Magic Utilities 6.20

Overview

Every computer needs a utility that can keep the system clean from junk files and optimize it. Magic Utilities comes with a set of tools that will stabilize your computer by fixing errors and maintain it by cleaning it. It also includes a StartUp Organizer, an Uninstaller, a Process Killer, a File Shredder and a File Protector. But does this program have any features that make it stand out from the rest? Read on to find out.

Installation

Installation is straightforward and will finish quickly without troubling you, since it doesn’t have any advanced settings. The setup package doesn’t contain viruses, spyware and other types of malware. No additional software like toolbars are included either.

The program can run smoothly under Windows 98, ME, 2000, XP, 2003, Vista and 7 OS.

Interface

It has a simplistic interface that could be improved to look more modern. It is functional however, so that’s not a big issue. At the top there are three buttons: Options, Help and Exit. Next to them is the logo of the program. In the main area of the window you can see the available tools: Uninstaller Plus, StartUp Organizer, Process Killer, Disk Cleaner, File Shredder, Filer Protector and Windows Utilities. Double clicking on one will open the appropriate window with the relevant functions. The new windows may have more options and buttons, depending on their purpose.

Pros

Let’s take a look at the tools of the program:

• Uninstaller Plus: A more improved version of Windows Add/Remove Programs. It lists all installed software and displays information for each one. You have the option to delete an entry if it is corrupt and cannot be uninstalled normally.
• Startup Organizer: This tool can decrease Windows startup time by letting you view and disable processes that run at startup, or when a user logs in.
• Process Killer: Displays all running processes. You can view each one’s modules or kill it.
• Disk Cleaner: This is the tool you’re going to use whenever you feel that your computer has too much junk in it. It will scan and delete any unneeded files (temporary files, log files, thumbnails, Windows diagnostics, etc.).
• File Shredder: Use this if you want to securely delete files. There’s no information on what deletion method is used to erase the files, so we have to take the developer’s word that it is better than Windows’ delete operation.
• File Protector: This tool can encrypt and decrypt files on demand. Simply add the files you want to lock, enter a password and click Encrypt (or Decrypt, if you wish to decrypt the files). The password is the same for all files, and again there are no details on the encryption method used.
• Windows Utilities: Opening this tool will bring up a window with tools that already exist in Windows, but aren’t commonly used (e.g. Event viewer, DirectX Diagnostics, Registry Editor, Computer Management, Dr. Watson and others).

Cons

There are doubts regarding the efficiency of File Protector and File Shredder. In addition, it would be nice if the user interface was updated, because currently it looks as if it was built for pre-XP systems.

Alternatives

CCleaner (free), TuneUp Utilities (paid) and WinUtilities (paid) are all similar programs designed to keep your PC in good condition. The average user will find CCleaner easier to use, but more experienced users might feel more comfortable with TuneUp Utilities. They both do a spectacular job at cleaning your computer nevertheless.

Conclusion

Having read the pros and cons of this product, you can see that there’s nothing unique in this program or something that could place it above other software with the same purpose.