Scroll down to win one of the three licenses of System Mechanic 10 (worth $39.95 each) that I am giving away
Last month, I reviewed TuneUp Utilities 2011, which is regarded as one of the best Windows system optimisation suites around. Today, I will take a look at System Mechanic 10, which is quite possibly TuneUp’s biggest challenger.
In terms of features there is a lot of overlap between System Mechanic and TuneUp Utilities. Like Tuneup, System Mechanic is a powerhouse with several dozen tools. All the standard tools like Registry Cleaner, Registry Defragmenter, Disk Defragmenter, Start-up Optimiser, Disk Cleaner, Broken Shortcut Remover, Disk Scanner and File Shredder are present in both these utilities. However, there are quite a few differences too.
System Mechanic has been designed to be suitable for both novices and experts. Inexperienced users can simply run a system analysis to identify the areas of concern. On the other hand, experts can go to the Toolbox section to manually exploit the various tools.
From the Problems section you can get an overview of the issues identified and fix them. Here’s what System Mechanic came up with after I ran a deep scan.
The first problem identified by System Mechanic was a false positive as Kaspersky Internet Security Suite includes a Firewall (Anti-Hacker). It’s surprising that System Mechanic failed to realise that, as even Windows Activity Centre can differentiate between Kaspersky Antivirus and Kaspersky Internet Security. Thankfully, the other advisories were more accurate.
The first tool I tried was the Security Vulnerability Scanner. It scans your system settings to identify potential weaklings that can be exploited by malwares. This includes checking hosts file and Windows file associations.
Next up I tried the Disk Defragmentation (Drive Accelerator) tool. This is one area where System Mechanic is head and shoulders ahead of TuneUp Utilities. Not only does it support boot time defragmentation (offline defragmentation) like Raxco Perfect Disk (and other commercial defragmentation tools), but it also has a unique Program Accelerator tool that realigns programs and their files on the hard disk to decrease launch time and increase performance.
Another unique features in System Mechanic is CRUDD (Commonly Redundant or Unnecessary Decelerators and Destabilisers). Don’t be fooled by the unnecessarily complicated name. This tool simply alerts you about overlapping applications (i.e. utilities that perform same/similar function) installed on your system. I didn’t find this to be particularly useful though, as pretty much every installed application on my system serves a specific purpose.
Unlike TuneUp Utilities, which relies on scheduled runs of the 1-click optimiser, System Mechanic uses ActiveCare to automatically monitor your system health, and apply fixes when your computer is idle.
Besides providing a gazillion of tools for repairing and optimising your system, iolo System Mechanic also includes some handy tools for generating reports about your system status. There is the System Information tool that jots down your hardware and software configuration. There is DriveSense to monitor your hard disk’s health (based on SMART). And, there is even a System Change Tracker to identify changes made by program installations and other activities.
On the whole, System Mechanic 10 is an extremely impressive package. Since my previous trust, it has improved vastly. Unlike TuneUp Utilities, it doesn’t aim at being a Swiss-army knife. It won’t help you change icons, install themes or modify your logon screen. However, when it comes to optimising and repairing Windows, System Mechanic is pretty darn exhaustive. In PCMag’s GeekBench benchmark, System Mechanic 10 returned the best results and succeeded in improving file copying speeds as well as Windows boot time significantly. In fact, System Mechanic 10 edged out others like TuneUp, and went on to win the Editor’s choice award.
Download System Mechanic (18.03 MB)
Platforms Supported: Windows 2000, XP, Vista and 7(x86 and x64)
License: Shareware (30 days trial)
Cost: $39.95 /year
Version Reviewed: 10.0.0
Watch out for the automatic renewal option. Use this only if you are certain.
System Mechanic 10 License Giveaway
Iolo has generously agreed to sponsor 3 System Mechanic 10 Standard Licenses for my blog readers worth $119.85 (each license is worth $39.95). Here’s how you can win a license key of System Mechanic 10 for yourself:
Comment on this post. Make sure you use a valid e-mail address. (compulsory)
Follow @indyan and retweet this message to get a bonus entry into the lucky draw. You must post the status update URL in the comments section to be considered. (optional)
Subscribe to my e-mail newsletter to get a bonus entry into the lucky draw. After subscribing, you must let me know by leaving a comment. (optional)
You can also blog about this contest to get 3 additional entries. Once again, you must leave a comment with the URL of the blogpost.
