Utility Suites

Ratings and Reviews of System Utility Suites

System Utility Suites

There is nothing better than a GOOD system utility suite. Packed with lots of utilitarian applications and reporting capabilities, one of the products we'll review below can help keep your system running "up to snuff" as well as aid in diagnosing problems - in software or hardware - when problems do occur.

So what should you look for in a system utility suite? We think the following attributes are important:

Bootable diagnostic disk - have you ever NOT been able to load your operating system? If this has happened to you (and we believe that it has happened to EVERYONE at one time or another), you already know why this is an important part of any utility suite. Using this capability you'll be able to, in most cases, determine the problem with your system and either get with the manufacturer, your local "guru" or just head off to the computer store (or the web) to fix the problem.
Disk management - cleaning up temporary and other "file clutter", "wiping" drives (eliminating the files COMPLETELY) and backing up data are all important applications that utility programs offer. You'll be glad you have these utilities if you use them regularly.
Reporting and logging - checking the ongoing status of your systems is very important. If you know that something "odd" is going on - either through an unwanted intrusion by a virus or worm or the pending failure of a system component or software - logs and reports can help you prevent a system catastrophe before it occurs. Of course, you have to be checking...
System fixes - probably the most powerful capability in many of these suites is there ability to "fix" software problems automatically (or manually, you choose the action[s] to take). For the less those of us who just don't want to learn the bits and bytes of how operating systems work, utilities with this capability can be real life savers.

So if you're ready to choose software that is, along with security software, a system "insurance policy", read on.

Some vendors offer more than one package in this category. We'll review them in table format within that vendor's detailed review.

System Utility Suite Review

System Utility Suites*

(Rankings - best, 5 symbols, worst, 1 symbol)

Company	Best For*	Simple Start-Up	Cost	Time Savings	Ease of Use	Works With	Support	Features	Overall Rating
3B Software	ARP	¹¹¹¹	$$$$	¹¹¹¹	@@@@	YYY	ppp	iiii	%%%%
Allume	ARP	¹¹¹¹	$$$$	¹¹¹¹	@@@@	YYYY	ppp	iiii	%%%%
Ashampoo	ARP	¹¹¹¹	$$$$1/2	¹¹¹¹	@@@@	YYY	ppp	iiii+	%%%%+
iolo technologies	ARP	¹¹¹¹	$$$$	¹¹¹¹	@@@@	YYY	pppp	iiii1/2	%%%%
Neobyte Solutions	ARP	¹¹¹¹	$$$$1/2	¹¹¹¹	@@@@	YYY	ppp	iii1/2	%%%%
PC doc Pro	ARP	¹¹¹¹	$$$$1/2	¹¹¹¹	@@@@	YYY	ppp	iii1/2	%%%%
Smith Micro	ARP	¹¹¹¹	$$$1/2	¹¹¹¹	@@@@	YYYY	ppp1/2	iiii1/2	%%%%
Symantec	ARP	¹¹¹¹	$$$1/2	¹¹¹¹	@@@@	YYY	pppp	iiii1/2	%%%%
Uniblue	ARP	¹¹¹¹	$$$$	¹¹¹¹	@@@@	YYY	ppp+	iiii1/2	%%%%
VCOM	ARP	¹¹¹¹	$$$$	¹¹¹¹	@@@@	YYY	ppp	iiii1/2	%%%%

* A = Amateur, R = Rookie, P = Pro

3B Software

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

3B Software's System Utilities Pro is easy to install and use.

Cost - $$$$

System Utilities Pro is priced at $19.99.

Software	Price	O/S Supported	Overview	Features	Compatibility
System Utilities Pro	$19.99	Windows 98, ME, NT, 2000, XP	System Utility Suite	Clean registry Remove unwanted files from hard drive Provides system information Boosts available RAM Wizards for PC optimization

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

If you understand what is happening to your system, you can forestall those catastrophic outages that can take DAYS of your time to restore and rebuild.

