If you're a serious gamer then you'll need some help to get the most out of your system and ensure your graphics card is performing to the peak of it's abilities.

Game Gain 2 is the latest version of this popular gaming assistant which attempts to take gaming to the next level. It can help you enjoy games like you never have done before by using those parts of your processor and graphics card that had formerly laid dormant. The program is remarkably easy to use requiring just the tweaking of a few throttles and switches to blast your PC into the gaming stratosphere. However, you should use this utility with caution because it does change registry settings that could unbalance your system if your registry is already damaged. It works by making direct changes to system registry and system files to enhance memory, screen drawing, animations, refresh rates, CPU threading speeds. However the developers assure that it only optimises based on the capabilities of your system and won't try and push it past anything it can't handle. If you do experience problems afterwards, the system analyzer should help remedy them.

A great tool for gamers although if you've got the latest Intel Quad processors, you'll probably have little use for it.

Download GameGain 2.7.7.2008 in Softonic

The all-new PcMedik 6 sets the standard for PC optimizing software. One of the first products to enhance PC performance, it increases overall speed and squeezes out every last bit of performance your computer is capable of.

PcMedik also locates and repairs problems with software and hardware incompatibilities which lead to computer performance issues. Very easy to use, fully compliant with all versions of Microsoft Windows and adjusts itself to your computer specifications. Take your existing PC and revitalize it the easy way.

Download PCMedik 6.7.7.2008 in Softonic

This program compares XML files. It provides several options for comprehensive comparison. Reloading files after changing any options is not necessary. The ExamXML can compare data from sources of many types, such as SQL servers and CSV files. After comparisons there are possibilities to synchronize elements, insert one element into opposite a tree and replace elements. During loading from an SQL server, the program converts data into XML.

This program can save differences between files and merge XML files. Color highlighting shows the changes so that you can view which attributes and elements have been added, modified or deleted.

Documents and differences between several files are displayed in a visual tree. The program validates XML documents against DTD/XML schema while loading the file. It also offers drag-and-drop support. ExamXML displays the XML element in a separate window, highlighting differences down to the level of elements, words or attributes. It can open XML files with external application, and normalize dates and numeric fields. Digital fields can be rounded, and date or time portions can be omitted at normalization.

Download ExamXML 4.40 in Softonic

Forget those expensive and complicated programs that take a long time to set up and even longer to run. System Cleaner is lightning-fast. Just download the self-installer, click a few times, and your PC will be in tip-top shape before you know it.

System Cleaner takes care of all the common PC headaches that slow your system down and puts your data at risk from disk failure. It also takes care of many of the of the PC problems that other so-called tune-up programs ignore.

System Cleaner also includes a comprehensive "secrets eraser" that scrubs all of your computer and internet activity files and removes every last trace of where you have been and what you did while you were there.

Download System Cleaner 5.60c in Softonic

There are many reasons why you wouldn't want your operating system connect to Microsoft's server, be it for practical reasons or pure idealism. Based on the source-code of the award-winning Xpy, Vispa allows you to easily tweak your Windows Vista for better privacy and security, even system performance. Do a few clicks rather than finding the write registry keys or program settings.

The only recommendation I can give is not applying settings without vague knowledge of what you're doing. Not every setting is desired in every environment. Vispa is no tool for beginners, just a more convenient way of tweaking your operating system.

Download Vispa 0.2.5 in Softonic

With OpenedFilesView can access a list of all the files that are currently in use, either by active processes or applications you have open. Each of the files from the list includes additional data such as the full path, read and write permissions, attributes, the name of the process and so on. OpenedFilesView also lets you close the files you select or terminate applications that have either crashed or appear suspicious.

One of the most useful features is the ability to close files that Windows won't usually let you for one reason or another. It's particularly useful if you try to delete/move/open a file and you get one of the following error messages "Cannot delete [filename]: There has been a sharing violation. The source or destination file may be in use." or "" Cannot delete [filename]: It is being used by another person or program. Close any programs that might be using the file and try again."

If you want more control over the files running on your system, OpenedFilesView provides you with the tools you need.

Download OpenedFilesView 1.16 in Softonic

SpeedFan is a freeware program that monitors voltages, fan speeds and temperatures in computers with hardware monitor chips. SpeedFan can even access S.M.A.R.T. info for those hard disks that support this feature and show hard disk temperatures. SpeedFan supports SCSI disks too. SpeedFan can even change the FSB on some hardware (but this should be considered a bonus feature).

