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System information software -- Belarc Advisor v7.2.

After installation Belarc Advisor provides a browser based (your firewall may give a warning) report on the status of the hardware and software installed on your computer.
The information given about the computers hardware is adequate for most purposes, but not as detailed as the results from some system info tools.
The information given about Microsoft security hotfixes is much better, with more info available online.
Some (but not all) software licence keys are displayed, which is useful if you have misplaced them.
A comprehensive list of installed software is provided.

Belarc Advisor isn't as detailed in some areas as I would like and some items, such as the software list, seem rather pointless. But it does a reasonable job of providing all your system information in one easy to understand page.

Free for personal use -- Download size 1.43MB -- Win Vista, 2003, XP, 2000, NT 4, Me, 98, and 95

http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html

Returnil Virtual System Personal Edition version 1.62

What is the Returnil Virtual System?
Well it's actually quite simple (but hard to explain), it creates a copy of Windows in ram memory (not the whole thing, it wouldn't fit!).
Then any changes made to the drive, or partition, that contains Windows (usually the "C" drive), are made virtually, so that when you reboot all changes are lost and your system is completely unaffected.

This can be useful in many ways, you can install and try new software, without risk. You can browse the internet and read emails without worrying about viruses, trojans etc. Because as soon as you reboot, ALL the changes, files, folders, updates, emails, etc are gone and all changed settings revert to their original state.

Returnil is very easy to use and install. During installation you are given the option to read the manual, I would advise you do so, as it fully explains the installation process.
You are given the choice during installation to create a "virtual partition", this is created as a file on your hard drive and allows you to store files that you create when the system protection is on, that would otherwise be lost after a reboot.
If like me you have more than one partition, you don't really need the "virtual partition", as you can simply save anything you wish to keep on a different partition.

Note: The virtual partition shows as a drive in My Computer and can be used as such, but is actually a file on the "C" drive.

You can run the program in two ways, it can either start with Windows, with the protection on, or it can start with the protection off and you can use the "session lock", which turns the protection on just for that session.
I preferred the "session lock", but which ever method is used, a warning is given from the system tray when Windows starts up, telling you the program status.

I have had quite a play with Returnil and it works very well. During use it doesn't affect Windows at all and you can do everything as normal.
I tried deleting files, adding files, deleting registry keys, uninstalling and installing software, even shredding files. But I couldn't catch it out, after a reboot everything was back to its original condition.

I was quite curious as how to program works, as it cant all be in ram memory, there just isn't enough room. After some experimentation with images (easy to trace), I found that information is written to the hard drive, but then deleted. The images weren't recoverable with standard file recovery software, but could be recovered with a surface scan.
So although Returnil works very well as a system protection system, it shouldn't be regarded as a alternative to shredding sensitive documents.

In conclusion, Returnil is very useful and interesting piece of software, it's a bit like running a Linux "live CD".
If, like me, you try a lot of software, the "session lock" feature is ideal, just turn the protection on, as and when you need it.
And the password protected, always on system protection, would be useful to owners of internet cafes, libraries etc (although they would need to buy the business version).

Note: software that require a reboot (virus scanners, firewalls, large games etc), can't be tested using Returnil, as the reboot removes any trace of the installation.

Freeware (for personal use) -- Download size 1.63Mb -- Win XP, 2003, Vista

http://www.returnilvirtualsystem.com/index_files/rvspersonal.htm

ZSoft Uninstaller v2.3.4

ZSoft Uninstaller is a better featured replacement for the standard Windows add/remove panel.
It starts faster and allows you to hide not only Windows updates, but also any other software, that you are unlikely to uninstall, such as drivers, firewalls etc, making the software list shorter and easier to search.
You are also given more information about the software than with add/remove and there is a handy search function, just type in the first few letters of your software.

You can delete orphaned add/remove entries. And any entries that are believed to be "crapware" (that is mild malware) are marked, so that you can investigate them further.

There is a basic temporary file cleaner, it requires each item to be deleted or backed up individually, so will take some time compared to most cleaners.
Personally I don't delete .bak temp files and the like, as they could prove useful in an emergency and don't take up much room. I prefer to use either Windows own temp file cleaner, or the freeware program BeClean.

ZSoft Uninstallers most notable feature, is its ability to analyse a software installation, allowing it to be completely removed at a later date.
The analyse feature is simple to use, an image of your drive is created before software installation. This takes about 15 seconds on my computer, but will vary depending on how much of your drive is occupied.
You then install your new software and run it once.
Another image of your drive is then created and the before and after images compared. A log file can then be made of any changes.
Then, if you decide to uninstall the software, ZSoft Uninstaller will use the log file to try and remove all traces of the program.
It seems to work pretty well, sometimes it will report that an item cant be removed, but I haven't noticed any problems, or orphan files/folders after uninstalling software.

ZSoft Uninstaller has been under development for quite some time and I have followed its progress with some interest. The installation analyser is now a match (imop) for the Norton Cleansweep utility, that I used to use with Win98se and a good replacement for the standard Windows add/remove panel.
The program comes with a pretty good help file and if you encounter a problem, or wish to make a suggestion, the web site has a forum.