Ease of Use - @@@@

The 3B application is very simple to understand. Wizards are available to aid in registry and disk clean-up.

Works With - YYY

3B's software is designed for the Windows environment only.

Support - ppp

3B Software has a list of tech support topics to help answer your questions on their web site. If you need more help, email is your only option.

Features - iii1/2

3B Software's System Utilities Pro includes basic system management capabilities including a registry and disk cleaner along with the ability to view in depth information on system hardware and the operating system.

Overall Rating - %%%1/2+

Good diagnostic and reporting software at a very competitive price.

Allume (recently acquired by Smith Micro)

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

Allume's Checkit System Performance Suite and Checkit Diagnostics are very easy to install and use.

Cost - $$$$

Allume product pricing is detailed in the table below.

Software	Price	O/S Supported	Overview	Features	Compatibility
*Checkit System Performance Suite*	$99.99	Macintosh OS X 10.3.9 or higher	System Utility Software	Spring Cleaning - SizeManager, Duplicates Finder, QuickCompare, System Snapshot, Internet File Finder, Secure Delete TechTool Platinum - eDrive (bootable OS X emergency partition on hard drive), Bootable CD, S.M.A.R.T. Tests, Testing Suites, Performance Improvements EMC Retrospect Express - 5 minute setup, complete backup protection, multiple media supported
*Checkit Diagnostics 7.0*	$69.95	Windows NT, 2000, XP	System Utility Software	Self booting Detects and displays Ethernet address and identification code of PCi/PnP or NE2000 network adapters 60 hardware reports 18 memory tests Resolve resource conflicts Cleanup screen PC Stress test TCP/IP tool

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

These tools, for Macintosh or Windows, allow you to test and fix your Macintosh or PC - and fast. Why call a tech and wait hours or days, or spend your time driving to a shop?

Ease of Use - @@@@

The utilities are easy to install and use.

Works With - YYYY

One for Macintosh, one for Windows....

Support - ppp

Allume offers a FAQ and knowledge base. If you need more help, you must use their online tech support forum and hope that their folks respond to your questions quickly.

Features - iiii

Lots of good, usable features - testing of hardware and memory as well as networking connections. Secure deletion of files, backup and much, much more.

Overall Rating - %%%%

Good packages for your Macintosh - or your PC.

Ashampoo

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

Ashampoo's wide variety of system utility suites are all very simple to download and install on your system.

Cost - $$$$

Pricing for Ashampoo products is detailed in the table below.

