Top Ten PC System Utilities Software

1 | Advanced System Optimizer
Price : $29.95


Advanced System Optimizer’s Registry Cleaner scans 14 categories of registry keys to pinpoint invalid or erroneous entries. An error-filled registry can result in many different computer performance issues, like an increased amount of error messages and decreased system reliability. This feature eliminates many common registry errors, ensuring that these errors won’t affect the performance of your system. Advanced System Optimizer’s registry cleaner was the most effective among all the PC system utilities we reviewed.


The Disk Cleaner & Optimizers tab has tools that fix errors in your disks, as well as tools that get rid of files and file fragments cluttering up your hard drive. System Cleaner looks for files you don’t need any more, such as files that have been left unused for a while in temporary folders. It also tracks down empty folders that stuck around after old applications were deleted. Disk tools can be set to perform an analysis of your disks every time your system starts up to unearth any errors. If these errors were to go unfixed, they would likely result in serious computer problems like loss of data and hardware failure.


If you're looking for PC system utilities to protect your system and privacy, there are the tools to do just that in the Security & Privacy tab. System Protector detects spyware threats and separates them from the rest of the files on your hard drive. Once these threats are eradicated, this PC system utility ensures they don’t come back by using shields that protect your operating system from being changed without your permission. It also guards against security breaches from your internet browsers and the unauthorized installation of browser helper objects.



2 | WinZip System Utilities Suite
Price : $24.95


This PC system utilities software also provides a large selection of repair and recovery tools to improve your computer's performance. Once you have diagnosed any problems, you can use WinZip to fix common computer problems. One such tool is the startup manager. This feature sorts through the computer's startup programs and removes any programs that are not needed. By removing unnecessary programs from startup, your computer will run faster during startup. Also, an uninstall manager is available which simply allows you to uninstall any programs you may have downloaded on the computer. The deletion of these programs will free up your disk space and keep your computer healthy. Unfortunately, you can't erase or create partitions using WinZip, which would help you to better manage the hard drive and your computer's data.


Managing, organizing and deleting files and data on the computer can be scary, especially if you do not have an extensive background in computers. The WinZip System Utilities Suite provides a variety of backup and recovery tools to prevent data from being lost. The backup manager allows you to back up all of your files in case your computer crashes or you accidently delete the file. The Restore System Files feature allows you to restore all of those backed-up files. Or if you delete a file that you didn't intend to delete, using the Undo Delete feature, you can also restore that document. Although, if you have a file you would like to erase that contains confidential information, you can use the Secure Deletion tool to damage the file so it cannot be restored.



3 | System Mechanic
Price : $49.95

You can perform all of System Mechanic’s repair functions with the PC TotalCare all-in-one tool. PC TotalCare will also run optimization features. If you prefer to manage each repair function separately, you can use the tools that make up PCTotalCare – PC Repair, PC Cleanup and PC Security – separately.



The system protection options in System Mechanic can protect your computer against most spyware and virus threats. Security Optimizer finds holes in the security settings in Windows and takes steps to prevent future attacks from happening. You can eliminate any existing virus infections with System Shield and enable its realtime protection shield to guard against future threats. System Guard prevents digital intruders from changing your system’s key settings without your knowledge.

4 | MAGIX PC Check & Tuning

Price : $49.99

MAGIX Registry Cleaner delves deeper into the registry than any other registry cleaner we’ve come across, looking through 18 categories of registry keys for invalid or erroneous entries. In our testing, the amount of errors it returned was impressive, to say the least.


Clean Hard Drive unclutters your hard drive by emptying the Recycle Bin, deleting temporary files, removing old system-restore points and clearing the lists of last accessed files and programs. The Data Shredder can permanently delete selected files using the Pseudo-Random or Gutmann method. The Pseudo-Random method is quick, but it’s not as secure as the Gutmann method.


Delete Internet History lives up to its name, removing traces of your internet activity by erasing your browsing history, cookies and temporary internet files. Some sites out there implant your system with tracking cookies, which record everything you do on the internet. Most of the time these cookies are used to help online retailers track your shopping patterns; however, sometimes malicious websites use them to steal your personal information or infect your computer with spyware. This is why features like Delete Internet History are so valuable.