The contest will end on November 27, 2010 at 12:00 Noon IST.
The contest is over and the winners have been announced.
Thanks for this giveaway.
This software sounds good. I’d like to win one license.
I’m following @indyan and here’s my retweet:
http://twitter.com/#!/indyan/status/4210801216856064
I don’t know if that’s good. Just in case:
http://twitter.com/#!/emsocosme
I’ve subscribed to the newsletter
Also I posted about this giveaway in two forums:
http://www.tiliose.com/index.php?topic=796.0
http://programyzadarmo.net.pl/forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=1196
If indeed this applet is as good as TuneUp2010, you might want to try it in action. Written on the license! A big thank you Admin!
Info sent into the world ….
http://twitter.com/#!/Nevosz/status/4254267414151168
[…] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Pallab De and Jurek, pichetas fulano. pichetas fulano said: RT @indyan: Speed Up Your System with System Mechanic 10: http://bit.ly/sm-10 Comment and Win 3 Licenses worth $119.85 […]
Hello,
thanking you for this givingaway.
Comment on this post. Make sure you use a valid e-mail address. (compulsory)
I’m doing now
Follow @indyan and retweet this message to get a bonus entry into the lucky draw. You must post the status update URL in the comments section to be considered. (optional)
I did it now. see here
http://twitter.com/GTGT1
http://twitter.com/GTGT1/status/4292325001920512
Subscribe to my e-mail newsletter to get a bonus entry into the lucky draw. After subscribing, you must let me know by leaving a comment. (optional)
I’m already done before
You can also blog about this contest to get 3 additional entries. Once again, you must leave a comment with the URL of the blogpost.
I have no blog. I cannot blog.
Please count me in.
Regards,
Mr. G.T.
I’m following @indyan
my retweet – https://twitter.com/indyan/status/4210801216856064
I’m subscribed to the news
https://twitter.com/Najts/status/4308459637972992
System Mechanic now seem interesting with its new version. I hope this will improve for real.
Already followed and retweet the message: http://twitter.com/vj_onix/status/4377027381559297
Thank for the giveaway!
System Mechanic now seem interesting with its new version. I hope this will improve for real.
Already followed and retweet the message: http://twitter.com/vj_onix/status/4377027381559297
Already an email subscriber.
Thank for the giveaway!
Hi Pallab,
Thanks for this giveaway opportunity. Please count me in.
I’m already a subscriber and also following you on twitter.
My profile
http://twitter.com/GrrGrrr
following is my tweet:
http://twitter.com/GrrGrrr/status/4418354488016898
and I also made forum post sharing this giveaway:
http://www.techno360.in/forum/showthread.php/2421-System-Mechanic-10-Giveway
Thanks,
Grr
Nice giveway again !
Please count me in.
I use System Mechanic 6 month free before & hopefully can win 1 license this time.
I am old subscriber & tweet & follow @indyan.
Tweets : http://twitter.com/KemaSL/statuses/4510661027561472
Thanks
Thanks for this giveaway.
System mechanic 10 is one of the best system utility software i have ever used,i have lost the recent giveaway of tune up utilities but i don’t want to loose this one.Hope i win this time.
I have already subscribed to you via email.
i have also retweeted this post on twitter.com
link is-
http://twitter.com/siddxxxx/statuses/4522358521987072
Pallab ,you are really doing a very good job,keep it up.
regards,
siddharth
Very great software. I want to buy it. Could you please give me your RSS link so i could subscribe to your blog
Hi Pallab,
Thanks for another popular system suite utility giveaway.
I always read of it frm many websites but no one wrote so well as u did…GREAT presentation… 🙂
Thanks for comparing with TuneUp and making me aware of other addons of System Mechanic…
like the “Real time optimization(whn IDLE), Powerful Defragmentation even more better than the Perfect Disk tool, Drive Sense….”
Please do count me in…
Thanks,
Ram.
PS:- 1. Already a subscriber to ur newsletter…
2. Following u @indyan…and Re-tweeted@ramanjiney…
Please count me in on the great giveway.Thanks
Hi,
I like System Mechanic as a complete tool. I would like to get it.
I’m a subscriber to your e-mail newsletter.
john d
First of all thanks for this giveaway,System mechanic is a great utility software with a lot of exciting and useful features ,i hope i will win a free license for this all in utility software..
