20 Tools for Trouble-Free Computing

Want to make everyday tasks easier, safer--even more entertaining? These no-hassle utilities do the job right.

Complete Coverage

Protect Your Files (p.3)

7. Diagnose PC Problems

Sandra Standard 2003, SiSoftware, shareware

Your PC feels poorly and you want to know why. Sandra Standard lets you do a thorough inventory, run diagnostics, and generate a wide variety of useful reports. It can reveal hidden information about your system, from the speed of your AGP slot to the version of DirectX that's installed on your machine. For the price--the Standard version is free, the Professional version costs $35--you can't beat it.

8. Hide Your Tracks

Tracks Eraser Pro 3.1, Acesoft, $30

Tracks Eraser Pro wipes out all traces of your activities on the Internet, from cookies to cache to your browser's autocomplete feature. The program is proactive, too: It erases your digital steps as you tiptoe around the Net and is a snap to run. Click a test button to see what Tracks Eraser can clear out; then click another to finish the job. Tracks isn't limited to browsers--it can remove the details of what you've been doing in Windows, Outlook Express, Acrobat, Yahoo Messenger, and many other programs (although it doesn't support the full version of Outlook).

A second option is McAfee's $30 QuickClean 3.0. This utility covers much the same ground as does Tracks. It can detect spyware and clean files based on age or size; it also includes a stand-alone file shredder.

Windows' Disk Cleanup tool is more limited than these utilities, but it is fairly fast and does a reasonably thorough job--and it's free.

9. Secure Your Files and E-Mail

PGP 8.0, PGP, $39

You're not the only one searching for your true identity; lots of hackers out there would like to get to know you better. PGP 8.0 protects your important files and e-mail messages with strong encryption. The program--originally known as Pretty Good Privacy--automatically integrates into Outlook Express and Eudora, making encrypting e-mail as easy as clicking Send. The program can also add an encrypted virtual drive to your PC. Save a file to this drive, and it's safely scrambled so intruders can't make head or tail of it without knowing your secret passphrase.