Comodo System Utilities

By Jeffrey L. Wilson

If you'd like to blow the cobwebs out of a lethargic PC, a tune-up utility suite such as the free Comodo System Utilities can do the job well by deleting unused files and fixing the registry?the common source for PC problems. Comodo System Utilities also packs a few other neat utilities (such as registry cleaner, file restoration, and disk wiping) that put it on par with the likes of paid tune-up utilities such as the PC Tools Performance Toolkit, which you can pick up for . If you want to clean your PC without opening your wallet, this Editors' Choice award-winning program is your app.

System Requirements and Interface
Like other tune-up utilities, Comodo System Utilities has meager system requirements. It demands just 32MB of RAM and 20 MB of hard drive space, and there are also 32- and 64-bit versions for the Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP operating systems. After downloading, installing, and launching Comodo System Utilities, you're presented with a clean streamlined home screen.

The interface is divided into two sections: a sidebar on the left filled with a variety of system-cleaning options, which, when clicked, you can activate in the main content area. It's easier to navigate than the previous version, which was easier to navigate than the previously clunky version.

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The Clean-Up Process and Performance Enhancement
Comodo wisely includes a one-click "Clean My Computer" button for those that don't want to cycle between the different utilities, but users have the option to use the individual tools as they see fit (such as "Registry Cleaner," "Privacy Cleaner," "Disk Cleaner," and more). The new Active Clean automatically deletes temporary files without user intervention?a nice touch.

Unfortunately, it's only available in the Comodo System Utilities Pro, which is unavailable at the time of this review. Comodo discovered over 100 registry issues, which is on par with PC Tools Performance Toolkit. I tested Comodo System Utilities' ability to clean up a PC by performing two tests?running the Geekbench system performance tool, and measuring boot times?before and after running the Comodo app. Each test was run three times and the results averaged.

Before Comodo scrubbed the system, the 2-GHz Intel Core i7 X990 Style-Note notebook with 4GB of RAM, and 80GB Intel SSD booted achieved a 5,914 Geekbench score, and booted in 50.2 seconds. After using Comodo System Utilities, the GeekBench score improved to 6,010. That's a tad better than PC Tools Performance Toolkit's 6,002 (a number produced by a $39.99 app). The notebook boot time decreased slightly to 42.7 seconds, which is slightly slower than PC Tools Performance Toolkit's 40.1 seconds.

In addition to running formal tests, I also spent time using the cleaned up system to see what the experience is like. Overall post-Comodo system performance felt snappier when opening iTunes and Steam in the cleaned-up environment. Comodo System Cleaner includes a number of other features besides the repair functionality. There's also a "Wiper" that will delete your drive clean?a useful addition for those concerned with security when selling, or giving away, the used PC. The "Pend Delete" option gives you the ability to delete files that are locked for use by another program or person (adding a file to this log will cause it to be deleted on the computer's next restart). "Registry Protection" and "SafeDelete" automatically recover any files that were deleted in error and restore your system to its previous state should any problems occur?a welcomes addition that let me recover files with ease. You can optionally install the live customer support module, "Comodo Geek Buddy," by clicking "Help" in the upper-right portion of the interface. This is a handy tool for those who need PC assistance, and one that more tune-up utilities apps should include.

"Autorun Manager" lets you select which programs you want to launch during startup. Deactivating programs that you don't use very often can decrease a PC's boot time Comodo detected a dozen programs; I deactivated many, but there were a few obscure ones such as NvCplDaemon that I didn't recognize?some research revealed that it's related to Nvidia graphics drivers. The average user may need to show discipline and tread lightly so as not to delete something vital to other software and hardware. You can also add programs to the Autrorun Manager lists so you can give them launch instructions.

The New Champ
Like other tune-up utilities, Comodo System Utilities will definitely improve your PC's performance, but it comes with the added benefit of being free, and having no install limits. It may not possess PC Tools Performance Toolkits deep file recovery features, but Comodo System Utilities excels and is our Editors' Choice pick among free system-enhancing utilities.

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