Comodo PC Tuneup

If you’d like to blow the cobwebs out of a sluggish PC, a tune-up utility suite such as the Comodo PC Tuneup (formerly known as Comodo System Utilities) can do the job well by deleting unused files and fixing the registry—the common source for PC problems. The $19.99 Comodo PC Tuneup also packs a few other neat utilities (such as registry cleaner, file restoration, disk wiping, and live customer support), but it isn’t quite as effective as SlimWare SlimCleaner (free) or Iolo System Mechanic 12.

System Requirements and Interface
Like other tune-up utilities, Comodo PC Tuneup has meager system requirements. It demands just 32MB of RAM and 20MB of hard drive space, and there are also 32- and 64-bit versions for the Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP operating systems. After downloading, installing, and launching Comodo PC Tuneup, you’re presented with a slick, redesigned home screen.

The interface is divided into two sections: a sidebar on the left filled with a variety of system-cleaning options, which, when clicked, you can activate in the main content area. The new homescreen is an evolution of Comodo System Utilities’ homescreen, and is both attractive and functional.

The Clean-Up Process
Comodo discovered numerous registry issues, which is on par with PC Tools Performance Toolkit. I tested Comodo PC Tuneup’s ability to clean up a PC by performing two tests—running the Geekbench system performance tool, and measuring boot times—before and after running the Comodo app. Each test was run three times and the results averaged.

Before Comodo scrubbed the system, the 2-GHz Intel Core i7 X990 Style-Note notebook with 4GB of RAM, and 80GB Intel SSD booted achieved a 5,914 Geekbench score, and booted in 50.2 seconds. After using Comodo System Utilities, the GeekBench score improved to 6,156 (a score that was surpassed by SlimCleaner’s 6,338). The notebook boot time decreased slightly to 42.4 seconds, which is slightly slower than SlimCleaner’s 41.1 seconds.

In addition to running formal tests, I also spent time using the cleaned up system to see what the experience is like. Overall post-Comodo system performance felt snappier when opening iTunes and Steam in the cleaned-up environment.

Comodo PC Tuneup includes a number of other features besides the repair functionality. There’s also a “Duplicate Finder” that removes multiple versions of the same file. “Registry Protection” and “SafeDelete” automatically recover any files that were deleted in error and restore your system to its previous state should any problems occur—a welcomes addition that let me recover files with ease. You cn install an optional customer support module, too.

“Autorun Manager” lets you select which programs you want to launch during startup. Deactivating programs that you don’t use very often can decrease a PC’s boot time Comodo detected a dozen programs; I deactivated many, but there were a few obscure ones such as NvCplDaemon that I didn’t recognize—some research revealed that it’s related to Nvidia graphics drivers. The average user may need to show discipline and tread lightly so as not to delete something vital to other software and hardware. You can also add programs to the Autrorun Manager lists so you can give them launch instructions.

A Solid Performer
Like other tune-up utilities, Comodo PC Tuneup will improve your PC’s performance, but it comes with the added benefit of no installation limits. It may not possess PC Tools Performance Toolkits’ deep file recovery features or SlimCleaner’s effectiveness, but Comodo PC Tuneup is a very solid selection for those who may require customer support.