The interface in Advanced SystemCare can be a bit confusing at first. Instead of having a standard toolbar or menu system, the program shows a sphere structure on the left side pane that gives you access to the four main sections: Home, which is a summary of the program's usage stats; Maintain Windows and Diagnose System, which contain Advanced SystemCare's main tools to scan, repair and optimize the computer; and finally Utilities, a pack of small system tools that let you perform small fixing tasks, like defragging the hard drive, backing up drivers, finding duplicate files or finding out which programs are set up to run with Windows.

Advanced SystemCare is surprisingly quick. It hardly takes a few minutes to scan and fix your system, though it may take a bit longer when defragmenting the disk. In any case, Advanced SystemCare always creates a backup copy before fixing anything (as well as a restoration point the very first time you launch it) just to be on the safe side.

Advanced SystemCare is an easy-to-use, quick system analyzer and optimizer that fixes the most common computer problems and can make your PC faster and more stable.

Download Advanced SystemCare 6.2 in Softonic

This is the case of ESET NOD32 Antivirus, an anti-virus tool that you may find simpler than other similar applications, but this simplicity is precisely the key to its success. In fact, NOD32 is one of the most popular anti-virus apps among computer users.

ESET NOD32 Antivirus is easy to install and launches without even restarting the system (something most anti-virus tools require after installation). The program has a simple, straightforward design, though you'll soon discover that this is actually the Standard mode display and that you can choose the Advanced mode if you prefer to have more options and tools at your fingertips.

ESET NOD32 Antivirus includes basic anti-virus tools such as system analysis, antispyware filters, filters to exclude certain applications, a scheduling tool for automatic analysis and seamless integration within Windows Explorer. Being used to more complex anti-virus solutions though, I missed having an email and web browsing filter. Also, I found the Settings menu a bit too hidden and difficult to use. Apart from these small flaws, ESET NOD32 Antivirus is definitely worth a try, especially if you want to have a simple, hassle-free anti-virus that takes care of your system and doesn't bother you all the time.

ESET NOD32 Antivirus may be simpler than other anti-virus tools, but it's perfect for users who prefer an easy, unobtrusive app even if that means giving up on certain advanced functions.

Download ESET NOD32 Antivirus 6.0.316.0 in Softonic

CCleaner is a very efficient and easy to use utility that cleans and optimizes your PC to ensure best performance and freedom from malware.

The beauty of free download CCleaner is the speed at which it carries out the various scans and fixes. Its main purpose is to clean any unnecessary files from your hard-drive and on opening the program you see the various aspects of Windows that you can search through and clear. CCleaner will also detect your installed applications that may hold on to files which are no longer any use, such as Google Earth histories or Flash Player configurations. The uninstaller is probably more useful, and more powerful, than Windows own uninstaller although use it with care! If you don't know what an entry relates to in the program list, leave it alone to be on the safe side otherwise you could end-up removing vital components.

When you install CCleaner, it will prompt you whether you want to install Google Chrome as well and whether you want to use CCleaner to preserve cookies that you use regularly to log-onto websites, security checks etc.
The interface in CCleaner is very easy to navigate and before taking any action, you will always be asked to confirm that you are sure about what you want to do. There is a useful Registry Checker that will quickly check its integrity, and let you fix bad entries after making a backup. CCleaner's uninstall and startup tools are very handy to have overall and simply add to the usability of this very rounded little maintenance assistant.

The most recent release of CCleaner now comes with a Drive Wiper. Drive Wiper can be accessed in the Tools section of CCleaner and allows you to choose whether to scrub only free space or an entire drive using three levels of strength - Department of Defense-level three-pass option, a National Security Administration-level seven-pass cleaning or a 35-pass Gutmann-level deep scrub.

There's also improved support for cleaning files left behind by Google Chrome and Internet Explorer 9. Web Apps that use HTML5 database storage are also now included in CCleaner's cleaning process. Finally, a few more System directories have been targeted for cleaning and CCleaner now supports 64 bit machines.

CCleaner makes keeping your PC clean easy for beginners and experts alike. It's small, fast, comprehensive, and free to download - get cleaning now!