5 | TuneUp Utilities
Price : $34.95


TuneUp Registry Cleaner scans your registry for invalid or erroneous entries in 14 categories of registry keys. We appreciated how fast this feature scanned the registry and repaired errors it found. It even gives you the option to check the registry again to ensure it’s free of errors. This feature doesn’t try to wow you with the quantity of errors it finds; it does a thorough job and only returns registry errors that are the biggest threat to your system’s performance.


TuneUp Shortcut Cleaner deletes shortcuts that link to applications that no longer exist or have been moved. You can choose to keep or delete the invalid shortcuts this feature finds. If a shortcut has stopped working because its application was recently moved, you should repair it rather than delete it.


In the Gain Disk Space tab, you’ll find options for removing unnecessary files, old backups and unneeded Windows functions. This feature doesn’t update its findings until you restart TuneUp Utilities. This feature is useful, but it would’ve been even better if it looked for duplicate files and offered a button to update its results whenever you wanted.



6 | SystemSuite
Price : $49.95

SystemSuite is a stellar PC system utilities application. This application offers a wide range of features and tools to ensure that your computer runs at its best. It is easy to run any type of scan using this application, and it's very simple to repair and recover any damage that may have been made. One of the greatest drawbacks to this application is the lack of explanations for each feature of the software. If you are not aware of what each tool and feature does before using SystemSuite, it may be a bit of a challenge for you.

7 | Advanced SystemCare PRO
Price : $19.95


Advanced SystemCare PRO offers more than 20 tools for PC maintenance. DiskCleaner is one of these tools and helps you remove unnecessary backup, cache, log and other junk files, freeing up the hard drive space they once occupied. Disk Doctor checks your disks and their file system for errors. Any errors found by this element of the PC system utilities are automatically fixed to prevent any data loss from occurring. File Shredder permanently deletes selected files or folders to prevent them from being recovered.


Shortcut Fixer looks for shortcuts that link to applications that were recently installed or moved. This feature within the PC system utilities finds new targets for shortcuts that link to existing applications and deletes those whose applications were uninstalled.


Driver Backup is actually four features rolled into one. Not only can it back up your device drivers, it can also back up cookies, the registry and your Internet Explorer bookmarks. We had some issues getting the Registry Backup plug-in to function properly though. We were disappointed that this feature has no option for restoring the drivers you’ve backed up.



8 | Spotmau PowerSuite
Price : $69.95

Spotmau PowerSuite is an odd PC system utilities application because of how it’s structured. Instead of having a series of diagnostic tools incorporated into one easy-to-navigate interface, it’s a mismatched, disorganized hodge-podge of miscellaneous tools that are unnecessarily spread out. If the application were consolidated into a more understandable interface, it would be a much easier pill to swallow. As it is, it’s a PC system utilities application that has some quality features that are canceled out by its awkward interface.


9 | Auslogics BoostSpeed
Price : $49.95


Auslogics Disk Cleaner empties your browser cache and the history of what you’ve downloaded from the internet. It also removes unnecessary system files and temporary files. We were impressed with this PC system utilities feature because it dealt with 22 file types that usually clutter hard drivers. Auslogics Disk Doctor analyzes and repairs your hard drive much faster than similar features. Usually, you would have to restart your computer and wait a long time to complete this process, but this feature does it all without interrupting your current tasks.


Auslogics Duplicate File Finder browses your hard drive looking for files that are the same size and share similar names and content.


Auslogics File Recovery effectively restores files you’ve deleted from your hard drive or from various forms of removable media. You can also use this PC system utilities feature to determine if a file you wanted to delete really was deleted after all. If any changes you make with Auslogics BoostSpeed result in your system performing worse than it did before, you can undo them in the Auslogics Rescue Center.


Auslogics Registry Cleaner scans 16 types of registry keys looking for invalid or erroneous entries. We were impressed with how fast this PC system utilities application processed the registry. It scanned thousands of registry keys in a matter of moments and returned our scan results quicker than we had seen with other registry cleaners.


10 | WinUtilities
Price : $12.00


WinUtilities Disk Cleaner looks for junk files in your hard drive using a limited list of specific files and file types. When we first used this feature within the PC system utilities, we weren’t sure what it was doing because the cleaning options are buried in an options dialog box rather than displayed prominently in the application itself. This feature would be more useful if it supported more file types and its settings were brought out of hiding.


