A Look Inside PCPitstop Optimize 2.0
Product: Optimize 2.0
Publisher: PC Pitstop
License: Commercial software, annual. Licensed for multiple-users on one computer or multiple computers one user
Like many of the other downloadable programs that are designed to scan and fix computer problems, Optimize 2.0 from PC Pitstop is a program that can be run on schedule to routinely check for and fix problems, or can be run on request to fix and find problems.
Of course, the most significant value will be in the optimizations and repairs it makes on its very first running — optimizing your Internet access settings, checking startup programs, cleaning and repairing the Windows registry, and cleanup of junk files.
While some types of programs like antispyware and antivirus let you have fully-functional trial versions, programs that make repairs to your computer can't afford to give free trials. Whether you are considering Spinrite 6 from Gibson Research (a hard drive recovery utility) or a Windows registry cleaner program, if there was a free fully-functional trial — no one would ever buy a copy — they'd just download a trial if they had a problem!
The solution for many of these products is to provide a scanner program that will scan your computer, tell you that it found a bunch of things to change, but will only make the repairs if you buy a license.
Does that sound unreasonable? If so, compare it to buying software in a retail box — most retailers will not accept returns of opened software, so you have no way to see it work. I wish I'd been able to see some of the games I've bought before spending my money.
Optimize 2.0 goes the extra mile — in the unregistered scanner mode, Optimize 2.0 shows you the changes it would make! It does not just show you the categories of changes that it would make, if you buy a license. This way, if you know what you're doing and want to take the time, you can make the changes manually.
In the first screen shot below, we see the display after Optimize has done its first scan of my notebook computer (my main computer). The blue "Next" button at the bottom right is the next step. (I'm not sure why the Scan button is still there, unless it's offering me a chance to watch it scan again immediately.)
In the screen shot on the right, we can see that it has found a number of optimization changes for my Internet access. Notice that Optimize 2.0 is also suggesting changes for Firefox (v2.0.0.12) in addition to changes for HTTP (well, really Internet Explorer-specific changes) and TCP/IP changes (all networking, which will affect both my Local Area Network as well as my Internet access efficiency). Although I had Opera v9.25 installed, Optimize 2.0 did not offer any optimizations for it (I'm not sure Opera offers the ability much ability for the user to edit its internal settings).
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In the next screen shot, you can see that I have clicked on the plus signs, which expanded to show the detail of changes that Optimize 2.0 suggests for the HTTP and TCP/IP. I strongly suggest that you do not make changes to YOUR computer based on these optimizations of MY computer.
Settings for my computer and internet connection are not likely to be the best for your computer. If you want to make changes to your computer, download and try Optimize 2.0 and let it make recommendations for you based on your hardware.
In the right-hand screen shot, you can see that Optimize 2.0 found that my startup settings (whether in the Startup folder or in the Windows Registry) were trying to start a non-existant program. By eliminating that problem, the boot time should be slightly better.
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The below-left screen shot shows the types of Windows Registry changes that Optimize 2.0 recommends be made. If I had clicked on the plus signs beside each entry, I could see the details of the changes. Notice also that I can uncheck any changes that I might not want to make (That was "none" of them — I let Optimize 2.0 make all the changes it recommended.).
The next screenshot is the summary of Optimize 2.0's findings. It's also where the program reminds me that the scanning and recommendations are free, but that I'll have to buy a license if I want Optimize 2.0 to make the changes for me.
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I wanted Optimize 2.0 to make the changes for me, so I purchased a license ($29.99) and input my user name, email and license key. The purchase process was quick and painless. The license key was provided in the confirmation window in my web browser and also was emailed to me for my files.
The screen shot on the left shows the confirmation that my copy is licensed. That allowed me to click OK on that dialog box and then Next in the program's window.
The screenshot on the right shows that Optimize 2.0 has finished the updates to my computer. It warns me that I need to reboot so the changes go into effect.
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So, what do I think of PC Pitstop Optimize 2.0? I liked the trial installation, I purchased my license, and I was impressed by the results. I like it.
Copyright © 2008 Terry A. Stockdale. All rights reserved.
