Mulligroup Email Newsletter - is your mechanic registered?

I installed "Zone Alarm" as my firewall and subsequently was encouraged by the software suppliers (Zone Labs L.L.C.) to purchase some software called System Mechanic, which sounded a good deal.

Having installed it and seen what it offers, I have become nervous about what it does, so before I use it I want to check that Zone Labs are a reputable supplier and get advice on whether the software is O.K. to install (i.e. I won't find myself having to re-format my hard drive and copy all my other software to it!!)

I am including below info on some of the things it can do, and would welcome your advice on whether it is safe to install.

Thank you!  Brian Eastmead
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Over time, the System Registry database that stores detailed information about Windows components, settings and applications may become bloated with unnecessary or invalid entries.   These problem entries left over from untidy applications as well as general system wear and tear may cause system errors and slowdown or, worse yet, total system failure.  With System Mechanic Registry Optimizer, you can safely remove these invalid Registry items to streamline and enhance overall PC performance.

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Question:  Why does your PC seem to slow down the longer you use it?
Answer:  Hard drives become fragmented and start working harder and harder to access data, which drastically decreases performance.

Next question:  How do I prevent hard drive fragmentation?
Answer:  Use the System Mechanic high-speed disk defragmentation wizard!

PC hard drives are the single largest system performance bottleneck if not defragmented frequently and properly.

Defragmentation should be part of regular PC maintenance but because of excruciatingly s-l-o-w experiences with the built-in Windows or other vendor products, users are discouraged. That is why System Mechanic defragmentation tools are built for maximum speed, without sacrificing results!

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Spyware is a dangerous and rapidly growing computer threat not detected by most anti-virus tools.  It masquerades as useful software to download from the Internet, or it secretly installs itself.  When installed, spyware typically collects as much information as possible about you and your computing habits, and secretly sends this information to marketing companies.  Your personal data is used to send you popup advertisements or your personal data is sold.  It is even possible for your identity to be stolen.

Spyware symptoms include excessive popup advertisements, unfamiliar browser toolbars, system or program crashes or errors, or even a redirection of your browser's home page without your permission.  The System Mechanic Spython tool protects you from these security and privacy threats.

To see if your computer is infected with spyware:
1.  Start System Mechanic, select the Repair tab and then select the Find and Remove Spyware link.
2.  From the drop-down menu, click the Spython (TM) Spyware Removal Tool.
3.  At the bottom of the window, click the Update Now link to retrieve the most current parasite definitions.  New definitions are automatically downloaded if you configure the Options link to check for definitions update when Spython starts.
4 From the drop-menu, select Registry Optimizer.  Select Quick Clean and Disinfection, Deep Clean and Disinfection, or Custom Search and Disinfection.  Click the More Info links next to the modes to see the differences between the different searches.
5. For Quick and Deep, click Options to configure Removal and Automatic Scheduling options.  Then click OK.
6. Click Next to start the search for parasites.
7. The Search Complete window displays the search results with the number of malware, adware, Key Loggers and Other parasites detected.

Tips for staying spyware-free:
1.   Don't install "free" software.  A product that appears to be free is still somehow generating enough money to support its developers, marketers, owners, and other associated elements to create and maintain products in any business model.  Money has to come from somewhere, and in most cases, it is generated from lots of unsolicited advertising via clandestine spyware infection.

2.   Configure Spython to run automatically at set intervals using the Scheduled Maintenance tool.  From the Maintain tab on System Mechanic dashboard, click the Scheduled Task link.
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The System Mechanic NetBooster tool optimizes Windows Internet connection configuration and network settings.  The Windows defaults may actually prevent you from reaching potential download and upload speeds.  Now there is a safe and simple way to modify these settings without manually exploring and modifying the Windows System Registry.  With the NetBooster tool, it is easy for anyone to reach maximum performance with just a few clicks.

To optimize your Internet connection:

1. Open System Mechanic, click Optimize, and then select the Increase Internet Speed link.

2. From the drop-down menu, select NetBooster (R) Internet Optimizer Wizard.  Select Optimize your Internet and network connection speed and then click Next.

3. Choose your Internet Connection type: High-speed or broadband connections or a Dial-up connection and then click Next.

4. NetBooster automatically configures your Internet connection using the most optimal settings. Click the Restart Now link for the new settings to take effect.

5. To restore to the original setting, open the NetBooster wizard again, and then select Restore original settings on the Welcome tab page.

For more advanced users, check out the NetBooster (R) Advanced Internet Configuration Tool and you can manually tweak the settings.

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OK
The individual functions performed are legitimate
Defraging your hard-drive occasionally is good practice
Having some spyware protection is advisable
Cleaning the registry (with some caution)is also a good idea
So overall I think Registry Mechanic is probably OK
But is it worth the money - personally I don't think so

I am a paid subscriber to Fred Langa's Langalist newsletter
There is an excellent free version and the paid version doesnt cost much more
www.langa.com