WinUtilities Registry Cleaner scans the registry for invalid or erroneous entries using a list of 11 types of registry keys. While most of these types of registry keys are important, unused language and time zone codes seemed out of place alongside system and user software settings. WinUtilities Registry Backup & Restore backs up your registry as part of the PC system utilities and enables you to restore it to its previously working state if problems arise. WinUtilities Registry Search finds registry keys based on searches you perform.


WinUtilities Shortcuts Fixer scans your hard drive for shortcuts that are linked to applications that were recently moved or uninstalled. WinUtilities BHO Remover erases Browser Helper Objects, which are pieces of software that integrate outside software into Internet Explorer.


WinUtilities History Cleaner removes traces of your activity from Windows, Internet Explorer, Firefox and third-party applications to protect your privacy from people who might be using this information to track you or steal your personal information.



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Top Ten Antivirus 2012

1.Bitdefender Antivirus Plus
Price : $29.95

Bitdefender Antivirus Plus is effective at successfully blocking, removing, neutralizing and preventing malware infections. Third-party industry testers and reviewers agree that Bitdefender is one of the best. It ensures security without sacrificing speed. Smart Scan technology takes advantage of PC processing power without being burdensome. Depending on what other tasks you have running and what resources are available, Bitdefender Antivirus Plus adjusts to optimize operations and maintain speed. In order to maintain the maximum performance that contributes to ease of use, the Scan Dispatcher feature discovers and uses available time slices if your system's resource utilization drops below a certain threshold.

2.Kaspersky Anti-Virus
Price : $59.95


Kaspersky Labs responds quickly to new viruses and is often among the first to detect new viruses in the wild. One reason the software is so effective is that it updates itself regularly. The malware landscape changes and Kaspersky adjusts to address the threats. A System Watcher monitors and logs application activity and behavior. If something suspicious happens, the software stops the process and informs the user. But more than just uncovering stealth threats, System Watcher can roll back your system and actually delete any malware.


The software works in real time, protecting you as you surf the web, download files, send and receive emails, and access files and documents. Third party testers and security organizations approve and recommend the software. Kaspersky has received top marks in VB100 (Virus Bulletin 100%) tests and boasts certification from ICSA. AV Comparatives has awarded the software with an A+. West Coast Labs has verified the software for anti-virus, anti-spyware, anti-Trojan and anti-malware. The German test lab, AV-Test, reports no false-negative detections and finds that Kaspersky has a 100-percent success rate at detecting new threats. When AV-Test installed Kaspersky on a pre-infected PC, it discovered and removed 23 out of 23 malware programs.


3.Panda Antivirus Pro
Price : $39.99


An independent IT-security institute in Germany, AV-Test, put Panda Antivirus Pro through its paces and found that it scores among the best at usability, protection and repair. It also does well in tests conducted by West Coast Labs, ICSA and AV Comparatives.


Panda Antivirus software is installed on so many computers now that hackers are writing code that understands how to attack Panda, specifically. This security software has a system to armor itself to prevent malware from changing files or entries in the Windows registry. Whenever it blocks such an attack, the system sends you a message to let you know it took care of it.


Millions of Panda users opt to share with Panda Security details of whatever attacks them. In this way, Panda is able to quickly indentify and contain fast-breaking contagions and send out an antidote. Panda refers to its cloud-based threat-compiling effort as Collective Intelligence, which winnows through almost 200,000 files daily to separate the sheep from the goats.


4.F-Secure Anti-Virus
Price : $39.99

AV-Test out of Germany places F-Secure among the leaders when it comes to performance. F-Secure is also among the handful of antivirus software products to win an Advanced A+ rating from AV Comparatives. The Virus Bulletin found F-Secure right on par with most of the best antivirus software competitors.


5.AVG Anti-Virus
Price : $34.99

AVG Anti-Virus software is an effective performer with well-considered features. It scores highly in tests conducted at independent software testing labs. It maintains a database of known threats so that it can block them, and it uses cloud technology to quickly deploy defenses against zero-day threats almost as quickly as the hackers can hatch them. It understands how to protect you and warn you against internet attacks. And it protects you in social networking contexts. Support is excellent, and AVG goes the extra mile by providing live chat.


