Computer maintenance tasks are usually boring and tiring, but you really need to spend some time on them if you want your system to run as smoothly as the first day.

Luckily there are programs like Advanced Vista Optimizer 2008, a comprehensive system optimizing application that's been specially developed for Windows Vista, and which makes computer maintenance much easier. Advanced Vista Optimizer contains all the tools you need to analyze, clean, repair and optimize your computer, all of them distributed among several categories in a very attractive interface.

These categories include optimization, security, customization and cleaning tools among others, and let you perform many different tasks in just a few steps. Advanced Vista Optimizer also analyzes your system and displays a complete report about it. Other interesting features are a mass file renamer, a junk file remover, a folder hiding tool, a file splitter and a duplicate file finder, to name a few.

Of course, some of these tools are more complicated than others – memory usage optimization, for example - and novice users may not find them that easy at first sight. Others though are quite straightforward and self-explaining. In any case, the program includes a thorough Help section that will help you with any problem you may have.

The only thing I didn't like about Advanced Vista Optimizer 2008 is the fact that it performs a system scan right away the first time you run it, without even asking for permission.

Advanced Vista Optimizer 2008 is a full featured maintenance tool that includes anything you need to clean your PC and improve its performance.

Download Advanced Vista Optimizer 2008 1.0 in Softonic

If you want to keep your PC in good condition and running as smoothly as the very first day you switched it on, you've got two options: either you download a dozen different system optimization apps or you just use TuneUp Utilities, a nice piece of software that has turned into an essential maintenance toolkit for your PC.

The new version of TuneUp Utilities brings many exciting new features that make the program even better. It has not only improved many of the tools included in previous editions, but has also added new ones such as a defrag tool or a repair wizard. Also, you'll notice a completely revamped TuneUp Utilities interface which makes the program even easier to use: tools are classified into several categories as usual, but now there are also direct links to the most frequently used ones. As for the other areas in the program, TuneUp Utilities 2008 maintains the same clear, intuitive and eye-catching design that has made it so popular among users.

The first thing you see when launching TuneUp Utilities is a nagging window, a short message reminding you that this is not free software and that you have a 30 day trial period. It's a bit of a nuisance because it appears every time you run TuneUp Utilities, but no big deal.

Featured tools in TuneUp Utilities range from customizing the appearance of your Windows installation to editing the Registry and covering many important aspects of your system. You'll be able to optimize its overall performance, gain disk space by erasing useless files and even recover those documents you've deleted by accident. TuneUp Utilities can also generate a highly detailed report on the state of your PC. The good thing is that, no matter how many changes you make in TuneUp Utilities, you can always go back to your PC's previous state thanks to TuneUp Rescue Center.

TuneUp Utilities is seamlessly integrated into Windows. New commands are added to context menus to shred or undelete files in your Recycle Bin. Also, you'll find a new shortcut named "1-Click Maintenance" on the Desktop, which enables you to perform a quick maintenance check-up and which has also been optimized in TuneUp Utilities 2008. This is certainly a very handy tool which we recommend running every week as a periodic maintenance task.

TuneUp Utilities gathers pretty much all the maintenance and optimization tools you need into one efficient, easy-to-use application. You couldn't ask for more.

Download TuneUp Utilities 2008 7.0.7992 in Softonic

Modify Windows settings, file system and services to improve system performance. Increase startup and shutdown speed, disable annoying CD autorun and unwanted error reporting features.

BoostSpeed will keep monitoring your system for possible optimizations and let you know if such optimizations are possible. You can also run the System Optimization Wizard to periodically optimize your PC. Adjust your PC for faster images, music and software downloads, increased browsing speed and reliable Internet connections. View your download speed and graphs.

Get rid of junk on the disks and registry of your PC. Remove hazardous and space-wasting files left by untidy programs and crashes of your system. Badly written applications constantly steal memory without giving it back. That's why your PC becomes unstable with time and you have to reboot. BoostSpeed automatically frees up computer memory to gain additional performance boost. You can also manually recover memory and clipboard.

Download AusLogics BoostSpeed 3.7.2.680 in Softonic

Advanced System Optimiser is a combination of tweakers, optimizers, enhancers, privacy protectors, organizers and other utilities. These utilities work in the background to efficiently manage system performance, raise system productivity, protect your privacy and contribute to the enhanced performance of your PC. Advanced System Optimizer includes around 30 tools to supercharge your PC's performance, and more than 200 tweaks for customizing Windows and improving its performance.

