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Microsoft

Five tools to keep Windows systems in top shape

By Jack Wallen May 29, 2012, 7:03 AM PDT

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Five tools to keep Windows systems in top shape

Introduction

Introduction

ntOut of the box, a PC works great. But over time, it can become bogged down and buggy. Fragmentation, hard-disk issues, bad memory, viruses, filled caches, and registry errors can cause computers to act flaky or even stop working all together. Luckily,  a bit of preventive maintenance can keep those machines running in tip-top shape.

n

ntNote: If you’d prefer to view this information as a blog post, check out this entry in our Five Apps blog.

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ntPhoto: iStockphoto.com/meltonmedia

Five tools to keep Windows systems in top shape

MemTest

MemTest

ntThe only drawback to MemTest (and most software memory testers) is that it can’t pinpoint which memory chip is bad. But if you’re looking for a memory tester that can be run while Windows itself is running, MemTest is your tool.

Five tools to keep Windows systems in top shape

HDDScan

HDDScan

ntHDDScan is a free hard disk diagnostic tool that supports standard drives, RAID arrays, Flash USB, and SSD drives.

Five tools to keep Windows systems in top shape

HDDScan

HDDScan

ntWith this tool, you can scan for errors, show S.M.A.R.T. attributes, and change a limited number of HDD parameters (such as AAM and APM). The storage device tests include: verification in linear mode, reading in linear mode, erasing in linear mode, and reading in Butterfly mode.

Five tools to keep Windows systems in top shape

Defraggler

Defraggler

ntDefraggler also offers a portable version, so you don’t have to install the tool on every machine you touch. But I recommend installing Defraggler and setting up regularly scheduled defrags to keep every machine on your network running smoothly.

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By Jack Wallen
Jack Wallen is an award-winning writer for TechRepublic, The New Stack, and Linux New Media. He's covered a variety of topics for over twenty years and is an avid promoter of open source. For more news about Jack Wallen, visit his website jackwallen.
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