How to Choose a Computer Diagnostic Utility

Use a utility program to maintain your computer's performance and fix system problems. Although Windows now includes sophisticated diagnostic utilities, and the Mac has that old standard Disk First Aid, third-party programs solve some problems that these utilities can't.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Computer Magazines
• Diagnostic Utility Program

1. Buy one of the leading utility programs, such as Symantec's Norton Utilities, TouchStone Software's CheckIt Diagnostic Suite, or Network Associates' First Aid or Nuts & Bolts.

2. Check reviews and ratings on the Internet or in computer magazines to narrow your buying decision.

3. Look for a program that provides hardware, system and software diagnostics, and tuning up and optimizing your system.

4. Get a program that displays the results of its actions in understandable language, if possible.

5. Look for specific features you would use, if buying a suite, such as an uninstaller program, restoration of accidentally deleted files, or file management utilities.

Tips & Warnings

• Utility suites often include, or are bundled with, anti-virus programs.

• Do not install Norton Crash Guard, included in Norton Utilities. Experts advise it causes more crashes than it prevents on both Windows and Macintosh platforms.