With Windows Optimizer you can adjust and modify the appearance of Windows, tune Internet and network performance, manage your system and its security with other hardware settings. In addition, the Memory Optimizer helps you free-up your system's memory whereas Registry Defragger streamlines your system registry. Although the program is supposed to operate discreetly, it did seem to slow down the general performance of the PC at times although the Windows customisation tool really allows you to get creative with how your OS looks.

Download Advanced System Optimizer 2.20 in Softonic

Though Windows has a quite high degree of customization, there are certain features that are way too hidden for the average user. This is when a tool like TweakNow WinSecret comes in really handy.

With this Windows tweaker you'll be able to access even the most remotely customizable option in Windows XP or Windows Vista, changing not only visual elements that modify the system's appearance, but also its behavior and level of security. All tweaks are conveniently categorized in an easy-to-browse interface that lets you find any of them in just a couple of clicks.

On the one hand, I liked some of the options offered by the program a lot, like the security tweaks that allow you to restrict access to certain system's functions and tools. On the other hand, to be honest, I was disappointed with some categories, such the Applications one for only enabling me to tweak Internet Explorer and Outlook Express or some other tweaks that are easily accessible without using this program - even for a novice user. Nevertheless the overall impression is a very positive one, as TweakNow WinSecret can really make a difference in your daily work with Windows.

TweakNow WinSecret features many varied tweaks, some of them quite obvious, some of them not, with which you can fully customize the system's appearance and behavior.

Download TweakNow WinSecret Professional 1.5.3 beta in Softonic

Maintenance tasks are usually tiring and boring. This is why a tool like PC Health Optimizer is such a great, lucky find.

This complete set of tools contains pretty much everything you need to perform basic maintenance routines on your system and keep it in perfect shape. You'll find a junk file cleaner, a memory optimizer, a Registry cleaner, a PC analysis tool and a file shredder, among many others. There's even an anti-spyware tool to make sure your PC is safe and clean.

All tools in PC Health Optimizer are perfectly organized in different categories and presented in an attractive, nicely designed interface. All you have to do is browse the program's categories and select the one you want, which will open in a separate window. They're very easy to use but there's also a complete help section in case you need it.

PC Health Optimizer may not include as many maintenance tools as other commercial apps, and also lacks advanced features – such as, for example, the ability to schedule tasks – but it's really a great choice for an unbeatable price.

PC Health Optimizer Free Edition will help you improve your system's performance with a complete pack of maintenance utilities, all neatly organized in a nice interface.

Download PC Health Optimizer Free Edition 2.5 in Softonic

If you're suffering from a slow PC then it's probably wither your RAM or your processor that can't handle what you are putting through it.

However, sometimes it can simply be because their are malicious or unnesscary processes hogging your system. That's where AlacrityPC steps in which is a simple solution which removes unnecessary processes system and frees-up your system resources for programs that need them. Once you've stopped the processes and finished with the program that needed the extra resources, AlacrityPC once again reallocates system resources to those that were using it previously. This is probably most useful when using video sites such as YouTube which can easily make your PC hang due to the large system resources that downlaoding and displaying video, especially in full screen mode, can require. In addition, the program comes with a small defragmentation tool which doesn't seem that efective and can ironically, slow your system down anyway so best not to use it if you've got another solution.

A useful automatic solution for those suffering from a slow PC but won't be of much use to those on higher spec machines

Download AlacrityPC 1.0 in Softonic

TweakVista is an all in one control panel for your Vista computer. We were slightly put off by the cluttered interface, especially the welcome screen with its lists of news and recommendations. Annoyingly, the program window can't be resized and you can't scroll down a list.

Despite this cosmetic drawback, TweakVista does offer some pretty useful tools. You can set a user profile according to what use you will make of your PC, like if you'll be playing games a lot. The program also allows you to tweak internet and power performances depending on your habits, although we suggest you leave it to default. Setting your PC to a mode which is too aggressive may cause your PC to crash.

We were well impressed by the assessment tool to benchmark your PCs capabilities against others but much less by the resources section, which all in all, equals to what you find in your PC's task manager. Many of the functions in TweakVista also link to some of your PCs default tools like the Disk Cleaner and in some ways the application those turn into some sort of dashboard for all your Vista optimization.

TweakVista is a mix of effective optimization tools and other more basic, run-of-the-mill functions that you'll find in your Control Panel. If used well, it should improve your Vista PC's performance.

Download TweakVista 1.10 in Softonic

WinUtilties is a collection of tools designed to optimize your system performance and remove unneeded files and internet tracks. The application allows you to remove invalid registry entries, delete application and internet history, manage cookies and much more.

