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Tuesday, September 2, 2014
Home > TECHNOLOGY > 100 best ever free PC system tools

100 best ever free PC system tools

Create your perfect Windows toolkit with these apps

There's a tool for just about anything you can think of in Windows. And if you look hard enough, you'll find a freebie is more than capable of doing the job you want – in some cases, free tools outclass their shareware or commercial rivals.
The trick is knowing what's out there and where to find it, which is where we come in. We've done the hard work for you, trawling the web for hundreds of free Windows tools and selecting the finest 100 to include in this feature.
You'll find programs to help you fix problems, speed up the way you use Windows, and unlock cool and exciting features you never knew existed. You'll save money in many ways too.
We're not going to pretend you need to download all 100 of these tools and install or run them all simultaneously; that's a recipe for disaster. Here's one tip, however: if you're in the mood to experiment with a selection, install Comodo Time Machine first, so you can undo any changes you make to your PC if you discover a program isn't to your tastes or doesn't meet your needs.
We'd also recommend backing up your computer before you begin – as you'd expect, we've highlighted a number of free backup tools in the System health section to help you here too.
One thing we will guarantee you: there will be at least one tool in this collection that – if you haven't already discovered it – will become indispensable. We predict you'll find at least ten tools to revolutionise the way you use your PC.
Now that's got to be worth an hour or two of your time…
System health tools
Monitor the status of your hard drive, CPU, memory and software
Your hard drive is arguably the most important component in your PC, seeing as all your precious data and settings (never mind Windows and programs) are stored on it. Knowing when a hard drive is about to physically fail could save you heartache, as well as hundreds of pounds in expensive data recovery fees.

CrystalDiskMonitor

CrystalDiskMonitor enables you to keep an eye on your hard drives' health in the background, providing you with a health rating based on its SMART status, as well as information about each drive's temperature.
If a drive is running too hot – over 50-55 degrees Celsius in a desktop or over 60 degrees in a laptop – you'll need to invest in cooling measures to reduce its stress and lengthen its life.
What gives CrystalDiskMonitor the edge over similar products is the fact it can also monitor external USB and FireWire drives, so your essential backup device is also covered.
FixWinWebsite

FixWin

This handy – and portable – utility can fix common Windows problems in a single click. Over 50 issues – such as a missing Recycle Bin – are covered, and although it's designed for Windows 7, many fixes work in Vista and XP too.

Partition wizard

Create, resize, move and recover partitions without data loss, thanks to the free Home Edition of this powerful partition manager. We've picked it over other similar offerings as it also works in 64-bit versions of Windows.
Microsoft FixIt CenterWebsite
This centralised tool gives access to all of Microsoft Support Center's automated fixes in a single tool. Select your problem to download and apply the fix.
SystemRescueCDwww.sysresccd.org
A customised boot Linux disc that gives you access to your hard drive and PC, even when Windows won't boot. Burn the CD using ISO Recorder.
Windows Memory DiagnosticWebsite
A downloadable boot disc (burn with ISO Recorder) to test for memory errors. If you have a Windows 7 or Vista install disc it's under "Repair your computer".
Belarc AdvisorWebiste
This useful system information utility lists your PC's hardware spec, installed software, product keys and Microsoft updates, on a web page to save or print.
This is a detailed hardware system information and diagnostics tool – frequently updated to work with the latest chipsets, motherboards, and processors.
Another system information tool, CPU-Z focuses on core components (with CPU, memory and graphics). Again, you can save reports to give to others or print.
GFI Backup Home Editionhttp://gfi.com/backup-hm
Currently the best free files and settings backup tool, this is essential if you use XP or if you want more control over your Vista or Windows 7 backup.
ERUNTWebsite
This backs up your Registry each time Windows starts. It's invaluable if you use XP, as you can easily fix a corrupt Registry from the Recovery Console.
DriverMaxWebsite
Easily back up, restore, and find updates for your drivers with this free tool. It also identifies unknown hardware devices – a free subscription is required.
AmpSoft WinOffWebsite
This will set Windows to shut down, restart, log off, hibernate, or lock at a certain time or after an interval. Great for file servers and non-attended PCs.
This stores all Microsoft updates and certain system components offline, enabling you to quickly bring your PC back up to date after reinstalling Windows.
You can monitor the temperature of your PC and – if supported – adjust fan speeds, to give better cooling or less noise directly from within Windows itself.
Comodo Time MachineWebsite
A life without System Restore is unthinkable, and Comodo Time Machine offers something even better – instead of only monitoring certain changes on your system, it monitors every file and setting, enabling you to roll back your PC to a working state quickly, easily and with complete confidence!
Step 1. Take snapshots

