• On MovieTome: The next Marvel mutant movie?
November 6, 2009 12:00 PM PST

Must-have utilities for your Windows toolkit

by Jessica Dolcourt
  • Font size
  • Print
  • 7 comments

How often do you think about the background systems that make your computer run smoothly and surely? As with most foundations, generally only when they're broken or faulty. And that's a shame. We've rounded up seven freeware utilities that can help you get (and keep) your Windows system in top shape.

We include some top picks in the disk defragger, file compressor, and all-around optimizer categories. There's a tool to recover lost data, and another to cleanly remove programs, including Registry leftovers. Check it out in our must-have utilities roundup.

Have other favorites that didn't make our list? Opine away in the comments.

Jessica Dolcourt reviews the latest and greatest smartphone apps, in addition to a healthy dose of Windows software. E-mail Jessica and follow her on Twitter.
Recent posts from The Download Blog
Windows Starter Kit refreshed for 2010
Big changes in Security Starter Kit 2010
Why to embrace Firefox 3.6's new-tab ethos
Sale: CoPilot Live GPS for iPhone, $19.99
Three apps we're thankful for
Mozilla issues near-final Thunderbird 3
eBay opens auction app for BlackBerry
iPhone app rounds up free Redbox rental codes
Add a Comment (Log in or register) (7 Comments)
  • prev
  • 1
  • next
by Barnie Olivier November 7, 2009 3:47 AM PST
I would like to learn more about programs that can help me to operate my Pc to its full potensial
Reply to this comment
by kumbhyr November 8, 2009 8:02 AM PST
THANK YOU
Reply to this comment
by andval November 8, 2009 10:06 PM PST
Please advise whether there is a utility which could resolve problems relating to the windows xp movie maker. The programme is, in my view, conceptually great but its numerous sensitivities and failures to run make it useless.
Reply to this comment
by The-Thought November 16, 2009 11:55 AM PST
A tip:

Movie Maker Repair (Step 1)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfVS7bn9zNM
http://www.youtube.com/BetaFlux

This will fix your Movie Maker from crashing
(Windows XP users only)

End of quote
by grandpa5x2009 November 15, 2009 12:53 PM PST
I am not grandpa5x2009, delete the 2009
Reply to this comment
by skylamer November 21, 2009 2:38 AM PST
no, i dont think you need this utilities...... glary or something


good mix -> ccleaner, revo, ultradefrag and 7zip?!
Reply to this comment
by gregzeng01 November 23, 2009 5:35 AM PST
"MRTECH" (MRTECH.COM) is a Must-Have: "Cobian Backup" is much better than the program you mention. "PROCESS EXPORER" remembers the priorities of every boot-up. "Win-Patrol" allows delayed, diabled, etc startups. JK Defrag offers better versions of defrags. "Clipboard Magic" allows me to recall & save all my "copy" for later re-use. "Net Run" starts & offers any internet programs I might use. "Free Download Manager" saves flash-video, torrent handling, better alternative sites for downloading (timed as often as you like). All the above FREEWARE have off & on-line help, forums, and easy updating to the newest version.

The only SHAREWARE (initially used as freeware) that I bought was "Servant Salamander", because it completely handles 7ZIP, ZIP, ISO, RAR, UNDELETE, VIEW, EDIT, MAP, (UN) SPLIT, RENAME (all types), Windows explorer, Synchronize, Folder differences, Folder & drive sizes, Filename Attribute & case-changer, Network-access, De & encrypt, NTFS (un) compress, ... VERY much better than the originally specialized programs that offer these function, (free, share or commercial ware).
Reply to this comment
(7 Comments)
  • prev
  • 1
  • next

Search Download Blog posts

advertisement
Click Here

About The Download Blog

Download.com editors cover the world of downloadable software and beyond.

Add this feed to your online news reader

The Download Blog topics