I have already subscribed to your blog
I have tweeted this post on twitter.com,links are
http://twitter.com/siddxxxx/statuses/4522358521987072
http://twitter.com/siddxxxx/statuses/4523565223247872
Regards,
siddxxxx
For This Software is powerful to fix windows problems & this is a very best partner for Tuneup Utilities.
This is my status:
https://twitter.com/asrielrusdyawan/status/4861842652397568
I had posted this Giveaway Program at The Largest Indonesia Community, KASKUS.
Here is the link: http://www.kaskus.us/showthread.php?p=314539651#post314539651
Hope I can Win This one!
THX, LJBU!
This Software is really powerful to fix windows problems & this is a very best partner for Tuneup Utilities. I really love this software to accompany Tuneup Utilities.
This is my status:
https://twitter.com/asrielrusdyawan/status/4861842652397568
I had posted this Giveaway Program at The Largest Indonesia Community, KASKUS.
Here is the link: http://www.kaskus.us/showthread.php?p=314539651#post314539651
Hope I can Win This one!
THX, LJBU!
System Mechanic is grate application… its have many features and safe our system issues into better one…. nice blog
System Mechanic it great software.. too many feature to make your computer realiblity and stability
Thanks for this giveaway and please include me in too…
thanks for this Giveaway…I have used a trial version of this tool it is quite good…
I have already Subscribed to your Newsletter
Following and re-tweeted this tweet…http://twitter.com/rohitbatra14
Nice giveaway !
I’ve subscribed to the newsletter
[…] A new system utility is extremely impressive. Since the last test, it has improved vastly. Unlike TuneUp Utilities, it doesn’t aim at being a Swiss-army knife. It won’t help you change icons, install themes or modify your logon screen. However, when it comes to optimizing and repairing Windows, System Mechanic is pretty darn exhaustive. Check out the full review. Pallab […]
I tried out Sytem Mechanic, it was excellent.
Thanks for nice giveaway !
I would like to win System Mechanic -super utility too.
Please count me in.
I am following @indyan & tweets: http://twitter.com/WLYKing/statuses/6648929441554432
Thanks
Thanks for nice giveaway.
I would like to win System Mechanic —-super utility too.
Please count me in.
I am following @indyan & tweets: http://twitter.com/WLYKing/statuses/6648929441554432
Thanks
Pretty cool deal, I want to try out the “Drive Accelerator” feature myself, I will go ahead and subscribe to your blog with my email address!
Till then,
Jean
thank you for this opportunity
already subscribe , liked in facebook, tweeted and a follower in
http://twitter.com/girsabell11/statuses/7258287619706881
Cool software. will check this.
I hope I’m not too late to try my luck, because several times my attempts to get this software always fails
please count me in
my retweet
http://twitter.com/#!/indyan/status/4210801216856064
ha why not. Count me in as well.
did they fix the Registry Cleaner part? every time I use such a tool it brakes windows.
This is a really great giveaway. The trial version was very good, I would love to win the full version.
I think this is a great thing what you and iolo are doing.
Alright, I followed @indyan on Twitter. The URL link to my account is:
https://twitter.com/#!/welcome/search/Pallab%20De
and I re-tweeted:
https://twitter.com/#!/indyan/status/4210801216856064
I have also subscribed to your e-mail newsletter
And I have created a post about this giveaway in 2 forums:
http://www.freebieforum.co.uk/viewtopic.php?p=31784#31784
and in:
http://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/956582-system-mechanic-10-giveaway/
I hope I have a chance at winning this prize.
Count me in.
Question:
DID they ever fix the Registry Cleaner part? ever time I use such a tool it brakes windows.
I bet since the update they did. Also I think it creates a restore point before you start the cleaning process. At least most registry cleaners do.
– Robert
I am facing same problem.I think i am doing something wrong
thank you for including me in.
I’ve subscribed to the newsletter
I’m following @indyan and here’s my retweet:
http://twitter.com/manchi190/statuses/8343353766711296
thank you for including me in.