At the lowest level, SpeedFan is a hardware monitor software that can access temperature sensors, but its main feature is that it can change fan speeds (depending on the capabilities of your sensor chip and your hardware) according to the temperatures inside your PC, thus reducing noise and power consumption.

Download SpeedFan 4.34 in Softonic

The SysInternals Suite is a full-featured pack of system utilities that cover a wide range of functions and needs and which are especially addressed at expert users and system administrators.

Of course, this doesn't mean that average users can't take advantage of the more than 60 different tools included in the package. Simply bear in mind that they are not designed to be particularly easy to use, but just useful and straight to the point. Also, the featured utilities are presented as a ZIP archive with all the standalone files, rather than under a single interface which would have been definitely easier.

That said, the truth is that SysInternals is a very complete suite with all sorts of tools. Many of them include command-line controls, and most of them enable you to take full control of the way the whole system works, plus analyzing everything that's going on and preventing any malware from running without your knowledge.

In spite of not being very user-friendly, the SysInternals Suite is still a very valuable piece of software with a rich collection of system tools and tweaks.

Download Sysinternals Suite 07.04.08 in Softonic

The all-new GameBoost 1 sets the standard for PC and internet optimizing software. Based on the developers GameGain and Throttle products; GameBoost increases overall speed and squeezes out every last bit of performance your computer and internet connection is capable of.

Very easy to use, fully compliant with all versions of Microsoft Windows and adjusts itself to your computer specifications. Take your existing PC and internet connection to new levels to run games faster. Bring your gaming to the next level.

Download Gameboost 1.4.7.2008 in Softonic

Auslogics System Information is a free software application that gathers and displays loads of important data about your system.

Now, while there's nothing new about this – in fact, the program takes all the information from various system resources you could check by yourself – the good point about Auslogics System Information is that the data is presented under a single interface, in a conveniently categorized structure which makes it easy and comfortable to read.

The program features two possible viewing modes, Simple and Advanced, the latter showing more categories and in-depth technical information than the first one. Besides checking the information on screen, you can also have it printed on paper as a comprehensive report, after saving it as HTML, XML or plaint text. Unfortunately this report can't be customized to include only certain categories.

Another feature I missed was the possibility to obtain more information about certain items on the Internet, by linking to Google or the company's website.

With Auslogics System Information you get to see all the relevant data about your computer at a glance.

Download Auslogics System Information 1.1.9.205 in Softonic

There are so many graphics cards and chipsets nowadays that compatibility problems with software inevitably arise. PowerStrip provides advanced, multi-monitor, programmable hardware support to a wide range of graphics cards - from the Matrox Millennium I to the latest ATI X850 and NVidia SLI solutions.

The developers claim this is the only program of its type to support multiple graphics cards from multiple chipset vendors, simultaneously, under every Windows operating system from Windows 95 to the x64-bit edition of XP. A simple menu pop up from the system tray provides access to some 500 controls over your display hardware, including color correction tools, period level adjustments over screen geometry, and driver independent clock controls.

The program automatically detects when programs are launched and responds by activating specific display settings, gamma adjustments, performance switches and even clock speeds - returning everything to normal when the program closes. A quick setup wizard gets you up and running with minimal fuss and and live updates are supported to ensure you're always running the latest release.

If you've had problems with games or compatibility issues with other software, look no further than PowerStrip.

Download PowerStrip 3.77 in Softonic

PC Info is not a hardware benchmark or detection utility. This program is used mainly by network administrators who need to have a summary summary of all the devices installed in every single machine they work with.

This tool will help to make your work more effective, saving time and money when trying to discover who installed what. In this way, if any problem occurs, you will have all the information you need with just a few clicks.

The only thing you need is to create a database with all the computers, including owner name and a list of all the installed components. This list can also be exported to other formats.

Download PC Info 3.6 in Softonic

In a few easy steps you can make your PC run faster, cleaner and error-free with the help of a new system tool – Smart PC Professional. The software fixes stubborn errors, cleans-up space-wasting junk and debris making your PC more efficient and reliable. Special features of the new software ensure your personal privacy while surfing through the Web and protect your PC from information theft.

Download Smart PC Professional 5.3 in Softonic

The Windows Inspection Tool Set displays detailed information about your computer. The program doesn't really offer any data that you can't find in Windows by yourself, but it gathers it under a single location and a very intuitive interface.

You'll be able to check active processes, open services, user groups, available network connections, information about drives (including both local and networked ones) and a lot more. The program also includes a run menu that enables you to launch certain commands and Windows apps just by typing in their names.

