Advanced SystemCare Free 7 is the latest edition of IObit's feature-packed PC maintenance suite.
Just as with many similar packages, you get tools to control your startup programs, defragment your hard drive, manage running processes, find and remove duplicate files and tweak essential Windows settings. And these work just fine - but they're only the start.
The suite can also detect and remove malware; undelete files; optimise your PC for better gaming performance; securely delete confidential documents, restore the Start menu to Windows 8, and more.
New features this time include the integration of IObit's Driver Booster, which locates missing driver updates.
The Program Deactivator disables startup entries and scheduled tasks for programs you're not using, to free up system resources.
New Surfing Protection technology "supports real-time database update and parent control for safer surfing", IObit says.
The Registry and Vulnerability fix modules, Windows 8 Start menu, Disk Explorer, Junk Files Cleaner and other tools have been enhanced and improved.
If that's still not enough, there's always ManageMyMobile, which helps you clean, optimise and back up your Android device.
All this is presented in what IObit describes as a Metro-style interface, optimised for "easier and smoother use". (It's not that Metro-like, really, but we don't mind: it's simple to find and access the tools you need, and that's what matters.)
This isn't bad at all for a free suite, but paying for Advanced SystemCare PRO will get you even more tools. Registry Cleaner detects and removes broken Registry values; Disk Cleaner frees up valuable hard drive space; Smart RAM tries to free up memory; Internet Booster optimises your browser settings to improve performance, and Win Fix helps you to resolve common system problems.