Comodo time machine 1

Like System Restore, Comodo Time Machine can take both automatic snapshots and manual ones; take one before installing a new program, for example.
Step 2. Reverse changes 

Comodo time machine 2


Select Restore System to roll your PC back to a previous state. Remember though, all changes (such as data stored on monitored drives) will be rolled back.
Step 3. Individual files 

Comodo time machine 3


You can also restore lost, deleted or changed files and folders: choose Recover Files and enter all or part of the filename you want to restore.

CacheMyWork

Frustrated by Windows' inability to retain your open programs and documents after a restart? CacheMyWork solves this, so you can restart after updates without having to start from scratch.

TeamViewer

Quite simply, this is the simplest and most effective free tool for connecting remotely to another PC, whether that's your home machine from work, or a friend's PC that's been playing up. You can even use it from your iPhone.
Registry Tweakerwww.registrytweaker.net

Registry tweaker

This handy tool gives access to key Registry tweaks for a more user-friendly experience, by describing what tweaks do rather than listing Registry keys and values. It's a good substitute for the Group Policy Editor.

CS fire monitor

This freebie has a whopping 11 monitors, to keep a beady eye on everything from hardware to software and the internet. Once set up it monitors in real-time, with a graphic display in the guise of a line graph and it also stores the results in a database to output as reports.
Its monitoring tools include NetStats, which doesn't just track your network and internet activity, but also identifies which programs are hogging your bandwidth. It can track processes, services and installed software too.
The program also has a built-in screensaver, which feeds data from the program into a series of graphs that display when the screensaver kicks in.
Buddy Backupwww.buddybackup.com

Buddy backup

Do you want the security of an online backup program, but can't afford the monthly cost? Buddy Backup enables you, and like-minded individuals, to back up to each others' PCs over the internet for free. The new version now also backs up to external devices such as a hard drive, for when your buddies aren't online.
Partition Find and Mounthttp://findandmount.com
If you lose access to non-Windows partitions, this recovery tool fi nds them. It can mount the partition and transfer the data off it to a more reliable source.
Zero Assumption Recovery
www.z-a-recovery.com
This commercial program gives one component for free in its trial version: the ability to recover lost and deleted image files from a camera's memory card.
Data recovery from damaged CDs can be tricky, but ISOBuster is one of the best tools. Some functions are free but others require registration (US$29.95).
Unknown Device Identifierwww.zhangduo.com/udi.html
This useful freebie helps you identify hardware that shows up as "unknown" when detected by Windows. Once identified, you can source the correct drivers.

Recuva

Data recovery used to be an expensive business, but Recuva is the best in the growing number of data recovery tools that don't cost a bean. It enables you to recover your deleted and lost files with the help of a user-friendly wizard.
Windows Registry Recoverywww.mitec.cz/wrr.html
This handy free tool enables you to recover the Registry settings from files stored inside a drive image (such as that taken by Macrium Reflect Free). It's perfect if you've forgotten to export a key setting prior to reinstalling Windows on your PC.
Vista and Windows 7 use a different bootloader to XP. Therefore if you have two or more Operating Systems – including Linux – installed on your hard drive using this alternative bootloader, you'll need this to manage them all.
Customise how Windows looks and works with these unmissable desktop customisation tools

