Ashampoo GmbH has launched a free, cut-down version of its Windows optimising and tuning suite. Ashampoo WinOptimizer Free 1.0.0 contains a subset of the functionality found in Ashampoo’s paid-for WinOptimizer 9, providing 20 separate tools for cleaning, optimising, tuning and securing Windows machines.
Ashampoo WinOptimizer Free also provides a one-click optimizer, scheduling functions for automatic maintenance and performance optimisations and a scan tool for recommending tweaks.
As a cut-down version of Ashampoo’s paid-for product, there are a number of prompts to upgrade during the setup and initialisation process, but the user doesn’t have to activate or register for a free license code, enabling them to use the software from the off.
On first run, the user will be presented with a tool offering to scan for recommended fixes. These can then be reviewed and acted on if wished. The user can also jump to the Modules section and perform a one-click optimisation using all available tools, or browse the collection of 20 tools, divided into six categories: Clean up system, Optimize performance, Privacy & security, Tune system settings, Diagnosis and information, and File tools.
Highlights of Ashampoo WinOptimzer Free include a predictive disk defragmenter with the ability to defrag system files at boot time, an AntiSpy module for controlling whether or not applications can send information over the internet, context menu manager for tweaking the options that appear when right-clicking, plus a number of improved cleaning tools, Favorites tab for accessing popular tools and a number of new tweaking tool options.
Other interesting tools include a system benchmark, startup tuner, advanced process manager plus a selection of file tools, including undelete, secure erase, encryption and splitter/joiner utilities. All changes are monitored and backed up, allowing the user to undo major changes should problems arise, as can happen when using the Registry cleaning tools.
Features missing from the free version of WinOptimizer include a live tuning tool, which is designed to actively keep the system optimised and cleaned in the background, plus more extensive features in various unspecified modules.
Ashampoo WinOptimizer Free 1.0.0 is a freeware download for PCs running Windows XP, Vista and 7. Ashampoo WinOptimizer 9 is also available as a time-limited trial download – the full version can currently be purchased for $31.99 through the Downloadcrew Store, a saving of 20 per cent of the MRSP.
This article originally appeared at softwarecrew.co.uk