Full line-up of utilities:

• Disk Cleaner
• Registry Cleaner
• Startup Cleaner
• History Cleaner
• File Splitter
• File Shredder
• File Lock & EXE Protector
• Memory Optimizer
• Duplicate Files Finder
• Shortcuts Fixer
• Process Manager
• Uninstall Manager
• System Information
• Windows Tools
• Registry Backup/Restore
• Registry Search
• BHO Remover

Download WinUtilities 5.2.7 in Softonic

nCleaner is a system cleaner that allows you to clean both your system and applications, free more disk space, boost your system's speed and get more stability and privacy protection.

It contains an advanced system and application cleaner with over 90 cleaning items available, a Registry Cleaner, a Tweak Manager, an advanced Startup Manager, a Junk Finder, a Free Space Shredder, a System Resource Monitor, a System Adviser, supports logging and statistics as well as advanced Scheduling.

nCleaner has the best cleaning ration on the market due to an advance detection algorithm, also providing security and stability. With nCleaner you can free up to 2 GB of unnecessary disk space. It supports and handles all major Internet browsers including Microsoft Internet Explorer (and all derived browsers), Firefox, Netscape and Opera. It also supports all major IM applications like Yahoo Messenger, Windows MSN Messenger, ICQ, AOL and Skype.

Remove unnecessary files like log files and left behind files and registry entries, scan the registry and remove invalid entries to increase performance and stability, and apply performance and privacy related tweaks to your Windows system. It also offers memory management, advanced schedule options and real time system resources monitoring.

Download nCleaner 2.3.4 in Softonic

TuneXP is the single most easy and featured XP tweaker, you'll ever find. Designed with easy-to-use dropdown menus, it will make your Windows installation go from its sluggish state to a red-blooded, optimized mode. All for free.

Download TuneXP 1.5 in Softonic

An easy-to-use Tool to Optimize, Clean up, Tune up and Speed up your system. Win Utilities is a collection of tools to Optimize your Systems Performance and to Remove unneeded files and internet tracks. It allows you to find and remove invalid registry entries, delete your application and internet history, manage your cookies and much more...

With the Startup Cleaner you can also see what programs start automatically with windows and optionally disable selected items. Furthermore, Win Utilities includes options to find true duplicate files, Erase traces of activity, fix or remove broken shortcuts and safely uninstall software. other features include secure file deletion, application protect, file split and rejoin, registry backup and restore, BHO Remove, Auto Shutdown, etc.

Included Tools:

• Disk Cleaner
• Registry Cleaner
• Startup Cleaner
• History Cleaner
• File Splitter
• File Shredder
• File Lock
• Memory Optimizer
• Duplicate Files Finder
• Shortcuts Fixer
• Process Manager
• Uninstall Manager
• System Information
• Registry Backup/Restore
• Registry Search
• BHO Remover
• Auto Shutdown

Just like any valuable asset, your computer needs regular maintenance to stay in peak form. Yet most people neglect PC maintenance because they feel it's too difficult or they don't know where to start.

Consider Win Utilities Software Advantages:

Boost PC Speed

Win Utilities makes your PC go faster without expensive hardware upgrades.

Simplicity

Win Utilities is designed to be easy to use.

Convenience

Automatic scheduling makes regular PC cleaning and maintenance effortless.

Prevent Crashes

Stop computer crashes before they start with the Win Utilities software.

Windows Customization

Locate all those hard-to-find Windows settings and customize easier.

Gain Confidence

Win Utilities helps you maintain your PC the right way, every time.

Download Win Utilities 5.0 in Softonic

EasyCleaner is a small program which searches Windows' registry for entries that are pointing nowhere. EasyCleaner also lets you delete all kinds of unnecessary files like temps, backups etc.

You can search for duplicate files and you can view some interesting info about your disk space usage! You are also able to manage startup programs, invalid shortcuts and add/remove software list.

Download EasyCleaner 2.0.6.380 Blacklist Release 7 in Softonic

Has your PC been dragging its feet for the past few weeks? Give it the vitamin C treatment to boost its performance. Ace Utilities optimizes your PC with a series of simple to do operations.

Let’s take a closer look at what Ace Utilities does and how it handles. The “Clean Up” and “Optimize” options perform basic tasks like removing obsolete files, cleaning errors from your registry, erasing your program history and fixing broken shortcuts. It’s important to carry out these operations regularly not only to free extra space but also for security reasons. Registry entries tend to pile up quickly and deleting them will significantly improve the performance of your PC. You should also erase your history often to best protect your privacy on the web. A tool to remove duplicate folders also caught our attention. This can come in handy when reorganizing your music or photo library.

With Ace Utilities you can also erase any remaining traces of files you’ve previously eliminated. If your antivirus doesn’t remove the malware it finds, we suggest you use this tool to safely and efficiently root out those dodgy files. In the “Wipe Deleted File Data” option you should choose to shred files from the recycle bin as an extra precaution.