Fences

It doesn't take long for the average desktop to become cluttered with shortcuts, folders and files. Fences is designed to bring order to chaos, by turning your desktop into a series of fenced-off areas, into which you organise your desktop icons any way you want.
Once created, fences can be reshaped, moved and resized, and if you want clarity of thought for a moment, just double-click on the desktop to hide everything from view (double-click again to bring the corrals back).
Once it's installed, reboot your PC and the setup wizard will guide you through the process of setting things up. You can back up your existing desktop settings too – so if you don't like what you see, you can return to the familiar cluttered mess in no time at all.
Windows DreamScene ActivatorWebsite
Vista Ultimate supports DreamScene, so you can use animations and video on desktop backgrounds. This tool enables it in all versions of Windows 7 too.
Seven Transformation PackWebsite
If you can handle potential instability, you can get much of the look and feel of Windows 7 in XP and Vista with this collection of tools in a single installer.
If you use XP and are jealous of the Desktop Sidebar – or use Vista or Windows 7 and want something different – try this free sidebar tool from Yahoo!
This is another desktop sidebar tool, but uniquely supports Apple Mac gadgets, as well as those used to extend the functionality of the Opera browser.
If you want to step out on a limb, take a look at this free tool; it replaces the entire Windows desktop shell with a radically different user interface.
LogonStudiowww.stardock.com
Change the Windows logon screen to any image you like, with this simple-to-use freebie from the makers of ObjectDock.
Stardock ObjectDockwww.stardock.com
Similar to the "dock" Taskbar replacement found on an Apple Mac, this dock is attractive and easy to use. And the good news is you can easily augment (or even completely ditch) the Windows Taskbar in favour of something similar thanks to this fabulous free tool. Download and install the free version, and read on to find out how.
Step 1. First steps

Dock 1

Once the installation is complete, double-click the desktop shortcut and the dock will appear at the bottom of the screen above the Taskbar.
Step 2. Configure dock

Dock 2

Some shortcuts are built-in, but you can drag and drop others from the Taskbar or desktop onto the dock. Click "Configure Dock" to make changes.
Step 3. Hide the Taskbar

Dock 3

Switch to the General tab and tick "Hide the Windows Taskbar" – it'll disappear from view, and your new dock will take its place permanently.
This handy little tool enables you to view thumbnails of all open windows and programs side-by-side on the desktop, so it's easy to switch between them.
Launch programs and access files from your desktop with this floating widget – enter a few letters to see programs and files for those search terms.
The best free tool to design icons from scratch or convert existing image files. It supports icons up to 256x256 in size, perfect for Vista and Windows 7.
This simple tool creates a backup of the current icon layout on your desktop. If it changes – such as switching screen resolution – it's quick to restore it.
MultiMonitor TaskbarWebsite
If you work with a multi-monitor setup, you'll want this free tool, which extends the Windows Taskbar to all of the additional screens you've got set up.
You don't need a second monitor to take advantage of extra desktop space: VirtuaWin enables you to set up, customise, and work on nine virtual desktops.
Right Click Extenderhttp://snipurl.com/rcextender
Customise and manage the context menu when you right-click with this. It works perfectly in Windows 7, but is semi-compatible with XP and Vista too.

Google desktop

Google's Desktop tool has an indexed search engine to provide lightning-fast searches of your hard drive (as well as the web via Google itself). This is combined with a Sidebar application that can be customised with standalone gadgets, in much the same way as Windows 7 and Vista's built-in Sidebar.
If you're using Windows XP you'll get the most from this utility; if you use Vista and Windows 7 you may prefer to stick with what's already provided in the Operating System.

Standalone stack

This tool creates a desktop shortcut that – when double-clicked – displays a tiled stack of the items in the folder. You can even pin the shortcut to the Taskbar to use from there, keeping your pristine desktop as uncluttered as possible. Think of it as Jump Lists on steroids.
BioniX Wallpaperwww.bionixwallpaper.com

Bionx wallpaper

Bored with staring at the same wallpaper day in, day out? Desktop Wallpaper Changer enables you to cycle between different background images of your choice, at a time that suits you. The program is packed with options, making it perfect should you tire of looking at the standard Windows desktop.
Keep Windows running smoothly with these streamlining tools
CodeStuff StarterWebsite

