Computer software programs put the dumb hardware in your PC to smart use. They range from productivity tools like word processors and web browsers to game engines, media players and even a language learning app called Duolingo.
The best free programs are the kind that keep Windows from slowing down over time, such as the PC cleaners mentioned below. A one-click installer like Ninite can make it easy to get a load of them.
Speccy
Speccy, developed by Piriform Software, maker of the popular CCleaner PC cleaning application, is a system information utility that displays detailed hardware and software information on your computer. It includes real-time monitoring of temperatures, voltages and fan speeds in your CPU, motherboard, RAM, graphics card and storage devices.
Unlike other system information tools that require you to dig through different locations in your operating system to get the same data, Speccy displays it all in one neatly organized interface. It even identifies the BIOS version on your motherboard and shows you which type of RAM to buy for maximum performance.
It also allows you to save the scan results as a snapshot, text or XML file for easy sharing with technical support. However, Speccy lacks an alarm that can alert you to high temperature or voltage fluctuations, which other similar tools provide.
IObit Advanced SystemCare
IObit Advanced SystemCare is a full PC tuneup package that includes malware protection, optimization tools and resource monitors in a modern, easy-to-use interface. Compared to the likes of CCleaner, it offers much more functionality at better value.
Using one-click, it can clean junk files, privacy traces, invalid shortcuts and free up disk space to optimize Windows performance. The program can also manage startup items to boost computer boot speed, and monitor RAM and CPU use in real time. IObit’s Pro version adds deep registry clean, digital fingerprint protection and 24/7 technical support.
The design is very modern and simple for new users, but there are plenty of options for people who prefer more control. Including some advanced features in the free version would be nice, but it’s still an excellent all-in-one PC maintenance tool.
Glary Utilities
Glary Utilities has a similar range of tools to CCleaner, including a Registry cleaner, a duplicate file finder, an uninstall manager and a disk defragmenter. It also includes a tool to detect and update out-of-date drivers, which can help improve system performance and reduce hardware conflicts.
The 1-Click Maintenance tab brings together many of the software’s features, allowing users to perform a selective cleanup with just one click. The tools at hand include a registry cleaner, shortcut fixer, spyware remover, disk repair tool and track eraser.
Like a dirty house, our computers can get messy over time – with the potential to slow down the PC and let in unwanted guests. Glary Utilities can clean out the mess (like the Windows Registry cleaner and Internet traces cleaner) and even lock the door to keep intruders at bay (with tools to encrypt files, shred them and more). The paid Pro version also offers an advanced driver update function.
Ashampoo WinOptimizer
Whether you’re looking to free up disk space, boost PC performance or improve your privacy, Ashampoo WinOptimizer offers a comprehensive suite of tools and features. It also provides a user-friendly interface that’s ideal for beginners and advanced users.
Among the program’s most valuable tools is Boot Center, which allows you to optimize your system for fast boot times. It also eliminates slow startups and disables services that aren’t essential to your computer.
Other features include an advanced system cleaner that can get rid of junk files, fix broken registries, and reduce file clutter. It also has a suite of privacy tools that can safeguard your privacy by deleting browsing history and encrypt your sensitive data. The software is also constantly updated with the latest Windows changes.
Fortect
Fortect scans and automatically repairs Windows registry errors, resulting in improved system stability. It also clears junk files, reducing the size of your hard disk and freeing up space and memory for programs. It also helps remove privacy traces from your web browsers, which can help protect your identity online.
The program finds and removes junk files deep within your system that are no longer needed by Windows or by other software, similar to CCleaner. However, it has an advantage over CCleaner by showing you exactly which files are being removed, providing more control over the cleanup process. It also helps find and repair issues in the registry that can be caused by malware, software, or user error. It does this by deleting the damaged areas and replacing them with healthy versions from its repository.