6.Avast! Pro Antivirus
Price : $39.99


Avast Pro Antivirus uses several layers of protection, keeping your PC and resources safe from several angles. With built-in protection from spyware, rootkits and Trojans, the software is equipped for all major security threats. The application includes protection from malware spread through email (by scanning both inbound and outbound messages), and it also has an integrated IM shield. Avast also includes specific protection for several popular P2P file-sharing applications.


Avast Pro Antivirus has an advanced heuristic scanning engine to proactively detect malware that tries to bypass traditional virus scanners. While the files may look harmless, if they show malware-like behavior, the heuristic scanning engine can stop them.


With a combination of features, tools and technologies, Avast Pro Antivirus is equipped to effectively protect your computer. The antivirus software is able to keep your personal files and information safe while keeping any intruders at bay. The security application is equipped to locate and remove existing threats, as well as detect, deter and defend against any new threats.


7.G Data AntiVirus
Price : $29.95


G Data’s AntiVirus software isn’t a full internet security suite, but it comes pretty close with comprehensive protection. Antivirus and antispyware protection are combined with complete web protection. The software is equipped and armed to protect your computer from any number of threats (online or off), including phishing scams, dialers, adware, malicious scripts, Trojans, rootkits, worms and more.


The software also incorporates advanced protection from malware spread through email or IM. The software goes as far as scanning outbound email (messages you send) for viruses and other malware, so you won’t accidentally pass along a threat to your friends or coworkers.



8.BullGuard Antivirus
Price : $29.95

BullGuard antivirus software is designed to identify and remove a wide range of viruses, spyware, worms, rootkits and Trojans. It will continuously scan your computer’s disk and memory looking for virus signatures. It also is designed to protect you online and filter for spam, keeping your inbox clean.



9.Avira AntiVir Premium
Price : $23.49

Avira’s antivirus software has you covered, protecting from malware and its various forms (dialers, spyware, rootkits, worms, adware and malicious scripts). The paid version includes advanced protection from a number of online threats, including phishing scams and drive-by downloads. Avira AntiVir also has an integrated email scanner that checks for viruses and other malware in sent and received emails.



10.ESET NOD32 Antivirus 5

Price : $39.99

ESET NOD32 Antivirus may not be the most popular antivirus software but it delivers comprehensive antivirus protection. Independent test labs find it easy to use. It protects from malware by comparing suspect files to its known list of threats. It also examines files that seem threatening to see if they are dangerous even if they aren’t in the list of known threats yet. The software protects you from email threats and external media. If you switch to battery mode on a laptop, the software adjusts its behavior so that non-essential activities are curtailed until the laptop is plugged in. In case any malware penetrates the barriers and collapses a system, the product enables creation of a bootable disk or USB drive that will disinfect the PC and restore it to health.




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Top Ten Internet Security

1.BitDefender Internet Security

$39.95

 

BitDefender Internet Security is always aware and on guard. They protect over 400 million users worldwide from known and unknown internet assailants. Gold Award winner for internet security suites is an effective weapon against the evils of hackerdom. BitDefender can protect you and your family from invisible attacks from all angles – from the internet, email, social media, USB drives, network-connected devices and chat conversations.

After running BitDefender Internet Security through its paces, we must concur with a statement from BitDefender's Chief Technology Officer: "We've given the home user product range a striking overhaul, offering sleek, silent defense from today's e-threats," said Bogdan Dumitru, Bitdefender CTO. "The new interface is very easy to use, and the addition of the optional Autopilot feature will meet the demands of those users looking for a hassle-free security experience."

The BitDefender brand logo, the Dacian Dragon-Wolf, declares graphic hostility toward hackers who attack goodness. Half wolf and half dragon, the Dacian Wolf inspired confidence among ancient troops that carried it into battle by striking fear into enemies. BitDefender's mantra is simple – Awake – meaning that they strive to be relentlessly aware and ready for battle. We find the brand avatar and mantra to be appropriate to the spirit of BitDefender. If you arm yourself with BitDefender, you can have confidence in the multiple ways that it protects you. Moreover, when hackers attempt to breach your defenses and encounter a BitDefender guardian at your gates, they will lose confidence and move on to more vulnerable victims.

