Software provides the directions and data computers need to function and meet users’ needs. There are two main types of computer software: system software and application software.
System software consists of operating systems, device drivers and utility programs. It is mainly written in machine language that hardware and other software understands.
1. Glary Utilities
Glary Utilities is a top all-in-one utility program that cleans, fixes problems and optimizes the performance of your computer. It includes more than 20 tools to help you maximize your PC’s functionality. Its one-click maintenance integrates frequently used functions together and is easy to use, leading to better performance.
Scanning for invalid registries and unnecessary files, this software helps you identify potential performance bottlenecks. It also offers a disk defrag tool that reorganizes data to speed up access times. Its disk cleaner finds old temporary files, obsolete installation programs, cookies, internet history and cache, error reports, save offline content, and more to free up space.
Those who have ever stared impatiently at a Windows startup screen while waiting for programs to load can appreciate the startup manager feature. This identifies programs that launch when Windows boots and lets you disable the ones you don’t need. Other useful features include a file shredder that permanently deletes files, an uninstaller that removes multiple programs at once, and a context menu manager for managing shortcuts.
2. Ashampoo WinOptimizer
Ashampoo WinOptimizer is a strong, robust PC optimization program that offers a wide variety of tools to ensure your Windows system is running at its best. The software can clean up unnecessary files, optimize your computer’s boot speed, protect your privacy, and more. It also features a range of other useful tools, including a file encryptor, undeleter, and disk copy utility.
The program’s ‘Registry Optimizer’ feature is excellent at identifying broken registries, which can dramatically improve your PC’s overall performance. It can also declutter your hard drive, manage startup programs, and protect your privacy by deleting browsing traces and cookies.
The application can also analyze your CPU and RAM usage, which can help you understand where your computer is wasting its resources. It can even benchmark your system to see how it compares with other computers online. The software can be used by beginners and advanced users alike, providing a one-click optimization feature alongside detailed manual controls.
3. Iolo System Mechanic
iolo System Mechanic Pro is an all-round software package that can clean and optimize your Windows computer to boost its speed and performance. It is packed with multiple tools for removing clutter, optimizing internet settings and checking hard drives. In addition to these core capabilities, it also has a tool for wiping data from old devices using military-grade drive wipe technology.
The software is well suited for users who are not familiar with the technical jargon used by many optimization programs as it provides simple explanations of each function. It is updated regularly to tackle new issues and also has a range of extra features such as a NetBooster for speeding up the network connection, plus a Privacy Guardian suite of tools to protect user privacy.
Iolo also offers a range of support options including an online knowledge base and a live chat utility on the website. There is also a phone number and premium service available for users willing to pay extra money for prioritized support.
4. Cinebench
Whether you’re looking to compare your computer with others, or just want to see how it stacks up to the latest PCs on the market, this free utility is a good place to start. Cinebench uses your CPU to render a 3D scene and evaluates how well it performs. The new version of the program offers a revamped UI and is tailored to the latest hardware standards.
Designed by MAXON, the creators of Cinema 4D, Cinebench is a powerful benchmarking tool that evaluates hardware capabilities and provides detailed comparisons. The program simulates real-world applications, pushing a CPU’s processing power to its limits. It also tests a GPU’s ability to render complex scenes, ensuring it can meet the demands of real-world work.
Users can choose from single- and multi-core tests, and results are displayed in a simple interface. The software is available for a variety of systems and can be downloaded from Maxon’s website. A free trial is also available.