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Old 10-02-2002, 08:00 AM   #1
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Best PC optimisation / maintenance software

Hey again!

Well, I got Drive Image 2002 today along with the parallel to parallel cable

I just need one more piece of software advice on the Best PC optimisation / maintenance software to go for...

I've been looking into Norton Utilities but I don't really know of many others... So what would you say is the best? The least I'd like from the software is something can defrag the HD and about the max. price I'm looking to go to would be around $75

Thanks again everyone for all your help!
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Old 10-02-2002, 08:16 AM   #2
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I believe the best optimization is no software, just keep your temp internet, temp and root dir cleaned out, HD defragged, swap file set to min and max =, and especially do not have anything running at startup that is not absolutely necessary. IMHO!
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Old 10-02-2002, 08:41 AM   #3
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I'd have to suggest Diskeeper, if you want a featured professional defragger; the XP version of it is a lite version and is acceptable too
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Old 10-02-2002, 09:50 AM   #4
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Hi Babylon,

I'd stay away from anything that claims to improve system performance or automatically maintains your system for you.

I agree with ktkendall...keep your system clean (clean out the temp folders and such), resist the urge to download and install all kinds of free software from the net, maintain your system regularly (defrag, scan for viruses, trojans, spyway, etc...), run it lean (not a lot of background programs) and your system will be happy.

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Old 10-02-2002, 10:04 AM   #5
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Routine maintenance is the best system maintenance. There are some helpful tools you should take note of.
Diskeeper (although the XP version seems as good).
EasyCleaner from Toniarts. The easiest reg cleaner to use (also does useless files, and start menu screwups).
Ad-Aware from Lavasoft. Completely eradicates spy stuff.
Any good working updated anti-virus prog.
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Old 10-02-2002, 10:06 AM   #6
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Thanks for all the advice I was kinda stuck between getting Norton Utilities or not getting anything at all. I used to think it seemed pretty good and i tried a demo of it and just didn't find it too impressive although was wondering if i was maybe just too critical

Problem with defrag and scandisk problems is taht my anti-virus software always resets them (although the new XP defrag software is good)... Any advice on scandisk? I'd probably be running it during the night so would be there to ctrl+alt+del and end task everything!

I was gonna partition my HD in the hope of cutting down on defrag too so i'm hoping that works nicely

Thanks again for the info, you've all been really help
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Old 10-02-2002, 10:09 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally posted by reboot
Routine maintenance is the best system maintenance. There are some helpful tools you should take note of.
Diskeeper (although the XP version seems as good).
EasyCleaner from Toniarts. The easiest reg cleaner to use (also does useless files, and start menu screwups).
Ad-Aware from Lavasoft. Completely eradicates spy stuff.
Any good working updated anti-virus prog.
Thanks for list of software I'll see about getting some of it when i can I've used Ad-Aware before and it got rid of all the evil things programs have been installing on my computer!

Cheers
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Old 10-02-2002, 10:38 AM   #8
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I tend to prefer Spybot Search and Destroy after a suggestion by MorrisW, over AdAware. It seems like it does a better job. I also like it at work since it doesn't install anything on the start menu or desktop. It also runs faster. I also like Ghost for cloning and Diskeeper.
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Old 10-02-2002, 10:52 AM   #9
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I was quite tempted by norton ghost/norton systemworks but after hearing about problems with systemworks and recommendations by the people here i went with drive image

They both seem pretty good though! It's a tough thing going into a PC shop and seeing so many different bits of software which more or less do the same job!

Oh, eh, Norton Internet Security 2003 is pretty much the best AntiVirus and Firewall software, right?
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Old 10-02-2002, 02:46 PM   #10
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Close everything down when scandisking and defragging, I would put that 75 bucs into more memory and just keep up the sys myself.
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Old 10-02-2002, 02:55 PM   #11
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Well, i'm getting 512Mb DDR ram, but i just wanted to find out what else i should do to keep my system in check! My next upgrade for my PC is probably gonna be another 512 Ram, that's a tad on the expensive side for now!!!

Thanks
~Babylon
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