Ashampoo WinOptimizer 5 is the successor to the Ashampoo WinOptimizer Platinum Suite. In addition to older versions of Windows, the new Ashampoo WinOptimizer 5 is fully compatible with Windows Vista in both the 32 and 64 bit versions. This means that you can start maintaining your slick new Vista system right away - it won't even have a chance to get clogged down with new garbage! With an all-new interface and many new features it gives you an unbeatable package of cleanup tools that will keep your Windows installation lean, mean and running smoothly.
An indispensable favorite
With its two new modules and countless enhancements, Ashampoo WinOptimizer 5 provides many more features than its predecessor. The following old favorites have been thoroughly revised:
* Drive Cleaner: Drive Cleaner searches the hard drive for files that are no longer needed so they can be deleted upon confirmation from the user. The search algorithm for this module has been considerably improved for increased efficiency. What's more, comprehensive information is now available for the objects that are found.
* Tweaking Tools: Hundreds of settings can easily be switched on and off in this module with a click of the mouse. Not only the visual appearance and general behavior of Windows in certain situations is addressed here, but also topics such as security, Internet, and multimedia. The integration with the real-time backup makes it possible to undo all changes at any time here as well.
* Process Manager: Now, frozen windows from crashed applications are no longer a problem. The Process Manager deals with these applications in short order, kicking them out of memory and off the screen. Suspicious applications can also be immediately terminated in this manner. What's new is that the module not only lists all active processes, but also provides corresponding information on them. A new visual aid also shows which system processes are absolutely necessary so that they are not deleted.
* StartUp Tuner: This module displays all autostart entries, allowing users to deactivate irritating programs so that they are no longer executed when Windows starts up. This module also now names the autostart entries that are absolutely necessary and should not be switched off by the user. An overview and recommendation for unnecessary services is now also available for Windows Vista. Requested by many users: Now, Internet Explorer plug-ins can be viewed and deleted if necessary.
* File Wiper: When Windows deletes files, they're not really removed, but rather made available for overwriting. In short: Any data thief can easily restore them. The File Wiper deletes data with sensitive contents completely, making it impossible to restore them even with specialized programs. The new version is fully integrated into the Windows Explorer context menu and can accordingly be opened from that location without starting the main application. In addition, performance has been noticeably improved.
* One-Click Optimization: No time for anything? One-Click Optimization cleans up any area desired with the single click of a mouse. What's new is the ability to optionally display lists of results.
Still in our corner
System Benchmark, Visual Styler, and Hard Drive Defragmenter are still included with Ashampoo WinOptimizer 5:
* System Benchmark: The module tests the processor and measures the performance of the system memory. A nice feature is that the results from your own computer can be compared to those of other PCs.
* Visual Styler: It's important to many users that their Windows system has its own unique look. That's where the visual styler comes in. The module can switch out existing icons for new ones and make the individual windows look transparent.
* Hard Drive Defragmenter: This module also runs under Vista, reconnecting files which have been broken into fragments to restore them to their original form. This increases performance when working with Windows.
HomePage: http://www2.ashampoo.com/