Let ASO spruce up your PC

The care and feeding of your personal computer is a never-ending saga. Sure they are powerful, but don’t be fooled: These temperamental beasts require constant pampering.

There are two ways to approach computer maintenance software. If you’ve got the time to do the research, the best strategy is to build your arsenal of tools piece by piece, selecting only the best applications, regardless of publisher.

It’s a lot like building a computer or stereo system - matching up the best components to get the job done. If price matters, this method is also the most expensive.

The second approach involves minimal time, effort and expense. Instead of piecing together your software, why not just buy an all-in-one package that has everything you need and more? Besides, when all your tools come from the same box, compatibility issues are nonexistent. Good software suites also share a common interface, making it all easier to learn and use.

The all-in-one software package that has my eye these days is Advanced System Optimizer, or ASO, from Systweak Inc. Now at version 2.01, ASO features a stunning array of more than 30 tools for fine-tuning, cleaning and repairing your PC, including more than 200 tweaks to customize Windows and improve its performance.

The program’s main interface gives you instant access to every tool in the suite, divided into nine categories. Here are some highlights from ASO V2:

● System Cleaner tools can help you revive a sluggish system. Here you can find and remove junk that litters your system, hidden in places you’d never find on your own. This tool will locate all duplicate and temporary files from every corner of your hard drive.

You’ll also find tools to back up and clean your Windows registry, as well as manage exactly what loads at Windows startup.

● System Optimizer offers a nice array of tools to defragment and optimize memory - both physical RAM and Windows resources.

You can also defrag and optimize the Window registry, after making a back up and restore point, of course. This section contains that massive collection of 200-plus Windows tweaks, all nicely grouped and easy to understand.

● System Tools includes such items as System Information, which scans your hardware and software and presents a detailed report - extremely useful for tech support and troubleshooting.

The System Analyzer and Advisor take this information and offer tweaks to improve performance. There’s also a tool for viewing detailed information about any of your files and folders.

● Privacy and security tools include a new Spyware Detective that scans your media for bad stuff your firewall or antivirus software might have missed. To secure your data, there’s a data shredder that prevents recovery of deleted files and tools to erase your tracks in all aspects of computer use.

The list of mini-apps and tools just keeps on going. There are tools to repair corrupt .zip files, split and join large files, manage your Windows log-in settings, blacklist and block certain programs from running on your system and encrypt files or folders for security.

There are even some tools here you wouldn’t expect in a system optimizer, like sticky pad reminders, appointment planner, media files organizer and a host of aesthetic options to personalize your operating system.

Absolutely busting with features, Advanced System Optimizer Version 2 is available for Windows XP and Vista, currently discounted to $35.95 at the Systweak Web site, www.systweak.com. Take ASO for a test drive before you buy, and while you’re there, check out the rest of Systweak’s impressive product line.