System Cleaner

Note: This review covers v5.56 of the software.

The longer you run your PC, the more it slows down because it fills with junk and gunk. System Cleaner is a great way to clean out the gunk and keep your system in tip-top condition. It removes unneeded files and folders, optimizes and defragments your Registry, removes duplicate files--and that's just for a start.

One of its more useful tools is its Startup Manager, which controls what programs run when Windows starts. This will help you cut down on programs that launch for no good reason and take away RAM and processing power from your PC.

Despite the program's name, it does more than just clean your system. It helps protect your privacy as well, by cleaning out your browsing history, the list of programs and files you've used, and more. There are lots of other tools here as well, including an uninstall manager, and a nifty little feature that lets you diagnose any problems or conflicts with Internet Explorer Extensions.

--Preston Gralla