Cybercrime is in a sense the new global stealth mafia and costs billions in damages every year and increasing. When you're online you expose your personal information and your family's security unless the best internet security is on guard for you. BitDefender has the proven ability to protect your PC, your identity and your family from all angles.

2.Kaspersky Internet Security

$79.95

Before exposing your PC, personal information and family to the wild, shape-shifting dangers of the internet, armor yourself with the formidable Kaspersky Internet Security. Kaspersky continues to evolve and react to ever-changing internet threats and has the proven ability to combat aggressive zero-day and known threats. This internet security is comprehensive and effective. Gold Award-winning software is reliable, and you can trust it to defend your PC, identity and family from malware attacking from all angles.

With Kaspersky security, you can relax and enjoy everything the internet has to offer confidently. This security suite has strong parental controls, identify theft protection, a two-way firewall, safe surfing, Facebook tools, a geo filter, an online banking mode and more. This suite is one of the most all-inclusive suites created. The parental controls are powerful. You can even configure it to block your children from sharing personal information online such as your address, phone number or card numbers.

Eugene Kaspersky wrote his first virus detection utility in 1989 and in 1991 developed the AVP antivirus project, which became the prototype for Kaspersky Antivirus. Kaspersky Labs, founded in 1997, has grown rapidly since 2007 to become one of the top four IT security vendors in the world. Every week, 150,000 new users choose Kaspersky. We have installed, tested and reviewed a variety of their products and they have performed consistently superior to most competitors.

3.Panda Internet Security

$59.99

The prevalence of malware should not be underestimated. Just in the first nine months of 2011, Panda processed 19.9 million new malware specimens. In total, Panda has now processed 200 million malware files. Panda has a technology called Collective Intelligence, which is a cloud-based system for detecting, scanning, classifying and disinfecting thousands of new malware samples every day. This powerful and reactive tool has helped Panda create Bronze Award-winning Panda Internet Security suite, which has the proven ability to protect your PC from zero-day threats and mutating known threats.

The pioneers of the internet security industry maintain the best internet security suites. This is the case with Panda. They first launched a cloud-based scanner in 2007 – well ahead of the competition. Panda has been in the security business for over 20 years and has customers in nearly 200 countries. They have now translated their software into over 20 languages. They were the first internet security company to provide cloud-based antivirus protection in 2009 and launched the first Host Intrusion Prevention System in 2004. They are market innovators who keep in step with the equally creative cyber crime industry.

This internet security suite is a comprehensive total protection solution. It has parental controls, a firewall, a safe browser, a USB drive disinfector, a network manger, email protection and much more. It comes with useful extras such as 2GB of free online backup, restoration tools and remote PC access. It has tools for protecting your identity and contact information as well as a virtual keyboard for hiding login information from keyloggers.

4.AVG Internet Security

$54.99

AVG Technologies provides one of the most popular free antivirus applications available, but since 2006 they have added antispyware, link scanning, safe search, identity theft prevention and other technologies to their repertoire in order to create a complete internet security suite. Their antivirus software has tested well with VB100 since 2003, and they continue to earn awards and certifications from a variety of independent test labs.

The AVG Internet Security suite is a complete solution that goes beyond basic security. AVG understands that many users opt for the free antivirus version and that they need to offer valuable additions to entice them to upgrade to the paid version. To satisfy paying customers they provide tools that many other products and their free version do not, such as Facebook protection, website reports, anti-bullying technology to protect your children, a YouTube video accelerator, more frequent updates, system tools and 24/7 support.

5.Norton Internet Security

$69.99

Norton Internet Security can protect your computer, family and identity from all directions. It can protect from internet threats, bad links, network intruders and Android mobile phone malware, and it makes sure devices and discs you insert into your system are safe and social media interactions are secure. This internet security suite includes parental controls, a two-way firewall, network monitoring, a silent mode and much more to provide total protection.

We were impressed with all aspects of this suite. It has passed all major third-party tests and in some cases scored in the top 15 percent of security software products. It can even create a bootable recovery disc for you in case your computer gets so infected that you cannot start Windows. In addition, it goes beyond basic website ratings. It can provide you website reports before you click on a site, and it quickly checks file sources and age before you click on potentially hazardous links.

