Tools for Your PC

Our Tools page helps busy PC users optimize system performance, find round-the-clock tech support, and have PCWorld.com articles delivered to a PC or handheld device.

Andrew Eisner, PC World director, special projects

For our new PC Tools section we've assembled Web-based tools and services designed to save you time and get you out of last-minute technical scrapes.

For starters, we partnered with PC Pitstop, which offers a comprehensive suite of Web-based tests to make sure your PC is virus-free and running smoothly. Need tech support at 2:00 a.m.? We've partnered with ePeople to provide access to PC experts for a nominal fee.

We've also assembled other tools and information services to deliver customized PCWorld.com news and reviews to your PC or handheld computer.

First Stop: PC Pitstop

PC Pitstop, our PC diagnostic and optimization partner, offers a comprehensive suite of tests to make sure your computer is bug-free. Here's quick peek into the tool box.

Full Test. These tests examine your computer's configuration, determine the browser and the operating system versions you are running, and then exercise your hardware to determine how well each subsystem is working. Once all that data is collected, it is sent to PC Pitstop's server, where the site analyzes it and tells you how you can make your system run better and faster. A detailed description of the full suite is available on the PC Pitstop site.

Virus Scan. With this test you can perform either a quick check that checks the most common virus hangouts in your PC, or a more comprehensive test that runs a complete virus check of your computer's memory and its C: drive. This free Web-based virus scan technology from Panda Software is updated regularly.

Disk Health Check Up. This suite of tests checks your PC's hard disk fragmentation level and look for inconsistencies in your file system

Internet Connection Center. How's your modem doing? This series of diagnostics helps you determine if you're getting optimal performance from your connection. The tools also help locate the problem--whether it's your modem, your PC, the site you're visiting, or your Internet service provider.

Next Stop: More Tools and Services

Got a really nasty glitch? Our Expert Help service lets you tap into the expertise of a variety of tech types. You can pose computer questions to a group of experts, check an individual expert's track record, and negotiate a fee for your answer.

We're not snobs, but let's face it: Web surfing is so nineties. Busy folks who want the latest computer news and reviews can have select PCWorld.com information sent to their PCs or handheld devices via our e-mail newsletters and other information services. With Instant Alerts, you select topics of interest and we send you only the articles that matter to you. Want to read PCWorld.com news on your handheld computer? Check out Avantgo Or subscribe to our e-mail newsletters and have the latest stories sent to your in-box each day.

Providing the best tools and services is an iterative process, so we need your help. When you sample one of our offerings, be sure to let us know what you think at webmaster@pcworld.com.