Cameras
Camcorders
Cell Phones
Components
Desktops
HDTV
Home Theater
GPS
Laptops
Monitors
MP3 Players
Networking &
Printers
Storage
System Mechanic
Version: 9.5
Downloads Count: 463,108
License Type: Trial
Price: $50
Date Added: Dec 27, 2009
Operating Systems: Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7
Requirements: 32- or 64-bit OS, 256MB RAM, Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0, 30MB free hard drive space, Internet connection
File Size: 417 KB
Author: Iolo Technologies
- Motherboard Monitor 1,289,977
- Windows XP Service Pack 2 1,252,313
- Tweak UI 1,080,275
- Clean System Directory 989,234
- CCleaner 586,743
Editorial Review of System Mechanic
System Mechanic is a suite of utilities designed to root out problems slowing your computer down. In general, its optimization routines are geared toward a faster, more error-free computer. This version introduces new features to take advantage of Windows 7's capabilities. Sounds useful, but the proof of the pudding is in the eating--and some of System Mechanic's quirks are hard to swallow.
After scanning my computer, System Mechanic listed several problems, some of them strange for a Win7 install barely a month old: "Your computer has 7.42GB system clutter"; "Your computer has 1 unnecessary startup item"; "Your Internet configuration is not optimized for maximum speed." It then showed a paragraph describing what each of these terms mean. Notice what's missing? Detail about what those none-too-specific problem items actually are on my PC. System Mechanic's "more detail" function is hidden in an arrow next to the "Remove" or "Optimize" button. You have to select the wizard for each problem area in order to view more details. And there's no wizard for optimizing one's Internet connection for speed; you simply have to trust that it's tweaking your Net connection correctly.
Before I trust a new app to fix problems, I want to know what that system clutter is, what that unnecessary startup item is, what exactly about my Internet configuration is slowing me down. No way am I going to push a button to fix it unless I know what the app is fixing, and as it is, getting those details from System Mechanic can only be done in a roundabout way--and only for certain items. I found that the majority of what System Mechanic called "system clutter" was in my Recycle Bin.
System Mechanic determined that the one unnecessary startup file was QuickTime Player in the Quick Launch taskbar. I spoke to a representative at iolo technologies, who explained that this Quick Launch icon deals only with updating QuickTime, and Apple checks for updates using other methods--so this icon isn't really necessary. Still, I don't think it's worth removing unless your taskbar is too busy.
I found one very misleading thing in System Mechanic's reports. System Mechanic indicated with a big green checkmark that my virus scanner was successfully protecting my computer against all malware. This isn't the case: Avira Antivir is strictly a virus scanner, and since it was the only process I had running, my PC wasn't protected against other forms of malware such as spyware and adware. I run Lavasoft Ad-Aware Free periodically for that. System Mechanic should report that I don't have a system-resident spyware/adware guard running. On a positive note, System Mechanic did correctly detect that I had Windows Firewall turned on.
In our review of the previous version of System Mechanic, we noted that a duplicate file search meant to take 1-3 minutes actually takes far longer. I determined that the problem still exists: Several minutes after the expected time, System Mechanic wasn't even close to finishing.
Windows 7 users will be pleased that System Mechanic now supports Jump Lists. When you go to the start menu and select System Mechanic, you can now get a dropdown menu of many useful functions within that program. Instead of just launching System Mechanic, it'll start that function immediately upon launch.
Overall, System Mechanic promises a lot of fixes to improve stability and speed, but asks for a lot of trust in return. Someone who lets System Mechanic run all its automated processes at once could end up without a startup application they needed, for example. System Mechanic needs to give a whole lot more detail about what exactly it's fixing to make it worthwhile.
--Steve Horton
People who downloaded this also downloaded:
Sponsored Links
-
Powerful hardware detection program (MS DOS)
-
This product seems to do what it says it will, but the effect is indiscernible. It's no more than restarting your computer will do.
-
batch pdf converter that convert pdf to text
-
View and extract all text information from PDF documents.
-
A macro text definer.
-
WinProof grammar and spell checker
-
Reboot Buddy 2.1 automatically reboots the PC at the set time or on command. The application allows users to set multiple reboot times or reboot on Command
-
Customize Windows with a new, improved desktop.
-
Get more virtual desktop room with WinSpace!
-
General purpose Win95/98 or NT/winXP/Vista installation /uninstall utility.
-
Synchronize files, copy folders, and do back ups and folder comparisons on a PC or between PCs.
Dell End of Year Deals
-
Ring in the New Year with Huge Deals on Dell Computers Up to 30% Popular Dell Laptops, up to 25% off Popular Dell Desktops. Sales ends 12/31 5AM EST.
CyberDefender Registry Cleaner Tears Through The Windows Registry
Fix Registry errors with CyberDefender Registry Cleaner--but only if you pay first.
Freebie FixWin Solves Simple Windows Problems
Fix any one of several dozen Windows problems with free utility FixWin.
If you have questions about finding, downloading, or opening files in our library, you'll probably find the answers here.
Kaspersky Internet Security 7.0
Premium Protection Against Viruses, Trojans and Worms Spyware, Adware, Rootkits and Keyloggers Phishing and Spam Hacker Attacks, Integrated Personal Firewall Privacy and Parental Controls."/>
- Browse the Downloads Store by Topic
- Security »
- Utilities »
- Graphics & Multimedia »
- Visit the Download Store Home
Most Recent Threads