I’ve subscribed to the newsletter
I’m following and here’s my retweet:
http://twitter.com/manchi190/statuses/8343353766711296
[…] System Mechanic 10 giveaway is over. Once again, many of you expressed interest in winning this excellent software. […]
After installing System Mechanic 8.5.2, SM corrupted my Registry (XP Home, Service Pack 3) and caused software loading problems. SafteyNet failed to undo the changes and so I had to reload XP. I emailed Iolo who referred me to an article on how to exclude items in the Registry, but I found this impossible to understand. I reloaded XP, reinstalled SM and the same thing happened.
Is there some Registry-maintenance software out there that does not itself screw up the Registry?
I also had a bad experience with one of the older versions of System mechanic (v6). However, this version seems to be fine (in fact, great). Create a system restore point and give SM 10 a try. If you are looking for an alternative, try TuneUp Utilities.
I tried out the latest version of System Mechanic on a friend’s computer recently and it really worked great. Most of his problems were fixed and he’s going to use it frequently to keep the PC in top shape.
I have a Rogue Pop.can virus and purchased PCDoctors to clean it up, but, I know very ltltie about theRegistry. My computer is running slow on start up and email is like a turtle now.
Sounds like a great program. I had some serious errors in the windows register and tried to fix it with programs similar but with no luck. I would have certainly given this program a try before I reinstalled Windows if I had known about it then.
– Robert
Hey i have just downloaded it, Its really good and helped in maintaining my PC processed. And even thanks for the download link. My PC used to be in coma earlier
Yea my computer is currently experiencing massive slow downs. I will probably just reinstall windows, but that’s a huge pain.
– Robert
Am using Nokia N70 and an air-tel connection . I use my mobile to access internet on my laptop. Is there any way or software which could increase the browsing or downloading speed.Thanks.
I wonder if a one time payment for this is available as opposed to a yearly rate?
– Robert
Absolutely useless on Windows 7 as it already includes special services to take care of that. Any MVP will tell us that these utilities is useless
From my experience with BSOD debugging I can say that these things do damage your OS
Windows is a closed source system. Developers of registry cleaners do not have the core code of Win 7 and are not working on definitive information, but rather they are going on past knowledge and experience, most of which is not applicable to Win 7. Automatic cleaners will usually have to do some guesswork.
There is almost no tweaking that can be done to Win 7 to speed it up. The system is designed to diagnose itself and take care of itself which it does remarkably well. Win 7 maintains itself and that includes the registry.
Cleaners are pure snake oil. At best they do nothing except use resources. At worst, they can mess your system up, slowing it down, and even crash it. There is no utility out there anywhere that can speed Win 7 up and improve its performance, at least not at this time.
Modifying registry keys incorrectly can cause Windows instability, or make Windows unbootable. No registry cleaner is completely safe and the potential is ever present to cause more problems than they claim to fix.
Registry cleaners cannot distinguish between good and bad. If you run a registry cleaner, it will delete all those keys which are obsolete and sitting idle; but in reality, those keys may well be needed by some programs or windows at a later time.
Windows 7 is much more efficient at managing the registry than previous Windows versions. Even if you use the CCleaner registry to delete keys left over when uninstalling programs, these few keys will not make 1 millisecond’s difference in performance. If you run CCleaner or any other registry cleaner and do not know precisely what you are doing, you will have problems down the road. There are no gains to be had from using a registry cleaner and the risk is great.
Forget all the “wisdom” you learned about XP. Windows 7 is not XP and does not manage the registry the same as XP.
This isn’t to say that the system does not need to be maintained. Uninstall programs that you don’t use, delete unneeded and unnecessary files. Defrag your hard drive. But don’t screw with the registry unless you are an in depth expert in the Win 7 registry.
Most of the time, the cure is a clean install. Using a program such as Ccleaner is fine to get rid of old and unnecessary files. A tuneup utility is not only unneeded, it can actually harm your system. Don’t use them.
Too bad I missed the mark I would ahve loved to have this program
Useful software, thanks.
This is very useful software. Thanks for Sharing.
Great review, I love this product myself
Great review I use the product myself and it is well worth themoney.
Cool software. will check this.
Congrats to the winners, it seems as if im late for the contest.
Pek be?enmedim ama idare eder (:
Arkamda yürüme, ben öncün olmayabilirim. Önümde yürüme, takipçin olmayabilirim. Sana uymayabilirim. Yan?mda yürü ki böylece seni görebileyim, böylece ikimiz e?it oluruz.
The features of System Mechanic 10 seems good to me and after reading the reviews of it, I am planning to try it very soon.