If you’re into PC technology, you’ll want to make sure you have the best software programs and apps. These can increase your productivity and make using a PC more enjoyable.
A clipboard manager can save you time by logging what you’ve copied and pinning frequent snippets for quick access. Another great option is Greenshot, which can capture full or selected regions of your screen.
Iolo
Iolo is a highly-rated PC maintenance software suite that helps ensure your PC remains free of junk files and hidden bloatware. It also optimizes your browser and drives for fast performance. It even boosts your computer’s memory and CPU usage. It also secures your personal information from hackers by storing passwords and credit card numbers with military-grade encryption.
iolo’s products use patented technology to repair, optimize, and protect computers and digital devices. They’ve been trusted by tens of millions of users worldwide since 1998. iolo Technologies LLC offers an extensive Knowledge Base with articles covering a wide range of topics. Their customer support is available by phone and live chat.
iolo’s System Mechanic is an excellent PC optimization tool, but it doesn’t have the best results in our ransomware tests. The program occasionally flags safe programs and files as threats, which can be distracting and annoying. Nonetheless, it is worth trying. The product also includes a comprehensive backup and recovery feature, which is an essential feature for any computer user.
F.lux
f.lux is a freeware program that adjusts the color of your screen based on time of day and location. Its primary function is to reduce eye strain by lowering the amount of blue light emitted from your display at night. It also adjusts the tone of your screen to match indoor lighting, which helps you sleep better at night. However, the program is not for everyone and should be used with caution if you use your computer for work that requires color accuracy.
Unlike other blue-light filter apps, flux doesn’t make any permanent changes to your screen. It is able to remove most of the blue light by shutting off the blue sub-pixels in your LCD pixels. However, it cannot completely remove all of the blue light because backlight leakage causes some pixels to still emit some light.
The standard advice for screen-time before bed is to avoid it altogether or use a blue-light-filtering app like f.lux, which is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, or Apple’s built-in Night Shift feature. This is great, but it may not be enough to help you sleep better.
CCleaner
Trusted by millions and critically acclaimed, CCleaner is the world’s most popular PC cleaning and optimization tool. It’s easy for beginners to use with one-click cleaning, yet it’s packed with advanced features for power users.
Over time, computers accumulate unused files, settings, resource-hogging applications, and out-of-date software drivers that slow them down. CCleaner cleans up these files and helps your computer run faster.
In addition, CCleaner can help protect your privacy by deleting browser history and cookies. It can also update your application drivers to ensure that all your programs work correctly.
The only drawback to CCleaner is that it can sometimes interfere with certain applications, such as Valve’s VAC anti-cheat program. However, this is a minor issue and can be easily fixed. Besides, CCleaner is a safe application and won’t delete any system files that could damage your system. Moreover, it can create registry backups before running any cleanup tasks. This way, you can restore any changes if necessary.
MalwareBytes
Malwarebytes Premium is an antivirus program that can protect your Windows computer against a wide range of malware. This includes ransomware, zero-day exploits (unprecedented types of attacks that software companies haven’t had time to patch), browser hijackers, and even tech support scams.
The premium version of the program offers real-time protection and a centralized reporting system. It can also warn you if you are visiting dangerous areas of the web that could leave your computer exposed. The software has a very user-friendly interface, complements other antivirus programs well, and provides excellent customer support.
Malwarebytes is a popular choice among cybersecurity experts and consumers alike. It is a highly effective program that can detect and remove most infections. It has earned a top rating from independent labs and boasts a comprehensive feature set. It is easy to use and features a simple interface, with all real-time protections turned on by default. The company also offers a free trial and a money-back guarantee.