All these features are made available in a very clear interface. However, I didn't like the fact that you have to manually expand the sidebar windows every time you open any of the program's options. I also missed the possibility to print out or export the different reports generated by the program.

Access detailed info about many aspects of your PC in a single window

Download Windows Inspection Tool Set 2.0.5 in Softonic

PCPal is a free easy-to-use tool that notifies you about problems in your PC and helps you fix them. PCPal helps you detect and resolve issues in a wide range of categories, such as security, performance, network and printing.

Optimize

PCPal checks your computer and maintains it for optimal system performance.

Secure

PCPal helps you keep your system secure, by monitoring your computer's security settings and software, and offering you relevant security updates.

Update

PCPal helps you keep your computer up-to-date, notifying you only about updates that are important for maintaining your computer stable and secure.

Real-time Monitoring

Utilizing minimal system resources, PCPal monitors the events that occur on your computer, and when it detects an event that requires your attention, displays a relevant notification with recommendations.

Download PCPal 1.8.1267 in Softonic

FlexCls Express analyzes your hard drive (or any other folder you select) and displays its contents categorized by file type: multimedia, executables, archives and so on.

This analysis enables you to monitor the way disk storage is distributed into different kinds of data and also track what kind of files you're wasting most space in. Plus, you can download some plug-ins that extend the program's functionality, providing you with the possibility to categorize files by size or time created.

The results of the analysis can be exported to several different formats (CSV, HTML, TXT) but they can't be saved on your hard drive.

With FlexCls Express you'll know exactly what kind of files are the most popular and take the most space in your hard drive.

Download FlexCls Express 1.4.38 in Softonic

FlexSize Express gives you a visual perspective about the way storage is distributed in your hard drive, removable drive or even in any folder. It performs a fast folder system analysis and then displays a list with a graphic bar that shows the percentage of total room taken by each folder and file. As the program has support for profiles, you can create a few of them and assign different drives and folders for each one.

The results can be exported to several formats, such as HTML, CSV and TXT, but it can't be saved on the hard drive. Also, I missed the possibility of creating graphical pie charts, which are far more visually attractive and self-explaining than just a simple colored bar.

FlexSize Express analyzes your disks, folders and removable devices for a better storage distribution.

Download FlexSize Express 1.4.38 Beta in Softonic

Us software fanatics know that not all programs are amazing and that sometimes you can end up installing stuff that wants to do bad things to your computer. Due to the very nature of spyware, malware and trojans, spotting these evil apps can be tricky, but there are now lots of applications around that can help you sniff them out. FreeFixer performs a search on your computer for these malicious programs to give you the chance to remove them.

Scanning with FreeFixer is very thorough and it scans a lot of programs files, BHO's, dll's, home page settings and the Windows registry for spyware and adware. The problem with this app, however, is the fact that it doesn't provide you with any information about the suspect files it finds, leaving it up to you to decide whether to delete them or not. This can be quite dangerous if you don't know what you're doing because you could end up removing files that are needed by your PC.

Download FreeFixer 0.21 in Softonic

There's nothing worse than when your PC hangs-up and you can't regain control of it. Sometimes, Window's Task Manger (revealed by pressing Ctrl+Alt+Del) will solve the problem by allowing you to kill the process but some hang-ups are too tough for it to handle. Kill Process is basically a task administrator which will allow you to list, identify and manage all the active processes in your system.

Like with the Windows Task Manager, Kill Process allows you to visualize the names of processes and go directly to them in case of a major crash. However, it's more detailed than the former because it allows you to see exactly which processes relate to which programs. Useful if you don't know what half the processes are meant to be for on your system. It's also more effective in killing processes that Windows Task Manager may have trouble closing.

This is a really useful tool if you suffer frequent Windows crashes although for most people, Windows Task Manager will suffice.

Download Kill Process 1.1 in Softonic

Fast, easy to use, PC speed testing and benchmarking. PassMark PerformanceTest ™ allows you to objectively benchmark a PC using a variety of different speed tests and compare the results to other computers.

Features:

• Find out if your PC is performing at its best
• Compare the performance of your machine to similar machines
• Measure the effect of configuration changes and upgrades
• Avoid paying big bucks for poor performance
• Make objective independent measurements on which to base your purchasing decision
• Use the advanced tests to create you own benchmark scenarios

Download Passmark PerformanceTest 6.1 in Softonic