you don't always get all your memory back. This handy utility remedies that situation by not only monitoring your RAM but by freeing up memory that was previously in use. An icon resides on your taskbar with a green, yellow, and red indicator showing your current memory condition as well as your available memory. From that icon you can access a small menu that allows you to free up any amount of RAM you wish. You can also schedule "emergency free-ups" to make sure you always have enough RAM.
2. Perfect Companion: As conscientious as you try to be in using the Control Panel's Add/Remove Programs to uninstall apps, remnants of unwanted files invariably remain behind. Whether it's a stray DLL or an unchanged Registry entry, the job isn't fully done, which is unsettling particularly if you have a new PC that you want to keep clean. Perfect Companion removes all invalid file entries, class and interface keys, and application keys noted in the Registry.
Not only does it work for current programs you want to uninstall, but it can do the job retroactively, as well. Concerned about an ugly uninstall from a few months back? This utility will delete all unused keys that were created by any program no longer in your system. The program also keeps you aware of everything it is doing, showing you what files have been modified, replaced, added, and deleted.
3. PowerBar: Tired of always minimizing your screen in order to access icons on your desktop? This tool lets you put those icons on a toolbar that neatly docks in any corner of your screen. You can fit up to 16 icons on the toolbar in this trial version; if you register, you can add an additional 34. The icons can be anything you want: your favorite programs, MP3 files, folders, drives, or utilities. No longer, for example, will you have to close your windows just to access your CD drive in My Computer--the toolbar gives you instant access. The utility also features a real-time memory monitor along with an indicator showing how much free disk space you have. You can configure the program easily; all in all, it's a surprisingly useful little program.
4. Norton Utilities 2001: If ScanDisk and your system defragger have worked to no avail, it may be time to bring out the big guns--and Norton Utilities is a good choice. This suite of utilities (which can run continuously in the background) can help you recover from crashes, repair your system, and fix errors on your hard disk. The old "ounce of prevention" adage applies to your PC's health as well--Norton Utilities offers a number of preventive maintenance tools, including System Doctor, which continuously monitors your PC for problems.
The suite also lets you compare different file versions and recover deleted files. You can supplement your Windows defragger with Speed Disk, which optimizes your hard drive. And if you're just curious about different aspects of your PC, the System Information tool can show you all the details.
5. TechFacts 98: Looking for a powerful set of Windows diagnostic tools? Whether you're trying to troubleshoot a problem or just curious about how efficiently your PC is running, TechFacts will likely give you the information you're looking for. You can monitor just about every component of your computer: Registry, disk, CPU, memory, DLL recources, Internet connection, even your keyboard. The process viewer lets you monitor all active processes and kill any process listed.
You can access detailed information about your PC's hardware and OS (the program includes handy links to many PC component manufacturers--invaluable if you've accidentally reformatted your hard drive and you're trying to locate drivers). The program also includes useful Internet tools such as Ping and TraceRoute.