[DSL_Dragon]

I currently have iolo's System mechanic 7.5. I think its a good program for just doing system cleanups and the like, but my friend who uses SM 8 (incidently he introduced me to SM) says that its suddenly telling him he can't reinstall after he had to wipe his HD.

I'm not totally freaked out about this happening to me, but I would like to know which programs you guys think is a viable and better alternative to SM. I have done the googling, but I prefer to hear it from a forum with members I know and trust!

So theres my question, what is the best alternative to System Mechanic?

Thanks a lot!

[DCM1519]

I used to use System Mechanic but when they went to making all the decisions on what to clean etc., they lost me. After Version 5, they started that policy. I tried versions 6 and 7 but quickly removed them. Now, it looks like they are playing the "subscription" game on some of their software. I bought their drive eraser and ran into that. That is a deal killer on any software for me.

While using Version 5, I found SystemSuite and tried it. It is so far superior to System Mechanic that they are not even comparable in my opinion. You might want to give it a try, especially if you can get a trial version or a 100% rebate on it.

[DSL_Dragon]

Hmm, SystemSuite is the software from avanquest isn't it? I'll have a look into that one then. Thanks dmullen!

Any other suggesstions are greatly apprieciated!

[DCM1519]

You are welcome. Glad to help.

Yes, it is the one from Avanquest. It is available sometimes with rebates.

[DSL_Dragon]

Well, I downloaded and installed the trial version and I have to say that it looks the part, but I just wonder about the antivirus. I've been a long standing fan of AVG free, so will avanquest antivirus be as thorough as AVG?

[DCM1519]

I also have used AVG for several years but this most recent version has really annoying pop up ads that always block whatever I am trying to view. It is bad enough that I am going to look for an alternative to it too.

I have used the Avanquest Anti-Virus a few times when AVG is down or turned off for some reason. Never saw anything wrong with it but always liked AVG until recently. I may use the Avanquest anti-virus or try out Avast or some other program.

Avanquest Anti-Virus can be turned off or left out at set up if you do not want to use it.

[DSL_Dragon]

Hmm, AVG will always detect infected items as soon as they download or attempt to open. I'll run them side-by-side for a while and see which is the best. Thanks for all your help dmullen!

[MysticEyes]

Originally Posted by DSL_Dragon

Hmm, AVG will always detect infected items as soon as they download or attempt to open. I'll run them side-by-side for a while and see which is the best. Thanks for all your help dmullen!

You should not run 2 AV apps.

[DSL_Dragon]

Ah, right. Thanks for the tip there, MysticEyes! Also, I've heard a lot of people talking about TuneUp Utilities. Is that as good as SystemSuite?