Freeware -- Download size 898k -- Win XP

http://www.zsoft.dk

Ashampoo Magical Uninstall.

Most software automatically provides an uninstall link, or an entry in Windows add/remove utility, so that you can remove it at a later date. But although these uninstallers do a reasonable job, they often leave behind the program folder, settings files and registry entries.
Magical Uninstall attempts to address this problem, by monitoring your system immediately before and after installing software, this enables you to remove software at a later date, without leaving a trace.

Magical Uninstall starts with Windows and runs in the system tray. It will automatically detect any software you run, with "setup", or "install" (you can add other names) in the name and offer to monitor the installation.
You can also manually start the monitoring process.
Magical Uninstall first creates a "snapshot" of your system and then you install the software.
Magical Uninstall will then create a second "snapshot". By comparing the two "snapshots", Magical Uninstall can create a log file of system changes.

Magical Uninstall can then use the log file, to completely remove the software at a later date.
You are given the option during uninstallation, to create a reinstallation file, of the software you are removing, so that you can reinstall it at a later date, without the original installer.

Magical Uninstall works quite well, it's easy to use, with prompts at each stage and comes with a good help file. It successfully detected and monitored the test software I installed and later was able to completely remove all traces.
However it does have a few drawbacks, deleted software is sent to the recycle bin and as the software is deleted file, by file, this means that the bin can be cluttered with hundreds of individual files, a nuisance if you need to search for something you have deleted by mistake (or perhaps it's just me that frequently does that!).
Secondly the monitoring process is a bit slow and if you haven't got a lot of patience, you will soon get fed up waiting. For some strange reason it also monitored my "E" drive, which seemed a bit pointless, as you would normally install software to the "C" drive.

Magical Uninstall does a reasonable job and if you have the patience, will keep your hard drive neat and tidy. But in my opinion ZSoft Uninstaller is superior, it can analyze an installation slightly quicker and also provides a superior replacement for the Windows add/remove utility.

Free (requires registration) -- Download size 5MB -- Win 2000, XP, Vista
Note: Ashampoo will send you regular email offers, but you can opt out.

http://www2.ashampoo.com/webcache/html/1/product_2_0803__.htm

p.s Somewhat ironically, when I uninstalled Magical Uninstall, it didn't remove all its own folders and registry settings.

The Tweakguides Tweaking Companion.

This is a pdf file manual for Windows users. Despite the name, it isn't just a geeky manual of tweaks, rather it is an indispensable workshop manual for XP and Vista.
Written in plain English, the manual covers subjects such as PC terminology (ie, what is a CPU), installing Windows and drivers, security, optimizing and troubleshooting your system and much, much more.
The manual really does answer just about every question and query you can think of, in an easy to understand way. Web links are provided, where the author thinks another expert could expand on a subject and useful software (usually freeware) is discussed.

As with many computer subjects, particularly subjects such as security, there are a thousand different opinions on the correct course of action to pursue, but the author outlines his reasons and suggestions very clearly. His suggestions may not always match my opinions, but his advice is always sound and practical.
The Tweakguides Tweaking Companion is a must have for computer users of all abilities and an excellent reference guide.
The basic manual is free, but you can purchase the deluxe edition for £10.96 (Vista)/ £9.89 (XP) for the book, or £2.20 for the pdf file.
The delux edition has the added benefit of pictures, higher resolution text and bookmarks.

Pdf download size 2Mb (XP) -- 2.8Mb (Vista)

http://www.tweakguides.com/TGTC.html

My thanks to Ratae on the CA forum, for this link.

Startup Control Panel.

This small program allows you to control which programs start with Windows. You can disable, edit, or delete startup entries. Deleted entries are stored under the delete tab, which is useful, if you later decide you would like a particular program to run after all.
Startup Control Panel is more user friendly and easier to use than Windows Msconfig utility. It doesn't come with a help file, so I would suggest saving the web page.

Freeware -- Download size 59k (installer), or 34k (standalone exe) -- Win(all)

http://www.mlin.net/StartupCPL.shtml

Priority.

While your computer is running, it shares its computing time between all the programs that are running, this includes all the background services that are not normally seen.
Each program is automatically given a priority, usually normal, but it is possible to manually raise a programs setting in the Task Manager, to high priority, this gives that program a larger share of the computers resources, which can make some programs respond better.

Priority is a free tool that sits in the system tray and automatically sets any program you launch to high priority.

In normal use I couldn't detect any difference when Priority was running, but I created a test program to see if I could measure any change and found that there was a small but measurable speed increase.
So if you want to squeeze all possible performance from your PC, priority might be worth trying.

Freeware -- Download size 321k.

http://www.moonlight-software.com/freeware.htm

Screensaver Disabled v1.3.

This handy little utility prevents your screensaver from running, this can be very useful when recording a CD, running an antivirus or spyware scan, defragmenting your hard drive, or any operation where the screensaver can be a nuisance.

The program does not require installing, just unzip and run, running it disables the screensaver and exiting re-enables the screensaver, simple, but very useful.

