Microsoft

Five tools to keep Windows systems in top shape

By · June 3, 2012, 5:01 PM PST · jlwallen

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  • Introduction

    Out 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.

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

    Photo: iStockphoto.com/meltonmedia

  • MemTest

    MemTest is a simple test that determines whether your computer can reliably store information in its RAM. With this tool, you can define how much memory to test and then run the test (with all applications closed). If an error is reported, your RAM is suspect.

  • MemTest

    The 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.

  • CCleaner

    CCleaner can help you with preventive maintenance via two tools to help keep the "bad" out of your machine.

  • CCleaner

    CCleaner will help keep your disk cache clean, and it can keep your registry free of errors.  Using CCleaner regularly will go a long way toward keeping your machines running well.

  • HDDScan

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

  • HDDScan

    With 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.

  • Belarc Advisor

    Belarc Advisor is not so much a maintenance tool as an auditing tool.

  • Belarc Advisor

    This free tool gives you a clear look into installed software, hardware, network inventory, missing Microsoft hotfixes, antivirus status, security benchmarks, and much more.

  • Defraggler

    Defraggler is one of the best defrag programs available. It will defrag an entire hard disk as well as individual files or folders. You can specify what you want to defrag and how you want to defrag it.

  • Defraggler

    Defraggler 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.

Introduction

Out 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.

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

Photo: iStockphoto.com/meltonmedia

Related Topics:

Microsoft Enterprise Software Software Collaboration Mobility Cloud Hardware

By Jack Wallen

Jack Wallen is an award-winning writer for TechRepublic and Linux.com. He’s an avid promoter of open source and the voice of The Android Expert. For more news about Jack Wallen, visit his website jackwallen.com.

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