Software	Price	O/S Supported	Overview	Features	Compatibility
*PowerUp 3*	$49.99	Windows 2000, XP, Vista	System Utility Software	Profile Assistant Profile Manager Ready-to-use profiles Profile Export Quick Start Bar Automatic System Scan Risk Level Monitor Rescue Center Processes Services Benchmarking System Diagnostics Icon Manager Skins windows Optimization Online Update System Information Autostart Hidden Windows Options MS Office Setting Configuration MS Outlook Setting Configuration Privacy Hard Disk Acceleration Registry Clean-Up Wipe Files IP Spam blocker Tuning Assistant AntiSpy assistant Uninstall Windows Components Language Editor	Microsoft Office
PowerUp XP Platinum 2	$39.99	Microsoft Windows XP	System Utility Software	SwitchDesk - open additional desktops and switch between them Click-and send reports Autostart programs manager Firewall monitoring One-click tuning - Microsoft Office, gaming, media editing, resource optimization SysInfo tools - view all information regarding all computer components Taskbar control center Activate FireWire 800 support in Windows XP SP2 View all running tasks and processes and adjust their priority Function Editor to add functions Edit program texts Hard disk performance optimization Virtual Memory optimization Registry cleaner File wiper IP Spam blocker	Microsoft Office
Uninstaller Platinum Suite	$39.99	Microsoft Windows 95, 98, ME, NT 4.0, 2000, XP	System Utility Software	Creates two "snapshots" of system, one before application installation, another immediately afterward and creates installation log file, when uninstall is requested, application loads log file and restores system to configuration state before application installation Log patches, add-ons and plug-ins List option shows modifications made to system by application installation Easy and Expert modes Internet cleanup Deletion of duplicate files, empty folders, temp files Font management Uninstall watcher
Uninstaller Platinum 2	$49.99	Windows 2000, XP	System Utility Software	Expert mode Multi uninstaller Drag and drop desktop uninstaller Reinstaller Installer identification Windows Services Manager Internet Explorer add-ons manager Start menu cleaner Automatic updates Find/Delete temp files Find/Delete empty folders Find/Delete duplicates Uninstall watcher Add Add-ons, plug-ins patches to installation records of existing programs Incremental logs
WinOptimizer 4	$49.99	Windows 2000, XP, Vista	System Utility Software	One Click Optimization Cleaning Tools - seeks out and deletes redundant files and Windows Registry entries, clean hard drive Tuning Tools - adjust and optimize Windows system performance File Tools - split, join, encrypt, decrypt and delete files Tweaking Tools - 450 Windows adjustments, view and change file associates, system benchmark, visual styler, process manager, disk defragmenter
WinOptimizer Platinum Suite 3	$39.99	Microsoft Windows 98, ME, 2000, XP	System Utility Software	Drive cleaner Registry cleaner Internet cleaner DLL cleaner Internet tuner Startup tuner File associator File wiper Pop-Up blocker File encrypter and decrypter File splitter and joiner IP Spam blocker Access to Windows default functions Tweaking tools Disk defragmenter System information Disk explorer
System Pack 2	$49.99	Microsoft Windows 2000, XP	System Utility Software	Combination of: WinOptimizer 4 PowerUp XP Platinum 2 Uninstaller Platinum 2 Magical Defrag 2

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

Ashampoo's utilities can keep your system running at its best and save you tons of time by tuning and cleaning your system. Additionally, the Spam and Pop Up blockers included in a number of the utilities will keep unwanted email and ads from slowing down your Internet-related activities.

Ease of Use - @@@@

Ashampoo's user interfaces are simple and straight forward to understand and use. Some packages also include "expert" modes for more advanced users.

Works With - YYY

Ashampoo's utilities are designed for the Windows environment.

Support - ppp

Ashampoo's web site includes a support database with fixes for common problems. If you need more help, email is your only option.

Features - iiii+

Ashampoo's software utility suites offer a lot of capability in single, packaged solutions. The uninstaller software also includes the ability to restore your system to a past configuration based on a point in time as well as deleted unused or unwanted files and folders (and it does what is in the title too - uninstalls old applications!). The optimization software can help you clean up your Windows Registry, hard drive and virtual memory. However, our favorite is the System Pack, that combines WinOptimizer, PowerUp XP Platinum 2, Uninstaller Platinum 2 and Magical Defrag in a single, well-priced package.

Overall Rating - %%%%+

We like the capabilities (and price!) of the System Pack. However if you don't need all of the capabilities it includes, Ashampoo's other offerings deliver very good functionality at a very competitive price.

iolo technologies

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

iolo's System Mechanic software utility family is easy to install and set up for use.

Cost - $$$$

System Mechanic is priced at $49.95 (yearly updates, $29.95).

Software	Price	O/S Supported	Overview	Features	Compatibility
System Mechanic 7 Standard	$49.95, supports 3 PCs, $29.95 per year for renewal	Windows 2000, XP, Vista	System Utility Software	High speed disk defragmentation using patent-pending Caterpillar Technology Memory defragmentation and recovery Spyware and malware parasite protection, Clean up junk and obsolete files and system debris Clean, defragment, compact, and backup system Registry, Increase Internet and download speeds, Eliminate popup ads Manage Windows start-up Clean error-producing and duplicate files and drivers Schedule unattended system maintenance Tweak and customize 100 Windows settings Find and fix broken Windows shortcuts Search and remove invalid uninstallers Securely delete sensitive files, documents and other data, Erase Internet surfing tracks Eliminate Internet and browser clutter Boot-time de-fragmentation Startup Guard prevents rogue programs from adding themselves to Windows startup Software uninstaller Software re-locator Disaster recovery Startup organizer Drive Medic hard drive repair System inspector tool Process manager "I want to" section displays intuitive categories Intellistatus real-time system information Odometer shows statistics of all the repairs and optimizations made by System Mechanic

