The Best Open-Source (or Freeware) System Optimizers!
Posted 10/02/08 at 06:40:18 PM | by David Murphy
We're back! In our last feature, we showed you the best open-source/freeware graphics applications. But we realize that not everyone shares our crude artistic skills. Thus, we're aiming for a general market this time around. Enclosed within this article are the top freeware system optimization tools we've discovered in our mighty search of the Web. Clean your PC of spyware! Keep it virus-free! Run new, scary program in a virtualized environment! And much more--our full list of awesome, must-install applicaitons awaits. Check 'em out! Your PC isn't complete without them!
Clamwin
If you aren't running an antivirus application on your computer, shame on you. There's no reason you should open up your technological insides to invasion. Clamwin is a fully functional antivirus application that's as free as it is updated. While the program doesn't feature real-time scanning, it's still updated with all the latest virus definitions. Establishing a schedule for a scan is as easy as clicking the mouse a few times and typing in a number. The application doesn't abuse a ton of system resources, which in itself is a boon. Nor have we detected the egregious number of false positives that a free scanner like A-Squared spits out. Clamwin keeps you safe sans hassle--the epitome of a free virus-scanning application.
CCleaner
PC running slow? Seeing a ton of strange pop-ups and application launches that shouldn't be happening. CCleaner -- short for "Crap Cleaner" -- is your ticket to a healthy PC. The program runs through a bevy of files on your machine and deletes those which are no longer necessary. It's not a spyware-fighting application. You'll want to look to Spybot for that. However, we typically run CCleaner once a week on our machines just to keep them (and their storage capabilities) in tip-top shape. The application nukes the temporary files of your operating system and Internet browsers, then sifts through your registry for improper shortcuts and unused entries. Freeing up storage is always fun, and CCleaner doesn't disappoint in that regard!
VirtualBox
Feel like testing out an application, but don't want to leave its footprint on your primary operating system? Want to cover your tracks for all the less-than-reputable Web browsing you're undertaking? Feel like screwing around with Linux, but don't want to set up a new partition to do so? Accomplish these tasks, and more, by creating a virtualized operating system environment inside of VirtualBox. You can run operating systems of all kinds inside this application, including the very latest Linux and Windows installations. The program lets you share files between your "fake" OS and your real OS, and you can even interact with your virtual operating system using standard USB devices. Hardcore users take note: you can also access your virtual environment remotely. VirtualBox is a tinkerer's dream.
Comments
Print
Email
Best Software - Open Source
Submitted by WiseW on Tue, 2008-11-18 15:21
Maximum PC has always been one of the best places to go for "must have" software - free or need to buy. I realize everyone has different opinions of what works for them - but it seems like at the end of the day - the same software names seem to rise to the top for different reasons. Everyone sets up new PC's or revamps their OS with a new install and we all sift out software we hardly use and keep coming back to our favorites to reinstall. Making a list of 'MUST HAVE' titles has long been a favorite of mine, and I think it is surprising how many people out there - real computer users but not perhaps in this league do not know about this stuff. Everyone knows Youtube and Itunes, but not the mountains of software that can really make their PC work for them. All at practically no cost.
I have not seen a website, or know of one that is dedicated to this entire subject. You would think someone would put one together that would keep it up to date. It would be a website I would go to constantly to check for new software - sort of like going to Itunes store or AmazonMP3.com to check out the latest songs and look at how many stars they recieved and look at the comments.
Keep up the good work at Max PC- your work is always worthy of a "KA" award.
2 you missed....
Submitted by ghot on Sat, 2008-10-04 01:49
You definitely need to add the free Glary Utilities, and re-add Hijack This....two indispensible programs for any OS.
As for Comodo....all their programs need a few more years until they "are ready for prime time" all their programs are functional, yes, but have GUI's from hell. Take their firewall...it does all Zonealarm does and more...its downfall is its severely UNintuitive interface..as mentioned above/below it has to constantly be re-told what to allow and deny. This is unsupportable for educated user and completely useless for the uneducated user. The complexity of its GUI will lead to MORE firewall breaches, because of things...missed by those who don't have a week or so to disect its interface.
