Our Top 5 PC Utilities

We thought it would be helpful if we put together in one place our top 5 picks for PC utilities that would be useful to PC users. So here they are, enjoy!                                 

Repair

Parted Magic - ($5) A complete hard disk management tool. Anything from moving/re-sizing partitions to disk cloning/erasing. The benchmark tools are particularly useful in testing your hardware without your operating system to determine hardware or software issues.

 Example: PC keeps shutting off? Load up Parted Magic and stress test your CPU with one of  the many programs bundled in this. It uses minimal RAM so should give the CPU enough  breathing space to load up the platform.

Hijack This - This utility examines vulnerable aspects of your PC system - think browser helper objects and Registry keys - to find that elusive spyware.

 Example: Say you've been using an anti-virus software/malware tool to rid your PC of a nasty  bug, and when you restart your PC there are still slowness/loading issues. Run this tool and  delete the Registry keys that automatically start up. Please note: You should make sure you  know your way around Hijack This before you get started, or you could delete something that  your computer really needs. We suggest this tutorial.

Magical Jellybean - This is the best product key and wi-fi password finder from your existing assortment of keychains saved on your PC.

 Example: If you need to re-install a Windows program but can't find the product key  (including for Windows), run this little gem and find all of your keys instantly.

Malwarebytes - One of the best anti-virus/malware removal tools out there - a highly worthwhile purchase. There is a free version also that still updates its database, but the paid version is more automated.

 Example: When Norton and McAfee just aren't doing it for you (which is probably often),  download this and soon you'll find all the nasty files on your PC. The great thing about this  utility is that it doesn't just find infected files, but potentially unwanted files too.

Drivermax - The best utility ever to update all your hardware drivers.

 Example: If your hardware needs updating but you can't find the driver from the terribly  confusing manufacturer's website, this program scans your hardware and then builds a  recommended list. Most of the drivers will optimize your hardware, but just read up carefully  on which ones to update and install first. We always recommend choosing to create a restore  point first!

Check out our Top 10 Free Programs Guide!