Berlin software developer Ashampoo GmbH has released Ashampoo WinOptimizer 10.1.0, the latest version of its Windows system optimization tool. WinOptimizer 10, which provides one-click tools for privacy, cleaning and optimizing PCs, debuts four new modules, plus a brand new user interface.
The tool, which is available as a 10-day trial by default (users can extend this by a further 30 days by registering for a free key), also comes with four updates for existing modules, enhanced Windows 8 support and user-definable favorites.
The most striking thing about WinOptimizer 10 is its brand new interface. The overtly blue appearance of version 9 is replaced by a steel grey look. The main screen provides a summary of the three key areas WinOptimizer addresses: cleaning, optimizing and protection. Users can then go for a one-click scan, with options for easily reviewing and "hiding" (ignore) individual issues, or letting Ashampoo fix the problems automatically.
Alternatively, users can opt to optimize manually via the program’s Modules section. Four new modules have been added to version 10 to take the grand total to 32 -- these are a duplicate file finder, obsolete shortcuts checker, fonts manager and System Restore manager, the latter allowing users to review and delete individual Restore points.
In addition to these new modules, four existing tools have also been enhanced. The File Wiper adds an option for wiping free disk space to prevent recovery of previously deleted files, while the Internet Cleaner and Drive Cleaner promise faster performance. The Drive Cleaner -- along with the Registry Optimizer module -- has also been improved by providing more accurate detection rates for better results.
While WinOptimizer 9 came with support for Windows 8, version 10 promises enhancements for users of Microsoft’s latest operating system. There’s a revised task scheduler, and Windows 8-tailored tweaks to go with compatibility improvements.
Other user interface tweaks include redesigned overview and statistics pages for better clarity, and user-definable favorites. The Favorites screen has always displayed the most frequently accessed modules in WinOptimizer, but from version 10 users can now pin up to four of their favorite modules to this screen for permanent access: from the Modules page, roll the mouse over an individual tool and click the star icon that appears next to it to add (or subsequently) remove that module from the Favorites screen.
Ashampoo WinOptimizer 10.1.0 is available now as a free trial download for PCs running Windows XP or later. The full version comes with a MSRP of $39.99, although upgrades and discounts are available for existing and trial users.
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