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

System Mechanic software will save you days of your time (and money) by protecting your system from intrusion, viruses, spyware and pop-ups as well as optimizing your system's performance.

Ease of Use - @@@@

The System Mechanic interface is simple to understand and use.

System Mechanic® 7 Professional

Works With - YYY

Iolo's packages are for the Windows environment only.

Support - pppp

iolo offers a robust tech support area on their web site with a FAQ, tutorials and knowledge base. If you have additional problems you can enter an email trouble ticket on their system. iolo also offers free telephone support.

Features - iiii

Nice bundling of systems maintenance utilities with virus and firewall protection. An interesting and rare combination in this sector.

Overall Rating - %%%%

Good software bundle at a very competitive price. A strong combination of maintenance, security and privacy features in a "utility" bundle.

Neobyte Solutions

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

Neobyte Solutions' System LifeGuard is easy to install and set up for use.

Cost - $$$$1/2

System LifeGuard is priced at $29.95.

Software	Price	O/S Supported	Overview	Features	Compatibility
System LIfeGuard 2	$29.95	Windows 98, ME, 2000, XP	System Utility Software	Cleans hard disk files Uninstalls unwanted programs Registry cleaner System tweaker to fine-tune basic computer functions Internet privacy cleans Internet history, cookies and cache Systems backup and restore with FTP backup option Organize data and time with scheduler Startup manager Shutdown manager Disk Defragmentation File shredder Detects duplicates, old and large files

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

Neobyte's System LifeGuard performs all types of tasks that will make your system run better, back up data or recover it if you deleted it by mistake and protect your privacy - all useful and time-saving tools.

Ease of Use - @@@@

System LifeGuard is very simple to use. Wizards step you through any and all functions the software performs.

Works With - YYY

System LifeGuard is designed for the Windows environment only.

Support - ppp

Neobyte Solutions has an online FAQ. If you need more help, email is your only option. By the way, Neobyte is located in Romania, so for U.S. purchasers, don't expect response on a U.S. time zone basis.

Features - iii1/2

Lots of good functionality - we especially find useful the file shredder and system backup options.

Overall Rating - %%%%

Good functionality and utility at an astoundingly good price. System LifeGuard's price is small compared to the capabilities it delivers.

PC doc Pro

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

PC doc Pro downloads and installs easily on your system.

Cost - $$$$1/2

PC doc Pro Gold is priced at $29.95, Platinum 365 at $77.95.

Software	Price	O/S Supported	Overview	Features	Compatibility
PC doc Pro Gold	$29.95	Windows	System Utility Suite	Check system for registry errors and corrupt files, applies fixes Screennotes - onscreen "sticky" note software StartUp Manager Junk Remover - junk file remover 1Click NetXcelerator - Internet connection enhancer 1Click WinXcelerator - system performance booster PC PowerTips - resource with computer tips, tricks, screen shots, websites
PC doc Pro Platinum 365	$77.95	Windows	System Utility Suite	Check system for registry errors and corrupt files, applies fixes Screennotes - onscreen "sticky" note software StartUp Manager Junk Remover - junk file remover 1Click NetXcelerator - Internet connection enhancer 1Click WinXcelerator - system performance booster PC PowerTips - resource with computer tips, tricks, screen shots, websites Two licenses Access to certified Microsoft Engineers for support

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

PC doc Pro is designed to find and fix problems on your system that could slow it, and you, down.