Download CCleaner 4.01.4093 in Softonic

Wise Care 365 is divided into four different features: PC Checkup, System Tune-up, Privacy Protector, and Wise Utilities. The program begins with an easy-to-follow setup tutorial that helps you configure Wise Care 365 for your PC. The initial scan will reveal various components and files that are either slowing down your PC or not needed.

Download Wise Care 365 2.46.194 in Softonic

The main tool in SlimCleaner is, obviously, the cleaner. It’s a highly-detailed tool that works with a wide variety of applications and also takes care of temporary files, history logs, lists of recently opened documents and other unnecessary elements. The cleaning process is fast and effective.

But that’s not all to SlimCleaner. The program also features an optimization tool to analyze start-up items and active services, an uninstaller and a shredder that helps you get rid of files securely, to prevent their restoration. Finally, the Hijack Log in SlimCleaner displays a list of toolbars, browser helper objects, ActiveX plug-ins and other items, while the Windows Tools area include the native Windows system analysis and optimization tools, though presented in a much more organized and attractive way.

SlimCleaner features an eye-catching nice interface design with bright colors, big animated icons and easy menus. User ratings can be really helpful when trying to decide if you should get rid of a certain item – though unfortunately there are still many programs that don’t have ratings. Another drawback to SlimCleaner is the lack of advanced configuration options.

SlimCleaner removes all unnecessary items from your computer to improve the system’s performance and stability.

Download SlimCleaner 4.0.25845 in Softonic

Featuring the same robust engine from previous versions, the new Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2013 is one of the most powerful protection tools you can use to defend your system from viruses, worms, Trojans and other sorts of malware.

What does it do?

With a totally revamped interface, all designed in white and green, Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2013 feels very comfortable for the newcomer, while including extensive configuration settings that enable more tech-savvy users to adapt the program to their needs. The bottom area in Kaspersky Anti-Virus includes buttons for the program’s main functions: scans, database update, a virtual keyboard and a quarantine area for infected files.

Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2012 includes three types of system scan (Full, Critical Areas and Vulnerability). Not only does the program take care of your file system in real time, thanks to a heuristic-based monitor, but also your email, web browsing and even IM conversations. All these filters can be tweaked in the program's comprehensive settings menu. On the downside, the regular scanning of any active apps can momentarily slow down your system.

Added protection

The program also includes the so called Kaspersky Security Network, an online service that improves Kaspersky’s response to new threats, thanks to anonymous data collected from users.

There are lots more advanced settings to play around with in Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2013. You can customize the way the utility protects your system, applying more protection, or disabling certain aspects in order to free up CPU resources. Make sure you check out our article about using the advanced features of Kaspersky Anti-Virus.

All in all, Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2013 is a nice security solution. It offers real-time protection and lets you scan your system for possible vulnerabilities. It's a suitable tool for all levels of users - clear enough for the less experienced, while also offering serious customization options for the more tech-savvy.

Free alternatives to Kaspersky Anti-Virus

There are several free antivirus suites available that can protect your computer from threats in a similar way to Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2013. Most do not have the same level of advanced security features, but they are worth looking at if you are on a tight budget.

- avast! Free Antivirus
- Panda Cloud Antivirus
- Microsoft Security Essentials
- Avira AntiVir Personal
- Rising Antivirus 2011 Free Edition

With Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2013 you can effectively protect your system from all possible online threats.

Download Kaspersky Anti-Virus UK 2013 13.0.1.4190 in Softonic

There is no other similar program in the market. Exclusive Features of Brain Kaizen: • 6 High-quality brain rewiring games! • 60 Levels to challenge you for non-stop improvement! • 135 Multi-Attribute Symbolic Cards (MASC)! • High resolution retina graphics up to 1600x1200 pixels • Module statistics to track every detail of your advancement! • A variety of beautiful card backs to choose!

-Casual gamers with focus in self-improvement -Educational institutions: preschools, childcare, elementary schools, and universities. -High-level management executives -Human resources departments. -Brain researchers -Anyone with a brain

Download Brain Kaizen 1.1 in Softonic

Maintaining a PC can be intimidating and a headache if you're not a power user. IObit has taken this into consideration and made Advanced SystemCare Ultimate simple enough for the novice and powerful enough for more tech savvy users.

In 'Simple Mode,' Advanced SystemCare Ultimate is extremely simple to use. The main window shows the current health of your PC as well as any notifications that require action. There is a big button to scan your system and optimize it without having to fiddle with settings.