Codestuff starter

As programs are added to your PC, Windows takes longer to boot and your computer feels more sluggish in operation. Much of this is down to the number of programs that start with Windows – not only do they add seconds to the startup time, they also use valuable resources, hampering performance as a result.
You can disable startup items using Windows' own MSconfig tool, but CodeStuff Starter is vastly superior; you get a more verbose description of each startup entry, can delete as well as disable unwanted entries, and quickly search the web for more information on any unknown items.
If you've used MSconfig to manage your startup items, you may wonder how to permanently delete entries you've previously disabled. Simple: use this.
Startup DelayerWebsite
This program enables you to introduce timed delays for specific startup programs, so resources at startup time are shared more efficiently.
Windows SteadyStateWebsite
This tool for Vista and XP will restrict access to your PC based on user profile, plus undo system changes at every reboot with Windows Disk Protection.
PageDefragWebsite
This tiny little tool defrags the paging file and Registry hives in XP, so you can defrag these key system files and give your system a speed boost.
If Task Manager won't respond, this might enable you to recover your system. But only use it in an emergency – otherwise it can crash a functioning PC.
Ultimate Windows Tweakerwww.winvistaclub.com/uwtf.html
Dubbed "TweakUI for Windows 7 and Vista", this handy tweaking tool is packed with optimisation and customisation features.
Why choose this over the defragmentation tool built into Windows?
First, unlike the XP tool, it runs on a schedule. Better still, it can be configured to run in the background, defragging your drives when your PC is idle, thus keeping performance at top notch.
It can also be used to defragment individual files and folders too, making it your perfect one-stop defrag shop.
TweakUIWebsite
Microsoft's unofficial PowerToy is packed full of handy system optimisations and tweaks, making it an essential tool if you use Windows XP.
Free Registry Defragwww.registry-clean.net/

Registry defrag

Free Registry Defrag skips the "search and delete supposedly useless Registry entries" part of Registry cleaning – where most problems occur. Instead it simply compacts and defrags the Registry itself, which is where the actual optimisation takes place.
Some program uninstallers leave Start menu shortcuts behind: this free tool searches it for redundant shortcuts, so you can clear them out.
Tidy Start Menuwww.tidystartmenu.com
Take control of your Start menu with this tool: once installed you can filter programs into a number of set categories, making them easier to find in future.
AM-DeadLink supports all major browsers, to search for duplicates and non-working bookmarks. You can clean out your favourites and ensure they work.
Simply deleting files isn't enough to ensure they're destroyed – you need this tool to securely wipe files, folders or free space, manually or on a schedule.
PC Decrapifierwww.pcdecrapifier.com
If you bought your PC from a major manufacturer, this free tool enables you to quickly get rid of the bundled extra software you don't want.
Driver SweeperWebsite
This thoroughly removes drivers and hardware devices. Remove a driver in the usual way, then boot into Safe Mode and let it clean up any leftovers.
Revo Uninstallerwww.revouninstaller.com

Revo

When uninstalling software from your PC, you may be surprised by how much detritus is left behind. Revo Uninstaller can perform a more thorough uninstall of programs by searching for leftover files and redundant Registry entries from the program's own uninstaller.
The program also features a Hunter mode for those applications that don't have their own uninstaller, enabling you to remove hard-to-shift software too.

CCleaner

It doesn't matter how diligent you are, rubbish builds up on your hard drive in the form of leftover files, Registry entries and more besides. CCleaner makes it incredibly easy to search for and remove these unwanted items, freeing up space and resources.
OOLauncherWebsite
This manages your startup items, so you can change the order of programs, delay their start times, and even reduce the priority of resource-hogging startup programs, to speed things up. And you can even set an entry to start up minimised or in an open window.
Process Lassowww.bitsum.com
Some programs you install are more demanding than others, which is where Process Lasso comes in. This free tool sits quietly in the background, monitoring running processes, reining in the more demanding ones, and so ensuring your PC is swifter and more stable to boot.
Process ExplorerWebsite
This freebie enables you to keep a beady eye on which files and folders have been opened by all your running programs, and you can uncover which processes are using which DLL files. In terms of spying on the inner workings of Windows, there's no equal.
KillProcessWebsite
A process assassin, this tool should be used with care – it's capable of killing any running process, even your protected ones. And unlike Task Manager it can kill multiple processes at once. When it's appropriate, however, this is the perfect response to unwanted programs on your PC.
Protect yourself and your PC with this collection of useful free security tools
Panda Cloud Antiviruswww.cloudantivirus.com/en

