Windows users have lots of choices when it comes to maintaining and optimizing the operating system. They can use built-in tools, make use of single-purpose applications or install a full system maintenance suite like IOBit’s Advanced SystemCare 5. The software is provided as a limited free version and a professional version that are both packed with system tools that improve system performance, clean junk files, defragment hard drives and fix spyware problems: there is hardly anything that Advanced SystemCare does not provide a tool for.
The clean looking interface displays the four core modules, and the PC health status in the footer area on the screen.
The program recommends to run the deep care module first to tune-up the PC right away. Deep Care basically is a set of optimizations the program performs, from defragmenting the Registry to fixing vulnerabilities and optimizing the system configuration.
Unlike other tool collections who do not give you a say in what to run and what not, Advanced SystemCare gives you the option to run all, only select or even none of the modules (which would not make a lot of sense).
Scans take anywhere from one or two minutes to ten or more, depending on the PC. Results are displayed for each scan individually, with options to display details for all issues that have been found. It is recommended to look at the details before running the optimization to avoid issues later on.
Here is a list of all Deep Care modules:
- Full Malware Removal – Scans the system for spyware and security threats.
- Deep Registry Fix – Scans the Registry for errors, broken links and other issues.
- Registry Defrag – Optimizes the Registry to speed up system start.
- System Optimization – Optimizes select system parameters to speed up the PC.
- Startup Optimization – Optimizes and delays startup items to speed up the start of the computer.
- Shortcut Fix – Fixes or removes broken and invalid shortcuts.
- Privacy Sweep – Deletes web browser, Windows and third party application history information from the PC. Supports Firefox, Chrome, Internet Explorer and Opera, as well as
- Junk Files Clean – Deletes temporary files that are not longer need to free up disk space.
- Security Defense – Offers to block known, malicious or unwanted websites, cookies and ActiveX-based spyware.
- Disc Scan – Scans the hard drives for disk errors and attempts to fix them.
- Vulnerability Fix – Checks for vulnerabilities, e.g. security patches that have not been installed – and prompts to install them.
- Disk Defragment – A defragmentation tool. Advanced SystemCare blocks the defragmentation tool from running on Solid State Drives, a fragmentation scan is however still performed on those drives.
Advanced SystemCare Pro 5 creates a backup before it performs the selected actions. It is therefor always possible to restore the system if issues are encountered afterwards.
The Quick Care module runs only some of the scans that Deep Scan offers. The optimizations are configured to run automatically when the system is idle and on log on. The parameters can be changed in the options, for instance to only run select modules automatically or none at all.
New users should look at the – extensive – program settings. Every Deep Care and Quick Care module comes with its own set of options. Privacy Sweep for instance displays additional objects that can be removed when the module is run. It is on the other hand also possible to exclude a browser or program for the cleanup.
Turbo Boost is the third module. Two modes are offered here: Work Mode boosts the computer for better work experience while game mode does the same for a better gaming experience. Advanced SystemCare Pro suggests to turn of system services, background applications and to switch to a basic theme when either mode is activated. It offers suggestions on what to deactivate, but gives the user the last word for all operations.
Even better, it only takes one click to restore the previous system state to leave work or game mode again.
Toolbox
The Toolbox is a collection of system tools divided into the five groups Clean, Optimize, Repair, Security and Control.
Some tools, like Privacy Sweeper or Registry Cleaner, feel like advanced versions of the tools used by the Quick and Deep Scan modules. But there are other tools available that are not used by those modules. This includes IOBit Uninstaller to remove programs and run a scan for leftovers, the File Shredder to permanently delete files on the system or Driver Manager to update, backup and restore system drivers.
Those tools add lots of value to the program. Tools like System Control offer a surprisingly large amount of options to the user. It may look like the average run of the mill tweaking tool on first glance, which changes once you click on one of the entries there. Firefox users can for instance modify the browsers tab width and close tab button position there.
Interested users can download the free version of Advanced SystemCare right away to test the program’s functionality. Keep in mind that the program tries to install the IOBit Toolbar during installation.
Verdict
Advanced SystemCare Pro 5 is an all-in-one stop for all system maintenance needs. It combines the functionality of popular one-purpose tools such as Revo Uninstaller or CCleaner in an easy to use program interface.
Explanations and recommendations are provided, and backups are created so that it is always possible to restore the system to a previous state if a tweak or optimization does not turn out as it it should have.
Giveaway
We have 20 Advanced SystemCare Pro 5 licenses that we would like to give away. Leave a comment below to take part in the draw. Winners will be announced on our Facebook and Google Plus pages.
© Martin Brinkmann for gHacks Technology News | Latest Tech News, Software And Tutorials, 2011. | Permalink |
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