Ease of Use - @@@@

PC doc Pro basically runs itself once installed.

Works With - YYY

PC doc Pro is designed for the Windows environment.

Support - ppp

The PC doc Pro website includes a manual, FAQ and installation guides. If you need more help, email is your only option.

Features - iii1/2

PC doc Pro software detects and fixes system problems that could result in poor system performance or even system failure. Included with the package is onscreen "sticky note" software, a start-up manager, junk file remover, Internet connection speed booster, system memory booster and resources to help you optimize your system. The Platinum product includes support by Microsoft Certified Engineers.

Overall Rating - %%%%

Nice software packages, interesting sets of capabilities in one bundle.

Smith Micro

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

Smith Micro's CheckIt System Performance Suite (MAC) and Checkit Diagnostics (Windows) are easy to install.

Cost - $$$1/2

Smith Micro pricing is detailed below.

Software	Price	O/S Supported	Overview	Features	Compatibility
*Checkit System Performance Suite*	$99.99	Macintosh OS X 10.3.9 or higher	System Utility Software	Spring Cleaning - SizeManager, Duplicates Finder, QuickCompare, System Snapshot, Internet File Finder, Secure Delete TechTool Platinum - eDrive (bootable OS X emergency partition on hard drive), Bootable CD, S.M.A.R.T. Tests, Testing Suites, Performance Improvements EMC Retrospect Express - 5 minute setup, complete backup protection, multiple media supported
*Checkit Diagnostics 7.0*	$69.95	Windows NT, 2000, XP	System Utility Software	Self booting Detects and displays Ethernet address and identification code of PCi/PnP or NE2000 network adapters 60 hardware reports 18 memory tests Resolve resource conflicts Cleanup screen PC Stress test TCP/IP tool

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

If your system is having a problem - or you want to know if anything is going wrong IN ADVANCE, the Smith Micro CheckIt Diagnostics software will save you a ton of time (and lost data).

Ease of Use - @@@@

CheckIt Diagnostics are very easy to use.

Works With - YYYY

CheckIt Diagnostics are designed for the Windows and Macintosh environments.

Support - ppp1/2

Smith Micro has an easy to navigate and fairly extensive online knowledge base at their web site. After you register your software and yourself on their site, you can contact technical support via email or phone.

Features - iiii1/2

If it is a hardware component on your system, CheckIt Diagnostics can probably discover its status. Additionally, we like the PING tool that allows you to check the network (especially when you have a broadband connection and the service provider keeps blaming YOU).

Overall Rating - %%%%

Extensive, powerful diagnostic software. Everyone should have a solution like CheckIt Diagnostics (even if it isn't this particular one).

Symantec

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

Symantec's Norton Systemworks Basic, Standard and Systemworks Premier are all simple to install and set-up on your system.

Cost - $$$1/2

Norton Systemworks Basic is priced at $49.99, Standard is $69.99 and Premier is $99.99.

Software	Price	O/S Supported	Overview	Features	Compatibility
*Norton SystemWorks Basic*	$49.99 for download or CD, $9.95 for backup CD	Windows XP, Vista	System Utility Suite	Removes Internet clutter Defragments hard drive Windows Registry file cleanup Customized Windows settings Permanently removes sensitive information
*Norton SystemWorks Standard*	$69.99 for download or CD, $9.95 for backup CD	Windows XP, Vista	System Utility Suite	Removes Internet clutter Defragments hard drive Windows Registry file cleanup Customized Windows settings Permanently removes sensitive information Blocks spyware Stops viruses Removes Rootkits Detects emerging threats without signatures
Norton Systemworks Premier	$99.99	Windows XP, Vista	System Utility Suite	Removes Internet clutter Defragments hard drive Windows Registry file cleanup Customized Windows settings Permanently removes sensitive information Blocks spyware Stops viruses Removes Rootkits Detects emerging threats without signatures Full system backup (disk image) Restore damaged files

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

Norton Systemworks, like other tools in this category is a very inexpensive insurance policy for your data, time and money. If you know something is "going to go" or you can remedy a problem before it deletes data or crashes your system - it goes without saying it will make you much more productive.