In 'Expert Mode,' power users are given a detailed list of what exactly Advanced SystemCare Ultimate is doing. Here's just some of the optimizations that Advanced SystemCare Ultimate will perform:

- Malware Removal
- Privacy Sweep
- Registry Defrag/Fix
- Vulnerability Fix
- Junk Files Clean
- System Optimization
- Disk Scan
- Disk Defragment

As with other maintenance and security suites, Advanced SystemCare Ultimate can be scheduled to run in the background so you'll never have to remember to maintain your PC. It'll all be taken care of while you use your computer normally.

An interesting feature of Advanced SystemCare Ultimate is the 'Turbo Boost' mode, which can be set to optimize your PC for work or gaming. Turbo Boost can be set to run at start up so your PC is ready for whatever tasks you have. There are a ton of options that you can customize to make your PC run just the way you want.

Advanced SystemCare Ultimate also puts a handy widget that shows CPU and RAM usage. There's an arrow you can click to expand it, which will show you the health of your PC as well as options to start a scan, clear up RAM, or shut down the computer. This widget is great for monitoring system resources as well as performing common tasks with Advanced SystemCare Ultimate.

If anything goes awry, Advanced SystemCare Ultimate offers a 'Rescue' tool. From there you can create or view system restore points. Registry files are also backed up so you can restore them if anything bad happens. These features are pretty basic. It would have been nice to see Advanced SystemCare Ultimate include a comprehensive backup solution.

Performance of Advanced SystemCare Ultimate is good, though full scans can take a long time. While performing maintenance, Advanced SystemCare Ultimate performed quickly, even with defragmenting disks and fixing registry files. There is an option to allow Advanced SystemCare Ultimate perform fixes automatically, without users having to review what needs to be fixed. This saves some time and thinking out of maintenance.

The virus scanner in Advanced SystemCare Ultimate combines BitDefender's antivirus technology with IObit's own malware detection engine to protect your PC. Advanced SystemCare Ultimate will run alongside other antivirus scanners but will disable Windows Defender, which is Windows 8's default antivirus program. We are still testing Advanced SystemCare Ultimate's antivirus performance and will update this review when the results come in.

Overall, Advanced SystemCare Ultimate offers a users one of the most comprehensive security and optimization suites available. Good performance and ease of use make Advanced SystemCare Ultimate an easy recommendation.

Download Advanced SystemCare Ultimate 6.0.8.289 in Softonic

To help The Walking Dead game feel more like the comic series that is it based off of, Telltale has chose to use a cartoon, cell-shaded art style as well as releasing the game in five episodes. Both of these details definitely helped to make The Walking Dead feel like you're playing an interactive comic book.

The Walking Dead focuses around dialog choices. Players are given a limited amount of time to choose between several dialogs choices, similar to Mass Effect's dialog system, except Mass Effect doesn't have a time limit. By introducing a time limit, players feel a sense of urgency and will hopefully answer more candidly. The Walking Dead allows you to portray the main character, Lee Everett, as a misunderstood or amoral man.

There are also quick time events throughout the game that add to the tension. The Walking Dead includes sequences where you have to rapidly tap a button to fight off an enemy as well as sequences where you have to quickly take down zombies by clicking on them. The Walking Dead was never made to be a shooter so some of the gun play and even walking around featured some clunky controls when playing with a mouse and keyboard.

The story in The Walking Dead is absolutely engrossing, bolstered by great voice acting and character models. While the graphics in The Walking Dead aren't the most advanced, its cell shaded art style brings the comic book characters to life with vivid colors and hard brush strokes. You really care about each of the characters in your group. There are also some great villains in the game that do some shocking things.

Since there are so many choices a player can make in The Walking Dead, your friends playing the same game will most likely have different stories than you. This gives The Walking Dead some stellar replay value. At the end of each episode, you're given a report on how your choices coincide with other Walking Dead players.

The story builds up to a nail-biting climax, albeit a short one. Since The Walking Dead is so good at making you care for the characters in your group, finding out the fate of Clementine and Lee will leave you breathless. Some players have complained about the ending but I think it was beautifully done and goes along with the themes presented in the game.

TellTale Games has done right by The Walking Dead franchise with an engrossing storyline that provides a parallel to the comic. This game is a terrific value and is one of the best games of 2012.

