Software
Review of: |
 The
Swiss Army Knife, with Swiss flag markings as the protective side covers,
has long been a familiar symbol to most individuals. The original item
had the basic tools or "utilities" (things that are useful) for the average
Swiss soldier while under field conditions. The commercial versions sold
today, whether a very basic model with a couple of blades or the "everything
but the kitchen sink" model, offers the purchaser utilities he/she will
feel comfortable having.
I believe the knife on the product cover was carefully chosen. Although it does not carry the Swiss Flag markings on the side covers, the "utilities" (tools extending from the knife housing) are designed to associate the usefulness of the software utilities in the box with the usefulness of the Swiss Army Knife tools. Computer users familiar with the Norton name and product line reputation would quickly agree the strategy was no fluke. Rising computer use demands good utilities
The program
NU 2001 keeps systems running in peak condition. It improves PC performance, keeps hard drives healthy, and fixes Windows problems, no matter which version of Windows the user is running. It stops trouble before it starts, rescues systems (and recovers data) in emergencies, and tunes up and troubleshoots systems with one-button simplicity. Informed users usually don't want their computers and data, in the company of anything less than Symantec's Norton brand ? the trusted leader and innovator of protection, maintenance, problem solving and performance boosting utilities. Installation and use
Down the left side are the GUIs which can be selected (3, except for Windows ME which has 4). Once a GUI is chosen, selectable wizards appear to the right. Each wizard will then guide the user, step by step, in the operation to be performed to give the user confidence in doing the job right the first time. The available GUIs and the associated wizards (some with wizard in the name and some without, so I did not include it), plus a brief explanation of each (additional Windows ME functions are identified below in brackets), are as follows:
The first utility to both defrag and optimize entire drives, not just files. Places the most frequently accessed files e.g., Windows directory or Internet browser at the beginning of the disk, on the outermost tracks, closest to the rest position of the head, for fastest access Optimizes the Windows Registry and Windows Swap File. The early warning system. Runs in the background, continuously monitoring system performance disk and CPU usage, disk integrity, system integrity, network throughput, Internet site access time, and more to keep a computer free of problems and running at peak efficiency. Alerts the user to problems or pre-set alarm conditions and, as previously instructed, recommends a course of action or fixes the problem. Steps the user through the process of recovering lost, deleted and overwritten files including files that are overwritten by a malicious virus Diagnoses and repairs after notifying user, or automatically a variety of disk problems, helping to prevent data loss Performs a series of tests to diagnose most Windows problems. Groups problems logically to help users fix multiple problems with one corrective action, and better understand what is causing the problems ? to try and avoid similar problems in the future. Gives users control over when NU runs. Gives users quick access to system information, including memory, logical and physical disk characteristics, network connections, multimedia devices, and Internet connections. Permanently deletes all traces of selected files and entire folders from the hard drive and including those which may reside in space considered "free." Takes a "snapshot" of critical disk information ? boot record, file allocation tables, root directory, etc. Saves it to the hard drive to help ensure complete recovery from accidental folder or file deletion Enables the user to selectively undo changes. Compare and Registry Tracker together give users the ability to examine and undo modifications to program and data files, the Windows Registry and .INI files. Identifies hardware problems quickly. Tests the health of hard disks, speakers, memory, CD-ROMs, printers, modems, the system board, floppy drives, comm ports, PC Card slots, sound cards, keyboards, mouse, and more. Powerful tool for navigating and editing the Registry and various .INI files associated with Windows applications Monitors changes to critical setup data and startup files, including Registry keys and .INI files.
Saves rescue information to an Iomega/Jaz type drive Guides users through the process of restarting and fixing a system that fails to boot Together, they give the user the unique ability to boot to a full working copy of Windows from the Iomega/Jaz type drive, and permit users to save their work and recover critical files using the Windows-based tools built into NU. Rescue Disk Also features Windows File Check, which helps determine why Windows is not booting properly;
Adds extra, configurable data-recovery protection to the Windows Recycle Bin Loads automatically when Windows starts; manages usage of hard disk space, purging deleted files as the user needs space for new files.
Core features in NU are generally regarded to perform better and with higher quality. For example, Norton SpeedDisk is faster than competing products and the Windows defrag. It is also more comprehensive optimizes hard drives, not just defraging them. And, NU gives users options that maximize performance, such as the ability to move recently-opened files to the most accessible area of the hard drive. For this, and other reasons, many in the computing world like the program PC Computing MVP winner 1/99, PC Magazine Editor's Choice Award 5/99, and PC World Best Buy 2/00. Unlike some competitors, NU provides a broader set of solutions that run automatically. System Doctor, for example, features a comprehensive set of system monitors that run continuously in the background so users do not have to remember to periodically check the PC. So, with all this said, I would strongly recommend NU to anyone who owns a PC. In my opinion, it is certainly a program that merits consideration, especially since it carries the Symantec and Norton name. System requirements
Company information & pricing Symantec CorporationAutomated Fax retrieval for general product info, fact sheets, and product upgrade forms @ (800) 554-4403 or, non-technical questions. The program can be purchased at most stores that carry computer software (about $49.95); from the company's Web store; or through many online retailers.
Bill Klutz does consulting work, primarily in the areas of Management and Computer Applications/Hardware/Software. |