Ease of Use - @@@@

Norton Systemworks is easy to customize for your system.

Works With - YYY

Symantec's system suites are designed for the Windows environment..

Support - pppp

Symantec has a wonderful tech support site, with a knowledge base, FAQ and automated support assistant as well as online chat and email. If you need telephone support, it will cost you $29.95 per incident and phone support is available Monday through Friday 6 AM to 5 PM Pacific.

Features - iiii1/2

A laundry list of capabilities that every system needs. Symantec provides a lot in the packages, from diagnostics to disk backup to anti-virus - quite a bundle.

Overall Rating - %%%%

Norton is one of "the" brand names in the diagnostic and system utility space. They've been doing this a long time - and their product bundles offer a lot of functionality for at a moderate price. LiveUpdate, with a year of software and security updates is a plus as well (and its automatic!).

Uniblue

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

Uniblue's WinTasks 5 is straight forward to install and setup for use on your system.

Cost - $$$$

WinTasks 5 Standard is priced at $29.95, Professional at $49.95.

Software	Price	O/S Supported	Overview	Features	Compatibility
WinTasks 5 Standard	$29.95 download, backup CD $11.95, extended download service $4.99	Windows 98, ME, 2000, XP	System Utility Suite	System Information - number of processes running on system, total CPU and memory usage, total physical memory Process Library - simple explanations for all processes detailed information about processes - author and official process name, include personal notes for any process, apply process categories, search Uniblue process library database for processes, report and comment on missing process information, download latest process library definitions from Uniblue Process Information - view user friendly process names, get executable name with full path, read process priorities, view real-time CPU and memory usage per process, view executable file properties and version information, edit name of process Process Management - stop processes, change process priorities, launch new processes Additional Features - can be loaded as background task when system is rebooted allowing scripts and logging tasks to run at all times, customizable user interface
WinTasks 5 Professional	Professional - $49.95 download, backup CD $11.95, extended download service $4.99	Windows 98, ME, 2000, XP	System Utility Suite	System Information - number of processes running on system, total CPU and memory usage, total physical memory, CPU and memory usage graphs for up to 24 hours Process Library - simple explanations for all processes detailed information about processes - author and official process name, include personal notes for any process, apply process categories, search Uniblue process library database for processes, report and comment on missing process information, download latest process library definitions from Uniblue Process Information - view user friendly process names, get executable name with full path, read process priorities, view real-time CPU and memory usage per process, view executable file properties and version information, edit name of process, view number of threads used by each process, sort processes by creation time, access CPU and memory usage graphs per process for up to 24 hours, printable and exportable process reports Process Management - stop processes, change process priorities, launch new processes, create process presets to restore running processes and their priorities while removing processes not included in preset, add selected process to block list Startup Manager - add new programs to auto start sections in registry, remove autostarted programs by deleting registry entries, disable and enable auto started programs, identify auto started programs with automatic process descriptions DLL Information - software lists all DLLs used by a process, DLL log, DLL descriptions, printable and exportable DLL reports Logging - log CPU and memory usage for up to 24 hours, log information about executed programs, DLLs and windows, save process information to text files Window Management - lists windows per process including titles, visibility, states, window log, close windows, control window states, sizes and visibility Scripting Language - creates scripts that run in background, monitoring and controlling all running programs, scripts access detailed process information to control priorities and terminate suspicious processes, scripts can search for specific executables and stop processes when they are launched, scripting information can identify processes related to documents and web pages, scripts can start new processes and stop existing ones when specific conditions are met Block/Allow Lists - add unwanted processes to block list, allow list can specify exactly which processes are allowed to run on system Additional Features - can be loaded as background task when system is rebooted allowing scr

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