We Look at 20 Utilities That Add Capabilities Microsoft and Apple Left Out

Your word processor saves documents at a snail's pace, your hard disk has the hiccups, and you've installed and uninstalled so much software your Windows or Mac System Folder is a disaster area. You can't afford the downtime of a lengthy tech-support call, and a trip to the local computer repair center could put your business on hold for days. Does this situation sound familiar? Don't fret; we've tested 20 upgrade utilities designed to get your computer working better, faster, and more reliably in no time.

For this roundup, we chose utilities that claim to improve and maintain the performance of your PC and Mac. As such, we didn't include file compression, data backup, or antivirus programs; we searched for pure performance and maintenance tools. We created a list of 15 Windows and five Macintosh utilities, almost all of which are priced under $100 (unless otherwise noted, we give list prices) in five categories--rash Helmet Software, Performance Boosters, Memory Boosters, Repair Station Tools, and Miscellaneous Maintenance.

To test the Crash Helmet and Repair Station tools, we simulated your worst nightmare: corrupt system files, General Protection Fault (GPF) errors, missing Dynamic Link Library (DLL) files (the files that a Windows program needs to launch and operate), and more. For the Performance and Memory Booster relays, we recorded the time it took to launch large applications, open multiple programs, and grind complicated Photoshop filters with and without the utility installed. Finally, we gave high marks to utilities that fulfilled their lofty claims without ruining our system. Let the games begin CRASH HELMET SOFTWARE

Conflict Catcher 4

RATING: ***

POWER MAC

Almost any Mac system runs faster when you set it up with Extensions Off. Unfortunately, all those files in your System Folder (represented by the icons that load as you start up) let your Mac perform important tasks, such as run CDs, access the Internet, find your printer, and more. Conflict Catcher lets you specify which program extensions to load at start-up, including fonts and items in the Apple Menu.

The minute you encounter an extension-based problem, such as old application codes, files that load out of order, or two programs that won't work together, Conflict Catcher pinpoints the cause. Conflict Catcher worked well in our tests, but you'll need a good understanding of how the Mac System Folder works or you might deactivate important extensions. With a little learning and caution on your part, Conflict Catcher could be a powerful tool to combat conflicts between multiple applications. Casady & Greene, 408-484-9228

CYA (Cover Your Applications)

RATING: ** 1/2

WIN 95 / WIN

CYA is a one-trick pony, but it performs that trick rather well. The program backs up vital Windows 95 and 3.1 system files, so you can restore them if your PC crashes. In a sense, you're returning to a previous, working incarnation of Windows.

Before installing new hardware or software, CYA takes a "snapshot" of your system. If changes to your Windows system files create errors, CYA lets you revert to your original system settings. You can also schedule CYA to take a system snapshot daily, weekly, or whenever.

But be forewarned: If CYA takes a snapshot before you remove an application and a subsequent error requires you to revert to an older Windows setup, any files pointing to the removed application will also he restored. You'll need to know the names of specific files to manually delete them. That's why we recommend CYA only for more experienced users. Qualitas, 301-578-8400, 800-733-1377, ; $39.99, $25.99 download

First Aid 97

RATING: *** 1/2

WIN 95

When Windows 95 has an emergency, call First Aid 97. With a wide range of repair options, you'll feel like a certified Windows 95 emergency technician.

First Aid's Check-Up module examines your hard disk, programs, system files, multimedia performance, networking, and printer configurations. If a problem arises, First Aid scans its database for an appropriate fix. If your modem is oddly silent, click on the modem icon for repair options.

In our tests, First Aid repaired missing DLLs, as well as invalid program shortcuts, and it even saved us from a deliberate GPF. Still, the software has some flaws. Partial installations of software are detected as errors, and the AutoFix module encourages you to edit the Win 95 Registry without a thorough warning of the potential risks.

First Aid's friendly interface, good diagnostic utilities, and update feature for the latest bug fixes make this a strong program. But use the AutoFix repair engine with caution. CyberMedia Software, 310-581-4700, 800-721-7824; $39.95

Fix-It

RATING: ** 1/2

WIN 95 / WIN

If you're a Windows 95 crash victim, consider Fix-It. Although it shares First Aid 97's mission, Fix-It doesn't have all of First Aid's spit and polish.

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