Summary Overview of Utility Software for the PC Owner
1. PCs require ongoing maintenance to perform safely and optimally. The best way to ensure this is by using a premium quality system utility product.
2. Never run two or more similar security or utility products from different manufacturers as this can corrupt or damage to your PC.
3. When replacing an existing utility on your PC, always restart exactly as prompted, both immediately upon uninstalling the first product, and again after installing the new software.
4. When uninstalling software, always use the product's own uninstaller - never uninstall programs manually.
5. Because they operate in different ways, it's not possible to run side-by-side comparisons of different utility products and get meaningful results.
6. When deciding which utility to purchase, make sure you consult objective reviewers. Don't rely on customer reviews, as they can be compromised by unscrupulous manufacturers. Also be cautious about reviewers with strong biases. Trust reviewers with whom you've agreed in the past.
7. When looking for software providers, make sure the company's products have been in wide distribution, not just download-only, for several years. Also confirm that they have clearly available contact and reference information.
8. Don't wait until after you're experiencing problems to install utilities. The best way to avoid issues is to install protective software immediately when you purchase your PC.
9. Even after you've installed utility software, always exercise caution and avoid downloading suspicious items or engaging in risky activities.
10. Hardware cannot be fixed by utility software. If you've run a comprehensive utility and are still experiencing the same problems, chances are the issue is hardware-related.
11. If you have a non-standard PC configuration, always be cautious when using utilities.
12. Since no software is one hundred percent bug-free, always back up your data.
13. When calling Customer Support, remember that they are looking for an unexpected or uncommon occurrence which has caused your problem. Since this may require some research, don't expect an instant solution. Try to be patient, and remember to give as much specific detail as possible about the issue.
14. Take some time to familiarize yourself with your utility software. Becoming well-informed gives you the best chance of having a healthy, long-lasting PC.
Original article Copyright 2007 Noah T. Rowles and iolo technologies, LLC. Used with permission by iolo technologies, LLC. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.