LIFT THE LID ON YOUR WINDOWS 10 PC
HDD Guardian www.snipca.com/22339
Let’s start with a program that reminds us why we love PCS and traditional PC software. HDD Guardian reveals a wealth of information about your hard drive. It’s the kind of information devices like ipads and Chromebooks keep under wraps.
Once installed, HDD Guardian monitors the health of your HDD (hard disk drive) or SSD (solid-state drive) – or both, if your PC is lucky enough. It’ll take your drive’s temperature, tell you how many hours it’s been running in total (see screenshot above right) and test it for errors. If you’ve set up any external hard drives, virtual drives and partitions, HDD Guardian also keeps an eye on those.
To get it, click the purple ‘download’ button and then save and run the installer. Like all the programs we’ve tested for this feature, it doesn’t try to smuggle any junk on to your PC. And unlike many apps, it lets you choose where to install it and even what to call its Start menu folder.
Hardinfo www.usro.net/products/hardinfo
Your computer’s processor ( CPU) and memory ( RAM) are probably its most important components, at least in terms of performance. The hard drive, motherboard and internet connection (network) are also pretty crucial. Hardinfo monitors all these vital organs simultaneously, and lets you put them through rigorous benchmark tests.
In October, Hardinfo released its latest version (8), fully redesigned with a new operating system information screen (see screenshot below). Here, you’ll see your Windows activation key, install date and registry size, among other details that Windows 10 normally buries.
Hardinfo 8 no longer supports older 32bit systems and only works on 64bit, which means most Windows 10 PCS. To check which system you have, type about into Start, press Enter and then look for ‘System type’ on the Settings page that opens.
To get Hardinfo, click Downloads at the top, scroll down to the Hardinfo section, then click Download Now Free.
GPU-Z www.snipca.com/22345
One vital PC component we’ve not mentioned yet is the graphics card. That little card (also known as the GPU, video graphics adapter or VGA) is crucial for your PC’S speed and reliability – even if the only graphics you ever encounter are photos of your family.
The new, stable version of GPU-Z monitors your PC’S graphics card(s) and displays their specifications (see screenshot above right).
Like HDD Guardian, GPU-Z has an installer that’s not only junk-free but a pleasure to use, thanks to the control and information it gives you. Visit the URL above, click the link at the top of the list, then the Download Now button, and then the UK flag (or whichever server is closest to you). Open the EXE file and then click Yes to install, or No to get a portable program file, or ‘Not now’ to use the portable program on this occasion only. If you click Yes, you’re then offered optional shortcuts and install locations.
Revo Uninstaller www.snipca.com/22347
This powerful uninstaller shows you a detailed list of all your installed programs. Revo’s new version (2) adds full 64bit support, so you can remove 64bit programs completely. It also lets you export your software list as a text file and see where each program’s registry entries and files are hiding.
There’s no junk when installing, but be careful to get the right installer. Ignore the Free Download button at the top of the page – that’s for a free trial of the paid-for version, Revo Uninstaller Pro. Scroll down and click Free Download next to Revo Uninstaller Freeware.
Revo’s main rival, Iobit Uninstaller, also has a new version (6, www.snipca. com/22432). It’s great for removing hidden browser extensions and plug-ins, but you have to download it from Download.com, which means risking lots of unwanted extras being installed too.