6.F-Secure Internet Security

$59.99

The best internet security suites balance up-to-date cloud computing technology with smart heuristic and behavioral analysis to be able to detect all malware. F-Secure Internet Security has achieved this balance and has a long history of passing numerous independent tests to prove it. In fact, in July of 2011 AV-Test rated F-Secure 100% in protection and 100% for detection of actively running widespread malware.

This suite also includes highly customizable parental control tools, a firewall, email filtering, scans and application control. In addition, it has the ability to limit demanding interactions with the cloud when connected by mobile broadband. This helps limit over-usage issues and unexpectedly high mobile broadband bills.

F-Secure's marketing slogan is "protecting the irreplaceable." To help support this statement they provide identity protection tools, intrusion prevention and a firewall. It also identifies online and email phishing attempts and will warn you before you submit your passwords and personal information into a website that's behaving suspiciously. Based on our experiences and third-party testing, we believe F-Secure can support their slogan and protect your valuable data.

7.Avast Internet Security

$49.99

In the past few years, Avast has improved significantly. They introduced a completely new interface with their last internet security suite release and they are receiving better efficacy scores from respected third-party testing agencies. The Avast Internet Security suite includes security components that all security suites ought to include, such as a firewall, spam filters, a game mode, safe browsing, privacy protection and file sharing protection. The only major security module this suite is missing is parental controls.

Avast is a fitting choice for those who like to engage in risky online behavior such as viewing video from unknown sources, P2P file sharing, image viewing, social media link-clicking and free game playing. This security suite has a tool called SafeZone, which can provide safe, secure web interactions in a zone separate from your computer. It also has a sandbox for running suspicious applications. With Avast, you can enjoy optimal web freedom.

8.ESET Smart Security

$59.99

The founders of ESET wrote their first application to detect a specific virus in 1987 and have since grown their company into a global security company with over 700 employees worldwide. They have passed a record 70 VB100 tests since 1998 and have sold over 100 million licenses. ESET is invested in long-term success across all platforms, including server-based and mobile security. For this review, we looked at the fifth version of ESET Smart Security. We tested the Windows version; however, they also offer mobile and Mac internet security versions.

ESET Smart Security is a complete suite; it provides parental controls, a personal firewall, virus and spyware protection, rootkit detection and removal, spam filters, game modes, device scanning and more. Though a long list of features may appear impressive, they must be paired with exceptional malware detection and removal to truly be the best security software. ESET has that too. ESET provides above average detection and malware removal abilities and boasts an extensive test history.

9.G Data Internet Security

$34.95

G Data, founded in 1985, is a global internet security company whose software continues to pass independent malware detection tests. The G Data Internet Security suite includes two powerful scanning engines, a firewall, spam filters, web protection and parental controls. This is one of the few suites in this review that also provides some mobile phone protection and 24/7/365 U.S.-based telephone and email customer support.

The G Data internet security suite is streamlined. The modules it includes are virus protection, signature updates, web protection, email check, firewall, spam protection and parental controls. From the home screen, you can easily view the status of all areas as well as license information and real-time CPU load data. We found this software quick to install and simple to configure. However, the parental controls and file shredder are separate downloads. Our first scan ran rather quickly, but it did pause a few times for high system use issues.

10.BullGuard Internet Security

$59.95

BullGuard understands our expectations of internet security software. They relate that "looking good only gets you so far. The product needs to work, and to work well." We agree. It does not matter how beautiful the interface is or how many modules it includes if it cannot protect you and your computer from all troublesome malware. But if a product has a proven track record of reliable performance and an attractive interface, that's even better. BullGuard Internet Security balances good looks with simplicity and performance to bring you effective protection.

Besides failed internet protection, users complain most about annoying security pop-ups. BullGuard makes it easy for you to decide exactly how much interaction you want to have with the software. They also understand that some want to install the software and never look at it again and others want to tweak every characteristic. This internet security suite includes powerful default setting and advanced configuration options for those who want to dictate exactly how the software reacts.


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Top Ten Antivirus 2012
Top Ten PC System Utilities Software
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