Panda cloud antivirus

When it comes to protecting your computer from the latest malware, why should you pick this relative newcomer to the freebie scene? Is it easy to use? Check – the user interface is one of simplest we've seen. Is it light on system resources? Check – it only uses around 10MB of memory, meaning it won't slow down even low-specced PCs.
Ah, but what about the essential protection? Check, check and check. When it comes to malware detection and blocking, Panda is up with the very best, and only loses a little of its sheen when it comes to cleaning up already infected systems.
Even here, however, it's on a par with most other freebies on the market. The program utilises an online database ("Cloud Intelligence") for its AV scans, which is updated hundreds of times a day to keep it ahead of the latest threats. All in all, Panda has raised the bar for free anti-virus, so you should definitely take advantage – if you haven't already.

Malwarebytes

No security tool is infallible, which is where Malwarebytes comes in. The free version has no real-time protection, so won't interfere with existing protection, but it can scan and remove threats missed by other programs. It's an essential addition to any armoury.
Threatfire Freewww.threatfire.com

Threatfire

Threatfire bends the rules of security software: despite its real-time protection against malware, it won't conflict with any anti-virus tool already installed on your PC.
It's designed to sit alongside existing security software, to strengthen your protection by flagging up what it considers suspicious behaviour. Review the details in the dialog, then either allow or deny the action based on whether you trust it.
If your computer is vulnerable to outside use or even theft, you owe it to yourself to make sure any important data is encrypted, so thieves can't steal your personal information as well as your laptop.
TrueCrypt is the best free tool for the job: not only can it encrypt individual files and folders inside a special encrypted container, you can use it to encrypt your entire hard drive too, preventing people from using your computer when you're not around.
If you want to protect your data, create and mount your container. Once done, you'll see a new drive appear in Windows – just drag your sensitive files into here, and you can edit and open them like any other.
The difference is, when you click Dismount or restart your computer, your files will be safely hidden and encrypted from prying eyes. Just open TrueCrypt and follow step four again when you want to regain access.
Step 1. First steps

Truecrypt 1

Click "Create Volume", tick "Create an encrypted file container", and click Next. Leave "Standard TrueCrypt volume" selected, and click Next.
Step 2. Create container

Truecrypt 2

Click "Select File" to pick a folder and unique filename for your container. Click Next, tick the default encryption options, and click Next.
Step 3. Select properties 

Step 3


Make the container big enough to hold your files, click Next, assign a password, and click Next. Change the file system to NTFS and click Format.
Step 4. Access container 

Truecrypt 4


Click Continue if prompted, then OK > Exit. Click "Select File", browse to your file, and select a drive letter. Click Mount and enter your password.

AppRemover

Switching from one security app to another can be problematic. AppRemover recognises a wide variety of security tools, and ensures all traces are wiped before you install your new tool to prevent possible conflicts.

ZoneAlarm

Free firewalls are less common than anti-virus tools, and they're not as good as their paid-for cousins. ZoneAlarm is by far the most popular of those available, and offers superior protection to that offered in Windows.
To scan your PC for the effects of malware, HijackThis! can generate a log of areas commonly infected. It also has tools to fix malware problems.
Virus Effect Removerwww.virussecurelab.com/VER.html
An essential tool in your security armoury, VER enables you to undo any lingering effects of malware infection.
Rather than a single password for all your accounts, KeePass can manage multiple logon details with just one master password, beefing up your security.
This tiny tool specialises in deleting files that are in use, and therefore protected – many malware infections protect themselves in this way.
Microsoft Baseline Security AnalyzerWebsite
Malware infections often exploit security holes in Windows and other Microsoft products; MBSA will quickly scan your PC and verify you're fully protected.
Prevent spam and virus-laden email by vetting all new mails while they're still on your mail server. Just select any dodgy mail, click Delete, and you're done.
File and folder apps
Manage your files more efficiently with these useful freebies
SyncToy 2.1Website

