Thanks everyone for the R/R/Cs, still much appreciated,
What has happened to the site? i can't ret...
Thanks everyone for the R/R/Cs, still much appreciated,
What has happened to the site? i can't return rates on my latest reviews, the new format is a little 'iffy' . What are you doing ciao...???
(still on dooyoo with same name)
Member since:04.09.2006
Reviews:453
Members who trust:110
I know this is the place for Tuneup Utilities 2006 but as there is no place to upload my Tuneup utilities 2008 review I felt that it would settle nicely into this slot… So here goes…
My review on Tuneup Utilities 2008.…
I have been using this diamond of a program for a while now and have decided I am 'clued up' enough to finally write a review on it, (alright, maybe 'clued up' isn't the right word…). I would have done it sooner but I like to make sure I know at least a bit about what I waffle about, there's no point in doing a review about a car you've test drove once is there..? It would be like reviewing a show starring David Soul without actually watching it… (take note Matthew Wright)…
I was using TU 2007 for a while and when I was offered a copy of the 2008 copy from a friend… so I thought I'd give it a try, considering the 'product key' came with it so I wouldn't be just using the trial period, which was for a month when downloaded from www.download.com , (although they are only allowing the TU 2009 version now, which I have not tried as yet but does come with a 30 day free trial as well).
Anyway, back to what I'm meant to be talking about…Tuneup Utilities 2008... And what it has to offer…
* MINIMUM SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS…
* Windows 2000... 60MB of free disk-space, IE 6 or above, 800x600 resolution with 256 colours. * Windows XP/Vista… 100MB disc space, IE 6 or above, 1024x768 resolution with 16.7 million colours and internet access.
And of course a CD-Rom or
DVD-ROM drive to actually install the program.
* THE BOX IT COMES IN AND IT'S CONTENTS…
The case is pretty plain, mainly white with a blue spanner looking thing surrounding three yellow hexagons, each hexagon contains a different symbol, representing what the program does… That's it really…although on the back of the case is a support hotline number and a brief explanation of how to install the CD. The box contains the installation CD and a very thin booklet, which gives a few details about requirements, installation and a brief explanation of what the program does… plus, which is quite important… the product key, which was on the back of the booklet.
* INSTALLING THE PROGRAM…
This is a simple process of putting the disc into your drive and following the straight forward instructions which appear on your monitor… the entire process should takes a matter of minutes before you're up and running and ready to clean and improve your system in a few easy clicks…
* What happens…
* The first screen tells you to close any other programs before proceeding, then click 'next'
The next screen asks you to agree to the terms and conditions.
Then the next screen asks you for a little bit of information, like the 'product key' and your name…also it asks you want the program to be for all users or just you.
Then you have the choice of whether you want a short cut on your desk top and whether you want the 'one click fixes' as a short cut as well.
Then, you select the installation location for the program to rest.
Then click next and wait the few minutes for the program to install…the status bar will keep you informed…
Then click finish…job done…
It is just a matter of checking for updates and registering the product, (although this is not necessary it is advisable and only takes a moment of your time).
* WHAT IS DOES….
It does a few things from cleaning your hard disc to boosting your internet experience, and also enable you to personalise the look of your system.
The first screen gives you the options of…
** INCREASING PERFORMANCE… * Tune-up drive defrag… defragment your disc space to speed up your system. * Organise what programs start up when windows opens * Accelerating download speeds and system optimiser/ advisor. * Registry defragment… speeding up your registry…
** FREE UP DISK SPACE… This scans your system and tells you what it feels is safe to remove… releasing space on your hard drive…** CAUTION…do check the list of what it finds before deleting. * Also, it gives you a disk space explorer… letting you see exactly space programs take up on your system
** MAINTAINING WINDOWS…
One click fixes, which gives you a chance to see any problems on your system and fix them with 'one click', including registry cleanup, deleting temporary files, defragging hard disk and setting for automatic maintenance
Or a manual maintenance which allow you to correct your registry your self.
** SOLVING PROBLEMS…
Disk doctor… which will clean any error on your HD, although this can only be done by re-booting your system…
Repair Wizard… Sorts out problems with your display, such as bad shortcut keys.
Undelete… allows you to rescue some programs that you have 'accidentally' deleted.
** CUSTOMIZING WINDOWS…
System control… allows you to customise the look of your computer, from the look of your font to the look of each folder.
Styler… allows you to do such things as change the image on the 'Boot-up' screen and the 'Logon' screen, plus a lot more, like checking for errors in you icons.
** ADDITIONAL TOOLS… * Process manager…which allows you to see what running and monitor usage. * Registry Editor…allows you to see your registry and even edit it * Shredder… allows you to permanently delete any files or folders. * System information… gives you every detail of what's on your system, including memory, devices, drivers, windows and more… * Uninstall manager… which allows you to see what programs are installed and gives you the option of uninstalling them…
** PLUS… It also has a rescue centre, just in case your system goes pear shaped after using TU to sort it out… it will undo any changes and has a system restore as well And an update wizard which, as the name says, helps you update the program.
Well, that's what it does and I know it was a bit of a long read, that's because this little program does do quite a bit…
* IN CONCLUSION…
What a great little bit of kit this is, and what a lot it does to help keep your PC running nice and smoothly. There is just so much it can do it can take a little while to actually get the hang of it so you know exactly what it can achieve. Once installed the interface does look pleasant and is easy to understand, allowing you to use the program with some confidence, almost like a professional, (but do still take care when 'cleaning' your system).
I do know that many of the abilities of this little gem can be achieved by going through your windows itself, such as defragging your disk /registry and uninstalling programs, but to be able to do it fix every thing from one place does save an awful lot of hassle and time. It is a cheap way to quickly maintain your PC with out hassles and over the top priced programs, where some can actually mess up your system rather than sort it… Tune-up Utilities 2008 wont mess with your system at all…
Out of all the things this little gem can do if I had to pick my favourite it would have to be the 'Disk doctor' as it is another little piece of genius. I tended to use this a lot on TU 2007, and have used it quite a few times on this one as well… it checks your drive for any errors with the click of a button… although whilst it is running you can't use your PC, so run this when you're having dinner or something…
But I did find the 'Styler' in customise windows very interesting indeed as it gave a few more options of how to change the sometimes boring look on the boot-up and Login pages… with some nice images on offer and many more to actually download, ( although the images do vary on XP and Vista).
My Pcs really do look like individuals now… and have all performed like a Olympic gold medal winner since I installed TU 2008 on them…
In all, a brilliantly priced product which keeps your system happy and clean, like 'Andrex' on your bottom…
As I said earlier, I was given a copy of this program but I know it is on offer at www.amazon.co.uk for under £14.00, which considering it can be used on more than one PC is good value for money… ( I have it installed on 1 XP desktop, 1 Vista desk top and a Vista laptop… I am wondering whether I can get it on any more myself, but think it can only be used on 3?..but if it is more then please let me know).
PS...the reason for such a high rating is that since i started using this program my PCs have gained speed and have never faltered at all.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Jan 24th, 2009
exceptional by (11%):
very helpful by (89%):