Download The Walking Dead in Softonic

Unlike the antivirus created by the same developers, AVG PC Tuneup doesn't focus on viruses or spyware, but rather on registry issues, junk files, low performance and other problems that can make your computer run slow or even freeze.

The main tool in AVG PC Tuneup is the Registry scan, which looks for errors in the Windows Registry. The scan includes application paths, file extensions and associations, and installed software. Registry scan is quite thorough, meaning it can take a while to finish.

AVG PC Tuneup's main interface features two other tabs, which take you to the System Advisor and Resource Usage respectively. System Adviser displays tips and tricks to make your system faster and more efficient, while Resource Usage shows the current usage of system resources on your computer, in real time.

Finally, AVG PC Tuneup includes a set of Advanced Tools, among which you’ll find utilities to cleanup the hard drive, find duplicate files, obtain information about installed hardware and software, erase history and wipe data securely. Bear in mind though that not all of these tools are available in the trial version.

AVG PC Tuneup is a full maintenance, analysis and optimization suite that helps you take good care of your computer in all critical areas.

Download AVG PC Tuneup 2013.2.2 in Softonic

SpeedUpMyPC starts automatically when you open it, so you'll soon see where it thinks you can improve your computer's speed. It scans in four areas - Speed tools, Tweaks, Unused services and Invalid registry entries - and rates your problems from Minor to High. The one problem with programs like SpeedUpMyPC, however, is that they can be a little dramatic, unnecessarily worrying less experienced users.

When SpeedUpMyPC finishes scanning, a Fix issues button will appear. This process is totally automatic. There aren't many Settings options to modify, however, and you can't tweak any settings other than disabling the tools that are enabled during the speed up process or undoing the tweaks that have been made. You'll find these options under Manage.

If you're starting with an unoptimized PC, you'll definitely find that SpeedUpMyPC makes it faster. Even so, more advanced users are going to lament SpeedUpMyPC's lack of options or opportunities to exert more control over the fixes and scans, and if you already take care of your PC, it's unlikely to have much of an impact.

If you're really not interested in the technical side of things, however, SpeedUpMyPC is the perfect program to take care of speeding up your PC with minimal involvement.

SpeedUpMyPC does speed your computer up, and is perfect for users who want a quick, low-effort speed fix.

Download SpeedUpMyPC 2013 2013 in Softonic

1.Automatic backup Registry on windows startup.2.Support windows8.3.Native 64-bit application for 64-bit windows.4.Amazing speed to save your time.5.High-performance compression algorithm to save your disk space.6. Double engines to scan and clean up your registry errors in under 2 minutes.7.Speed up your system without upgrading hardware.8.Restore registry when your computer has been attacked by virus or Trojans.

PC run slowly, Blue screen, The computer has been attacked by virus or Trojans.

Download Advanced Registry Care Pro 1.09 in Softonic

Comprehensive protection

Norton 360 takes care of all aspects of safety for your computer, including viruses, hacker attacks, spyware, identity theft, and data loss. The Norton 360 dashboard controls four main areas: PC security, Identity, Backup and PC Tuneup. Each of these areas then provides access to the main tools and tasks needed to keep your system safe. Every area is comprehensive in nature, with various different customization options and choices to choose from.

Security features

Among the security utilities that Norton 360 offers are email protection, anti-phishing filters, IM monitoring, anti-virus and anti-spyware protection, and functions for safe web browsing like scanning your Facebook wall. This program will also perform PC tune up-asks that improve the performance of your system, and it can back up important data in the event of a computer meltdown.

Norton 360 has several configuration options that allow you to modify various areas. Unfortunately, although lots of the features sound good, the suite is geared at intermediate users. Norton 360 does a good job of everyday security, but lacks the more advanced features and information that higher level users might seek. If you're looking for a little more antivirus power, check out Avast! instead.

Norton 360 lives up to its name, providing comprehensive 360-degree protection for your computer.

Download Norton 360 All-in-One Security 20.1.0.24 in Softonic

With Advanced SystemCare with Antivirus, IObit has gone above and beyond to create one of the most comprehensive PC optimization suites available today. The amount of things can do is truly staggering. It does everything from clean your registry, find duplicate files, defrag your hard drive, scan for malware and security issues, and optimize your network for performance or work.