Other than the 2 programs mentioned above...EXCELLENT list !
Many thanks
Submitted by wk on Fri, 2008-10-03 11:06
Good list, but I would also recommend (revouninstaller), (Advanced WindowsCare V2 Personal).
MPC is my home page
All of Comodo's Stuff is Free and Better, why not use it?
Submitted by HarmonicShadow on Fri, 2008-10-03 10:36
Apparently they don't know about Comodo Registry Cleaner. The latest version of the firewall does remember settings a lot better. They're not an article anywhere about Comodo. Maybe they prefer the other security and cleanup programs proven not to work so well. It's the best free firewall against leak tests according to the Matsoutec Firewall Challenge. I'm surprised Maximum PC didn't cover that firewall challenge. Maybe it was because of the big names failing the tests. They are probably not going to mention when Comodo Internet Security comes out into Final Release either. Why? It's cause that Comodo's free and the tests show it's better than what you pay for.
Submitted by HarmonicShadow on Fri, 2008-10-03 03:50
. . .CCLeaner is pretty good. ATFCleaner, now that's a real computer cleaner if you ask me. Comodo Registry Cleaner, that's a real registry cleaner cause it massively outperforms CCleaner. Does Maximum PC even know that Comodo even exists? They have the best registry cleaner http://registry-cleaner.comodo.com/comparison.html and they have the best free firewall when it comes to the Firewall Challenge http://www.matousec.com/projects/firewall-challenge/results.php. They're firewall kicks those big names like Norton, McAfee, BitDefender, and Trend Micro to the curb. And now, they have a FREE internet security program combining antivirus and firewall protection in beta in the form of Comodo Internet Security (CIS). Comodo's slowly crawling up and it's already known to the other security companies since Comodo's firewall hit the 1st place mark for the longest time and then the other companies had to fix their stuff because something free for life was better than what they charged people for. They amped their own stuff up to fix the potential loss of customers to those who used the FREE firewall.
So Maximum PC, does Comodo even exist to you guys?
Submitted by brainwins on Fri, 2008-10-03 09:46
using Comodo after the hundred time I told him to remember the freaking setting of: YES, I do want to allow Firefox to acces Internet.
So I think Maximum PC does know Comodo. That's why it's not on this list
Just for the record, I can
Submitted by jwalch.hawk on Fri, 2008-10-03 07:26
Just for the record, I can think of two issues off the top my head that I've had crop up involving Comodo's Firewall. I'd never claim that either was necessarily 100% Comodo's fault, but they're getting my big stamp of guilt by associativity.
Hey great article dave!
Submitted by Strongbad536 on Thu, 2008-10-02 20:06
Hey great article dave! We'll sure miss you at your new job. Anybody know when the next set of Softy Awards come out?
RESOURCE CENTER
KICK ASS OFFERS
MOST RECENT COMMENTS
THIS MONTH's ISSUE 
FEATURE Awesome Upgrades: The best PC upgrades in every price range.HOW TO Connect your PC to your surround-sound audio systemProtect Your PC We put 10 of the most popular antivirus programs to the test to see which will protect you best. Android Revealed Find out how the Google-powered HTC G1 stacks up against its rivals.
Technology News
Computer Cooling Fans
Computer Cases
PC Game Controllers
PC Games
Computer Hardware
Headphones
MP3 Players
Stream Video
Computer Mouse
Monitors
Motherboards
NAS Storage
Networking
Laptop Computers
DVD Burner
Digital Cameras
Portable Storage
Computer Accessories
Smartphone
Antivirus Software
Sound Cards
Speakers
Computer Systems
Thumb Drives
Video Cameras
Video Card Reviews
Water Cooling
Gadgets
- Keyboards
© 2008 Future US, Inc. All Rights Reserved.