Freeware -- Download size 127k -- Win 95/98/Me/NT4/XP

http://geocities.com/visual.fantasy/ssd.htm

Notes about memory (ram) optimizers:
From various articles I have read, it appears that the expert opinion is that they are of limited value when used with Win 95/98/NT and should not be used with XP where they can actually slow your computer down.
Personally I have found they can be irritating when I am working, if they keep trying to free up memory automatically, but they can be useful for manually freeing up ram before running a large game, where they definitely help things run more smoothly.
It is best, not to try to free up too much memory, as this can cause vital Windows programs to be moved from ram, which the computer then has to reload back into ram, so it is a good idea to try and free no more than half the available memory.


Memory optimizer -- RamBooster.

Rambooster is designed to keep your computer running smoothly by freeing up ram that windows is not using, it runs as a small icon in the system tray and can be run manually to free up even more ram. It can also do a very useful quick start of Windows, see the comprehensive help file for more details.

Freeware -- Download size is 3.6Mb -- Win 9x/NT/XP/Me

http://www.sci.fi/~borg/rambooster/index.htm

ReadOnly.

This is a tiny file ( Less than 1k.) that once clicked on adds the option to the right click context menu to remove the Read Only flag on all files in a folder.
Very useful if you have just copied a load of files from a CD.

Be sure to read the help text enclosed in the zip file, it also explains how to remove the option from your context menu should you wish. The option installed and uninstalled fine on Windows 98se and XP, but I would recommend backing up your registry before use, just to be on the safe side.

Download ReadOnly

Beyondo.

What beyondo does is alter your system date for a period of time. This can be handy in several ways, you might have an old piece of abandonware that was restricted to thirty days use, but the company is no longer trading so although you wish to still use the software, you are unable to purchase it, Beyondo allows you to turn the clock back and keep the software functional.
I would not of course recommend it for any illegal use.

You may be thinking, but I could just alter the date in Windows and you would be right. But Beyondo is much quicker to use, it can be set to alter the date when the program starts and it always resets to the correct date when the program closes.
You can preset the date you wish the program to change to, or you can just use Quickset and choose from a menu of days.
Using the Autoquit button its possible to set Beyondo to reset the date and close in between one and ten minutes.

Beyondo is a fairly simple program, but what it does, it does well and can be a handy addition to your desktop.

Freeware -- Download size 24k -- Win 9x/Me/NT/XP

http://bluefive.pair.com/beyondo.htm

Tweak UI.

Do you ever have the problem that you want to alter a setting in windows, that you know can be altered, but you can't remember how, or perhaps your desktop icons start displaying the wrong image, or a corrupted image, or windows starts behaving a bit buggy. You do?
Then Tweak UI could be just what you need, I'm not saying it will cure everything, but its very effective with little niggling problems.

Tweak UI is a free Microsoft Powertool and is slightly unusual in that it installs to your control panel, (Win 98se) so you double click on the Tweak UI icon and the interface will appear.
There is no help file as such, but you can click the question mark and then click on the item you are curious about for further information, most of the functions are clearly explained and the program is pretty easy to use.

The interface has thirteen tabs, each covering a specific section of your computer. One of the most useful tabs is the repair section, you can use this to rebuild your icons when they start displaying incorrectly, you can also repair some system files, which can help sometimes if you have a minor problem with Windows.

The somewhat misnamed Paranoia tab allows you to clear at startup some of the histories that Windows annoyingly insists on keeping, perhaps its just me, but I only really want Windows to remember the documents that I have used in the current session, not every document since the year dot. ( Not for any security reason, I just like things tidy. )

The Add/Remove tab allows you to get rid of erroneous entries in the Programs Add/Remove panel that sometimes occur when you uninstall a program, but the programs entry is not removed.
By using the New tab you can add or remove documents from the new section of the mouse right click menu, or just turn them off.

That is just a few of the things that Tweak UI can do, its not a program that you will use everyday, but every now and then you will be glad you have it installed.

Note: I have described the Win 98se version (no long available), some features are different in the XP version.
A note of caution, although most of the changes possible with Tweak UI are minor and easily reversable, a few of the more complex functions could cause problems if they are altered without proper care, so please read the instructions.

Tweak UI for Widows XP.
Note: Requires XP Service Pack 1 or Windows Server 2003. 147k download.
XP TweakUI page.

ShellExView.

ShellExView, lists all the shell extensions on your computer. Non Microsoft extensions are highlighted in pink, so that you easily test disable any right click context menu items. The type of shell extension is also listed, along with the program and developers name if available.
Using ShellExView, you can easily find and disable a troublesome menu item, even if it is only identified with a letter string.
As with all Nirsoft products there is a comprehensive help file.

Freeware -- Download size 45k -- Win 9x, NT, 2000, XP

http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/shexview.html

MyUninstaller v1.34

This program can be used instead of the standard add/remove tool in Windows, it has the advantage of displaying far more information about a program than the Windows tool. Which can be useful if there is a problem with the program uninstaller. It can also delete orphaned uninstall entries.
Freeware -- download size 41k -- Win 9x, NT, 2000, XP

http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/myuninst.html

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