So how do these features work in use? Very effectively, actually. Advanced SystemCare with Antivirus detected many problems with our registry that even CCleaner couldn't detect. The registry cleaner works quickly, backs up your registry automatically, and even defragments the registry to increase performance.

One of the most useful features of Advanced SystemCare with Antivirus is the ability to automate maintenance. Sure, other programs have the ability to schedule maintenance tasks, but Advanced SystemCare with Antivirus can clean up your system automatically. As files and other issues appear, Advanced SystemCare with Antivirus will do its best to fix them so that your system performs at its best.

With all these features, it's easy to forget the anti-virus part of Advanced SystemCare with Antivirus. IObit has opted to use BitDefender's antivirus scanning engine. Performance is good and on par with competitors.

Performance overall is good, but could be better. The initial computer maintenance scans that Advanced SystemCare with Antivirus perform can take quite a bit of time if you have many files on your computer. Thankfully subsequent scans will be much quicker as the program would have addressed most of the problems.

Overall, Advanced SystemCare with Antivirus is a great all-in-one application for PC users to maintain and protect their system.

Download Advanced SystemCare with Antivirus 2013 5.6.4.273 in Softonic

Download Registry Help 1.80 in Softonic

Disk Defrag and Disk Cleaner extends the life of your hard drive by assuring regular defragmentation. This is also helps in improving data access response time. Registry cleaner cleans up all accumulated registries and speed up your PC. Registry Defrag compacts and defragments your registry to remove the registry holes and optimize the registry structure. As a result, it will boost system speed and performance as a whole.

this is for those who are using windows xp, vista or 7 and facing system speed slow, registry issues, program uninstall etc.

Download System Optimizer 1 in Softonic

Don't make the mistake of thinking that Stinger is a general antivirus. It's not - it's more of an extractor for a list of over 3,000 viruses specified by McAfee. The list is viewable from the program interface and, as with any other antivirus, you should try and keep Stinger as up to date as possible.

Stinger is very basic. Add the paths that you want to scan and hit the red Scan Now button. The program works quickly, summarizing results in the interface window. By default, Stinger will repair any viruses it finds, and you can export scan results under the File menu.

The Stinger configuration options are limited and quite advanced - you'll be able to specify what you want the program to do when it finds a virus, if you want to see a list of scanned files on the interface and an assortment of options relating to virus detection. Stinger is not a user-friendly program, but then again, it's not developed for your average user. If you are experienced, however, you'll find Stinger to be a helpful tool in your antivirus toolbox.

Stinger - low-key, focused virus detection.

Download McAfee Stinger 10.2.0.644 in Softonic

In addition to file recovery, Magic Partition Recovery can completely repair corrupted partitions, recover reformatted and repartitioned hard drives, and rebuild the original file system based on information found during the comprehensive scan. These advanced data recovery modes allow for the most complete recovery, putting Magic Partition Recovery ahead of competition. Advanced data recovery features don't make Magic Partition Recovery complicated. It's very easy to use.

It's very easy to use thanks to intuitive, Windows Explorer-like user interface.

Download Magic Partition Recovery 2 in Softonic

It has to be said that not everyone is a fan of these system-wide cures, but if you want centrality and ease-of-use, a program like IObit Advanced SystemCare is a good option. The large Care! Button automatically carries out the program's main functions - Diagnose System, Utilities and Maintain Windows.

IObit Advanced SystemCare isn't very fast, but it does cover a number of areas. Utilities will allow you to maintain other areas individually, as well as providing you with additional features such as a duplicate file finder, disk cleaner and Internet Explorer assistant.

The IObit Advanced SystemCare options are quite detailed, and there are a number of features that make using it more comfortable, such as an auto-care function that works when your computer is idle, and an automated privacy sweep when you log off. Even so, IObit Advanced SystemCare isn't the ideal program - advanced users will find it vague and lacking in information on its cures, while less advanced users will probably never use half the options it offers.

IObit Advanced SystemCare provides centralized optimization for your computer, but it is bloated with features that most users will never need.

Download IObit Advanced SystemCare 4.2 Pro in Softonic

It has optimized engine and small footprint which transparently protects you without taking much system resources.

Download Advanced System Protector - One Year Protection in Softonic