As with any other self respecting optimizer, Ace Utilities includes essential tools like an autostart manager, to add or remove applications launched at startup, an uninstall manager, and a disk analyzer. If you don’t want to worry about performing these maintenance operations you can schedule them to run at a more convenient time.

Ace Utilities is easy to use, it has all the analysis tools you need, but the bottom line is, is it efficient? Just to be on the safe side, we carried out the maintenance tasks twice. To our surprise, Ace Utilities found even more errors the second time around. Shouldn’t the program have cleaned it all up the first time around?

Ace Utilities runs smoothly and is accessible to even the most untrained of PC users but we have doubts as to its efficiency. It’s good, but it doesn’t compare to the real king of the hill, CCleaner, a free program that will tidy up your PC like no other.

Download Ace Utilities 3.0 in Softonic

XtraTools 2006 - a set of applications consisting of more than 20 independent system utilities that are complimentary to the standard MS Windows utilities. XtraTools can increase productivity and makes working with MS Windows easier. XtraTools 2006 contain tools: WinTools.net, Armor Tools, Extra Drive Creator Pro, RAM Saver Pro, etc.

Download XtraTools 2006 4.17 in Softonic

HyperSpeed 2005 empowers you to run your PC faster, more stably and more efficiently than any other optimizer. Using the ultimate optimization technologies, it provides you with 4 optimization modes: work station, home entertainment center, game machine, or technical computing. You can choose any mode or switch among them freely according to your need. Success is just 2 mouse clicks and a few seconds away.

Intelli HyperSpeed 2005 will thoroughly examine your Windows system, accurately detect the bottlenecks slowing down and crashing your computer, automatically find the best settings for optimizing Windows to the hilt, and dramatically boost your computer operation and Internet connection speed by up to 600%.

Download Intelli HyperSpeed 2005 1.8 in Softonic

Considering the view point of a business person who wants his copy of Windows is optimized for smooth functioning of daily use applications, a home user who wants to improve system performance and postpone purchase of new machine, a network administrator or a computer consultant who investigates and rectifies performance problems on users' computers and all other guys who are concern about their data security and system performance, Advanced System Optimizer is for your help.

Advanced System Optimizer v2 includes more than 30 tools for supercharging your PC's performance, and more than 200 tweaks for customizing Windows.

Download Advanced System Optimizer 2 8.8 in Softonic

GameThrust sets the standard for PC and internet optimizing software. GameThrust increases overall speed and 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.

Makes direct changes to system registry and system files to enhance memory, screen drawing, animations, refresh rates, CPU threading speeds, internet speed. Automatically adjusts settings and changes made based on computer and internet specifications, complete fault tolerance system implemented.

Deep system analyzer and diagnostic features which attempt to find and repair any potential problems with the computer affecting its performance. Bring your gaming to the next level.

Download GameThrust 1.9.29.2008 in Softonic

Chameleon Startup Manager helps you to control which applications are being started each time you log in Windows. By checking this list periodically and deleting any entries that are not really necessary, you can improve your system's performance and start up speed.

The program features two working modes, Easy and Expert, for each type of user. The Expert mode shows information about the Registry and gives the user more options to choose from. In any case the interface looks quite cluttered with data and symbols of all kinds.

In all, Chameleon Startup Manager can be useful for a quick system optimization. Besides controlling start up applications, it also includes a task schedules and a task manger, although these seem secondary tools.

Download Chameleon Startup Manager 2.64 in Softonic

It was only a matter of time until Vista slowed down enough for it to need tweakers to keep it running at a decent speed again.

Thoosje Vista Tweaker is a free "professional" tweaking tool that's there to fill that gap and allows you to optimize various default settings in Vista. With around 60 different tweaks, it's certainly not short of tweaking options although how many of these really make a difference is debatable. However, you can go tweak crazy because the program performs a brief backup of your current settings in case the tweaks affect your system adversely.

The interface is extremely attractive and easy to use. A menu down the left side gives you options on which part of your system you want to optimize such as Internet Explorer, System UI or General Performance. However, if you don't want to go through all of these separately, you can just perform all tweaks in one go. There's nothing more to it than that - just perform your initial backup, let it run and see if it's made any difference.

Note that some of the tweaks aren't really "tweaks" at all in the strict sense - they are more like shortcuts to things such as Vista system settings that normally, you may not have used or find difficult to access

A well designed tweaker with many optimization options and should make at least some difference to the performance of Vista.

Download Thoosje Vista Tweaker 2.0 in Softonic