Ontrack SystemSuite 4.0 Review Utility Classics Eric Grevstad
SystemSuite's bedrock disk utilities and PC diagnostics (sold separately as Fix-It Utilities and remembered by some of you from a company called Mijenix) range from good old DOS-style, in-depth memory, motherboard, disk, and system tests -- complete with COM port and sound-card diagnostics that require special loopback cables -- to a detailed SystemExplorer module that lets you see every component installed and process running on your PC, right down to DirectX data and the numbers of threads and file-access rights of active programs.
Power geeks can peruse monitor gauges that track statistics such as CPU and swapfile usage and sound optional alarms when variables fall below specified values; an available "error tracker" keeps a log of all Windows error messages. One utility checks recent hard disks' SMART diagnostic monitoring, while another test-reads all files on a floppy or CD-R before you give it to someone. Still another synchronizes your PC's system clock with one of dozens of worldwide time servers.
Ontrack's DiskFixer performs a faster and more thorough check of potential hard-drive glitches (lost cluster chains, damaged partition or file allocation tables, bad filenames or dates, and the like) than Windows' ScanDisk. It's as near as makes no difference to Symantec's Norton Disk Doctor, but we like Ontrack's duo of RegistryFixer and RegistryDefrag a bit more than Norton WinDoctor: The former provides handsomely detailed lists of the orphaned entries and trimmable junk it finds in the Windows Registry, subdividing its proposed changes under green, yellow, and red traffic-light icons to indicate their possible risks and letting you apply or skip changes as you please.
The latter tidies and optimizes the Registry for quicker operation, though you must manually close all running applications before using it (hands-on types can use a manual Registry editor). We also like JetDefrag, a faster and smarter alternative to Windows' built-in disk defragmentation tool that optionally checks an IntelliCluster system monitor to arrange your more frequently used programs and files for faster access -- though we think it should offer to switch off the antivirus checker, whose scan at every file access slows JetDefrag to a snail's pace, instead of merely telling you to do so.
On the other hand, Symantec scores a bit higher when it comes to file-level utilities; instead of letting you securely erase (undelete-proof) individual files or folders like Norton WipeInfo, Ontrack's DataEraser can only wipe entire hard disks or partitions (before you hand over a PC to a new user, say). Speaking of undelete, while both packages both offer extra protection to recover accidentally erased files after you've emptied the Recycle Bin or deleted items from a DOS window, Ontrack's FileUndeleter is switched off by default -- apparently part of the company's generally laudable goal of minimizing the system resources or background processes SystemSuite takes.
We saw no real benefit from the CrashProof module, which seems to date back to Windows 3.1-era utilities with its promise of intercepting application crashes or lockups -- it can't prevent pre-XP Windows' familiar "blue screen of death" failures.
Ontrack's system-level DiskSnapshot, Rescue Disk, and SystemSaver utilities do a fine job of backing up the Registry and other core system files and creating emergency boot floppies that can help in a system-crash crisis. But its file-level EasyRecovery Professional Lite module offers less than ideal salvation from a virus attack, disk crash, or unbootable-OS crisis: It lets you enter hard disk sector ranges to seek and try to recover up to 50 files -- which must be saved to a different drive (such as a Zip drive) or partition. Beyond that, you're referred to Ontrack's undeniably miracle-working but premium-priced remote-access and lab-based (ship your sick hard disk to Colorado) data recovery services. We think GoBack, even in the minimal version bundled with Norton SystemWorks 2002, is a better option for everyday emergencies.
Good Housekeeping
Trying to uninstall a program by simply deleting it from your hard disk has been a recipe for Registry and DLL disaster ever since Windows 95 replaced Windows 3.1. But most applications today rely on Microsoft's Windows Installer and Control Panel's Add/Remove Programs module to safely handle installation and uninstallation, so SystemSuite's uninstall utilities (like Symantec's Norton CleanSweep) are much less vital than they would have been a few years ago. Still, if you still use programs that don't follow the Windows protocols, SystemSuite lets you monitor their installation (we like its "Monitor all changes until I click Stop" option), make a backup or archive copy of an application and its associated files, or create an executable "transport package" to recreate the program and your custom settings on a new PC.
And SystemSuite offers a capable set of cleanup tools for freeing space by getting rid of Internet cache, history, and cookie files; ActiveX controls and browser plug-ins; and temporary or backup files. An AdvancedFileClean module offers sophisticated scripting for periodically deleting sets of files based on file type and date. If you hate to delete anything permanently, a built-in ZIP manager creates and manipulates compressed ZIP archives, including options to make self-extracting archives or send a bunch of files as a single e-mail attachment.
Finally, PowerDesk 4 Pro is a file manager par excellence, with features ranging from a convenient dual-window view (four panes for two directory trees and folders, plus an optional file-preview pane) to folder synchronization and a compact, top-of-screen toolbar that gives instant access to programs, utilities, and a DOS-style command line.
It sort of underscores SystemSuite 4.0's overall appeal -- a utility kit potent enough (even, in a few places, old-fashioned enough) for roll-up-your-sleeve power users, wrapped in a unified interface (mostly) friendly enough for a PC rookie. A couple of concerns keep it from getting a five-star, forget-the-competition rave, but its disk, Registry, and firewall tools make it a first-class value and we're entrusting our primary PC to its protection.
