It’s no secret that computers slow down over time. No matter how well-maintained you keep your computer, it’s going to experience a loss in efficiency. In order to regain that initial speed performance, you need to do the same thing that you would do to your car: tune it up. Thankfully, there are tools for that.

Introducing Iolo System Mechanic 11, a program that promises to fix pesky computer errors, restore system stability, and maximize your computer’s operating speeds. System Mechanic is available for $39.95 on Windows XP, Vista, 7, and 8, but we’ve got a great offer for you, MakeUseOf readers: we’re giving away 25 copies of System Mechanic 11 worth a total of $1,000 for free!

Participating in this giveaway is, as always, easy. All you have to do is read through this review. The giveaway details will be at the bottom of this post.

I remember years ago, I would manually traverse my Program Files directory and sift through all of the folders inside to determine which were empty, extraneous, or no longer needed. Then I’d delete them by hand, one by one. As you might imagine, that took a lot of time. Back then, the closest thing to a system tune-up was running a registry cleaner. Now we have programs that boost the entire system.

System Mechanic 11 Review

A System Mechanic 11 license will install and operate on every PC in your home. When you open System Mechanic for the first time, you’ll be presented with the Dashboard. In it, you’ll find a notification area at the top that tells you the general state of your computer (in terms of security, speed, stability, etc.). The first time, you’ll need to run a quick analysis of your computer, like such:

After the initial analysis, you’ll be good to go.

The dashboard is nice because it gives you one-click access to a number of functions. If you want to run a quick scan-and-repair, the button is right there. If you’d rather view a list of all the problems and fix them individually, you can do that, too.

In addition, the dashboard provides little hints to help you boost your performance. Actions like installing new drivers and running CRUDD Remover aren’t essential, but System Mechanic will recommend them when it thinks you’d benefit from them.

When I first ran System Mechanic, this is what I got: a whole bunch of problems. Apparently, my computer wasn’t in as tip-top shape as I thought it was. Thankfully, System Mechanic caught these problems and brought them to my attention.

System Mechanic will detect issues ranging from security vulnerabilities, to registry inconsistencies, to unnecessary system clutter, to excess startup programs, and more. The critical problems will be colored in red while the non-essential problems will be colored in black. You can then pick and choose which problems you want to fix and System Mechanic will do the rest.

System Mechanic has a section titled Automated Tasks, which automatically analyzes, optimizes, and repairs issues found with your computer. These automated tasks are only run when your computer is idle, so you can rest assured that these tasks will never interfere with your work.

Automated tasks include, but are not limited to:

• Optimizing startup configuration
• Optimizing system drive performance
• Recovering unused memory
• Repairing registry problems
• Repairing hard drive errors
• Repairing security vulnerabilities
• Cleaning up system clutter

Personally, I’m not a big fan of automated services like these, but I know that they can come in handy for many users. If you want a program that keeps your computer as well-oiled as possible behind the scenes, then System Mechanic’s automated tasks will be perfect for you.

System Mechanic has a section of tools called PowerTools. These are one-click features that fortify and clean out your computer on demand. What do these features do? Precisely what you’d expect from a tool that promises to boost performance:

• PC Repair: Repairs frustrating and mysterious errors, crashes, and other system failures.
• PC Cleanup: Sweeps away system clutter and frees up hard drive space.
• PC Security: Repairs dangerous security flaws and performs a number of security improvements.
• Total Registry Revitalizer: Keeps the registry clean, organized, and free of errors.

System Mechanic also has a section of tools called Individual Tools. There are a lot of these and they are sorted into eight different categories. Basically, if there are certain aspects of cleanup and optimization that you’d like to run — without running the entire gamut — then these individual tools are for you.

You should note, however, that individual tools are closer to manual work. System Mechanic still does everything for you, but it’ll be more work than simply using a Power Tool or an Automated Task.

Lastly, System Mechanic has a feature called IntelliStatus. This is basically a simple report that tells you the current status of your computer:

• Breakdown of hard drive space and usage
• Breakdown of system memory usage
• Breakdown of startup programs
• Breakdown of currently running programs
• Overview of current Internet speed

Of course, System Mechanic provides a one-click button beside each report section so you can quickly fix and optimize underperforming aspects of your computer. All in all, a fantastic program that really works hard to make your computer the best it can be — all without making you do any of the work.

Again, we’re giving away 25 free copies to all of our loyal and beloved MakeUseOf fans and readers. As a reminder, Iolo System Mechanic 11 is available for $39.95 from their online store, and only runs on Windows XP, Vista, 7, and 8.

How do I win a copy of System Mechanic 11?

Step 1: Fill in the giveaway form

Please fill in the form with your real name and email address so that we can get in touch if you are chosen as a winner. MakeUseOf giveaways are open to readers worldwide.

The giveaway code required to activate the form is available from our Facebook page, Twitter stream and Google+ page.
 

Step 2: Share!

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(Note: no points will be awarded.)

Alternative entry method: Use your points!

Exchange your MakeUseOf points for an entry into the competition. First, create a MakeUseOf account, earn points and exchange your points for an entry! Learn more about our Game system and Rewards program.

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By participating in this giveaway, you agree to the giveaway rules.

This giveaway begins now and ends Friday, October 5th. The winners will be selected at random and informed via email.

Spread the word to your friends and have fun!

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