Surviving the “XPocalypse” Part 2

PC Health Made Easy

Maximum performance is just a few clicks away. Here’s how to get the most out of the patented technology designed to automatically deliver optimal stability and responsiveness to your computer.

  1. The science behind System Mechanic: Tune-up Definitions
  2. Set your computer to repair itself: ActiveCare®
  3. Maximize system responsiveness: LiveBoost
  4. Run many performance-enhancing tools at once: PC Accelerator®
  5. Crowd-source your tuning decisions: Startup Optimizer

»View other tips in our “XPocalypse” Tip Series

The science behind System Mechanic is Tune-up Definitions

iolo Labs studies computer performance trends from hundreds of thousands of samples each day, helping to identify emerging threats to PC stability. The results are then published as Tune-up Definitions updates.

This information fuels System Mechanic with thousands of separately defined threats to PC performance and stability that allow it to scan, diagnose, repair and speed up your computer with laser precision. Free updates to Tune-up Definitions are provided periodically to System Mechanic as part of your service plan, so your PC has the latest tools available to help find and repair problems before slowdown takes hold.

Unlike one-size-fits-all “cleaners” or “utilities” that attempt to apply a single set of fixes to every PC (sometimes causing more harm than good), System Mechanic is able to intelligently adapt to a variety of configurations, installed software or special environments. This allows it to create a set of personalized tune-up actions custom-tailored to your machine each time you use it.

As you install new software, upgrade your hardware, or change to a new operating system, Tune-up Definitions keep System Mechanic informed to help it operate with maximum effectiveness and safety.

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Set your computer to repair itself

ActiveCare® removes clutter and repairs many hard drive, registry and security problems automatically whenever your computer is idle. It’s worth making sure it is set correctly.

Here’s how:

  1. Start System Mechanic and click ActiveCare » Automated Tasks
  2. Set the options you want System Mechanic to perform automatically to Enabled
  3. Click the Options links in the upper right corner of System Mechanic’s screen, and then click Edit Advanced Options under the ActiveCare tab
  4. Review and edit ActiveCare’s advanced options, then click Save twice to store your preferences

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Maximize system responsiveness

LiveBoost works to ensure processor, memory and hard disk are allocating the ideal amount of resources to whatever it is you’re doing. It should always be fully Enabled.

Here’s how:

  1. Start System Mechanic and click LiveBoost » Real-time Optimization
  2. Find OptiCore and make sure the option is set to Enabled
  3. Find RAMJet and make sure the option is set to Enabled
  4. Find AcceleWrite and make sure the option is set to Enabled

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Run many performance-enhancing tools at once

PC Accelerator® combines multiple speed-boosting features into one easy-to-use power tool. Run it whenever you feel your machine could use a lift.

Here’s how:

  1. Start System Mechanic and click Toolbox » All-in-one Tools
  2. Find PC Accelerator and click Start
    • Note: If you haven’t yet completed a Quick or Deep analysis you’ll be prompted to do so now before continuing to step 3.
  3. Select the Recommended Actions you want to perform and click Next
  4. The PC Accelerator PowerTool will now run repairs on your PC (this may take a few minutes to finish)

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Crowd-source your tuning decisions

Startup Optimizer shows you how other users prioritize which programs launch at startup to help you decide for yourself, optimizing boot time and convenience.

Here’s how:

  1. Start System Mechanic and click Toolbox » Individual Tools
  2. Find Startup Optimizer within Maximize Performance and click Start
  3. Click Next, select Search for all startup program types and click Next again to have System Mechanic list your startup programs
  4. Review the User Community Results to see what millions of other users do with each program
  5. Use the Keep it on or Turn it off options to optimize your PC for improved boot speed
  6. When you’ve finished, restart Windows and enjoy a faster computer

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»View other tips in our “XPocalypse” Tip Series

Legacy Content

This article may reference older System Mechanic® features that have been replaced or enhanced in the current version.

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What is iolo's Whole Home License?

The Whole Home License® is iolo’s licensing policy that allows you to install and keep your software running on all of your compatible devices within the same home. Previously, users were allowed to install and license their iolo software simultaneously on a maximum of three PCs. Under the Whole Home License, a single activation key allows you to use your iolo software on all of your PCs, other than any PCs you use for business purposes. What you need to know about Whole Home Licensing

  • You, your spouse, and your relatives living within the same household may use the same license on any number of PCs that you own which are not used for business.
  • For full legal terms and conditions, see https://www.iolo.com/company/legal/eula/

To install your iolo product on additional PCs:

  1. On the additional computer, download the latest version of your iolo product. Choose from the list of downloads offered here.
  2. Follow the steps in the installation wizard, and enter the same Activation Key that you used to install on your original computer.

You can view the Activation Key on the original computer from within System Mechanic > red menu bar > key icon > Activation Key.