Behind a slick interface, this program backs up all your PC's drivers in case you mess up something fierce. From registration to implementation, DriverMax works fast, runs smooth, and does even more than mere backing up.
The application is nearly flawless. Its slick button navigation takes users through the four main sections of the program: Driver Operations, Updates, Identification, and Popular Hardware. Mousing over one reveals more choices, so you can export your drivers, import drivers, or view an installed drivers report. Backing up and reinstalling an "accidentally" deleted driver was as pain-free as could be, and users can back up all drivers or compile a customized list. Automatically updating your drivers currently doesn't work, and the free registration key requires your e-mail address--annoying, but worth suffering through to get these must-have features.
Belarc Advisor is one of those tools for Windows users that you didn't know you were missing until you started using it. It's hard to understate how important this program can be, as it provides a free analysis of your machine's security weak points.
By looking at elements such as whether antivirus software and definitions are up to date, or whether all the security flaws in Windows have been patched, Belarc works quickly to inform you of what you're missing and provide links to how you can fix it. It uses the Center for Internet Security (CIS) benchmark test to give the computer a score showing its overall security level and produces a report that can be viewed in a Web browser.
Not only does it analyze software and operating system components and tell you where problems are, but in its comprehensive report it tells you what your computer's physical components are: not just how much RAM you have, for example, but what kind of RAM and which slots are occupied. Simply put, the clear advice given on how to address each issue is invaluable.
One of Power Downloader's pet personal computer peeves is the Safely Remove Hardware icon that pops up and nags him anytime he removes a device. External hard drive, thumb drive, a USB-powered fan--there's no escaping that pesky pop-up.
Except, of course, there is a solution. In fact, there are two easy solutions, says Power Downloader: One uses a small program, while the other involves tweaking the QuickLaunch bar's properties.
The tiny and free program called Icon Remover comes with two functions: a button to remove the Safely Remove Hardware icon, and a second button to restore it. That's all the app does, but it's certainly the simplest way to tame that unruly icon. Simple and effective, it's a reasonable way to solve the problem without having to remember various twists and turns in the QuickLaunch properties box.
The QuickLaunch bar properties give users control over pop-up icon behavior.
(Credit: CNET Networks)If that labyrinthine pathway to icon removal appeals to you, or if you prefer to not download a 500KB program for such a tiny issue, there is a way to access that icon's behavior from within Windows that doesn't involve hacking the Registry. Right-click on the QuickLaunch bar in the tiny space below the clock, and select Properties from the context menu that appears.
Under the Notification area, hit Customize and then scroll through the choices until you see Safely Remove Hardware. Change the default setting of Hide When Inactive to Always Hide--you've now taught that annoying pop-up to stay down, and you've prevented one of Power Downloader's pet peeves from becoming your own.
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