SyncToy

Microsoft's handy free tool enables you to keep the contents of two folders (also known as folder "pairs") perfectly in sync. Just select the two folders in question – one of which can be a shared folder on another networked PC – and then choose how you want the files to be kept in sync.
Once done, click Preview, check which changes will occur, and then click "Run" to update your two folders.
SyncBack FreewareWebsite

SyncBack

SyncToy is simple and easy to set up, but if you need more options – including automatically syncing two folders – then SyncBack Freeware is without doubt the best free synchronisation tool.
Rename MasterWebsite

Rename master

If you're ever faced with the unappealing task of renaming dozens of files, Rename Master makes it as simple as possible. There's a powerful set of options including MP3/JPG tag support.
Duplicate files can quickly clutter up your hard drive, but it can be a dangerous game if you start deleting what appear at a superficial glance to be identical files.
DupKiller will hunt for replicate files in locations you may not consider, and does more than simply search by filename or file-size. You can also search by date stamp and even content, and you can even set a percentage match to ensure that only identical files are picked.
This enables you to create virtual CD and DVD drives on your PC. You can then mount special ISO fi les and access them as if they were actual physical discs.
ISO Recorder can burn discs directly from ISO images by double-clicking an ISO file; you can also rip CDs and DVDs to ISO images for use with MagicDisc.
This CD and DVD-burning application is lightweight, with all the features to burn audio and data discs. And it behaves nicely with other CD-burning utilities.
If you need details of a specific folder or drive, this displays its content in interesting ways. Perfect for finding out what's taking up all that space.
Frustrated by your external hard drive powering down to save energy? This tool prevents it, by writing a small, empty file to the drive every few minutes.
This tiny program adds an additional column to the Explorer window, enabling you to see the size of a folder without opening it. It runs in Windows XP only.

AppSnap

This handy free tool simplifies the process of installing and updating your software – just tick the program you wish to download or update. The program will tell you what version is available, and then enable you to easily download and install it.
Universal Viewerwww.uvviewsoft.com

Universal viewer

This handy tool enables you to view a large number of different file types without having to open the parent application, including image files, text and Office files, and many more. Plus you can add additional types with the help of free plug-ins.
ArsClipWebsite
Frustrated by Windows' inability to store more than a single item in the Windows clipboard? ArsClip enables you to store multiple entries in a wide variety of formats – including HTML, RTF, plain text and images.
These can be catalogued permanently if you frequently have to perform repetitive tasks such as form filling, and the bonus is that the program requires no installation, so won't bog your system down unduly.

Lock hunter

Do you ever run into an error message telling you that a file or folder can't be deleted or moved because it's locked, or still in use?
The solution is to install this handy free tool; you can then simply right-click any file and choose "What is locking this file?" A dialogue box will pop up revealing what's locking the file or folder – just click "Unlock It!" and it will be freed up for whatever you need to do.
FileTypesManWebsite
This handy little tool provides an alternative to the confusing Windows file type manager, enabling you to quickly edit and view current file associations.
This is actually a free online conversion service, so you can convert files up to 100MB in size between a variety of image, office and other file formats.
Speed up copying large files from one folder or drive to another using TeraCopy; it provides quicker file transfers than the Windows file manager.
This tiny program enables you to split large files into smaller chunks, making them easier to transfer using floppy disks and other media, or via email.
This comprehensive file archiving tool will compress files to save space, and has a mind-boggling array of obscure archives: there's RAR and LZW, as well as ZIP.

JDisk report

Want to find where all that free disk space has gone? JDiskReport enables you to view a pie chart showing the largest folders or files in a selected directory or disk, plus you can view a selection of bar and pie charts (and top 100 lists).
These can be based on criteria such as when files were last modified, or what file types are taking up most room; it's perfect for managing your cluttered drive.
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2 comments:

  1. sumitjainApril 27, 2018 at 12:12 AM

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