Norton Utilities 4.0

Norton Utilities 4.0

"Keep Your System Running in Top Shape"

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Type of Product

The latest version of Norton Utilities 4.0, by Symantec Corporation, is a set of programs designed to keep the user's system running in peak performance. It detects, prevents and repairs hardware and software problems; protects against system crashes; optimizes performance; and carries out preventative maintenance.Version 4.0 introduces a host of new features and time-saving improvements, designed to protect your data and keep your system running smoothly. Norton Utilities also includes additional value with the inclusion of CrashGuard 4.0, a crash recovery and data recovery program. The price for Norton Utilities is $59.95. The program also comes with a 6 month subscription for Norton Web Services for only $6.95. It is regularly $29.95 per year. Norton Utilities is available for PC or Mac. The Symantec Web site offers upgrades and information that is useful: http://www.symantec.com

User Level

Beginners, intermediate, and advanced PC users. Norton's clean and easy-to-use interface makes it appropriate for beginners; yet it is also thorough enough for the classic power user who actively troubleshoots problems, performs hands-on system maintenance, and controls system performance and optimization.

New and Enhanced Features

Below is a brief outline of the new and enhanced features.

New

Norton System Check–with the click of a single button, find and fix disk problems, Windows problems, improve performance, and give your system a preventative-maintenance checkup.
Norton Connection Doctor–helps you troubleshoot a wide range of connection problems, such as problems with connecting to your email server or Internet service provider.
Norton WipeInfo–removes all traces of selected files or folders from your hard drive. It can also wipe the free space on your hard disk.

Enhanced

Norton WinDoctor–now includes Registry Doctor to detect and repair corruption in the Windows registry.
Rescue Recovery Wizard–now finds missing and corrupt files in your Windows and System folders and replaces them with copies from the Zip Rescue disk..

Review

Installation--With Norton Utilities, you have three new configuration options which determine how active the program is when running, with users able to manage default sensor settings for automatic scanning and reporting, speed and system impact. Other new installation options also permit users to choose whether to enable the Norton Protected Recycle Bin, replace Microsoft Scandisk with Norton Disk Doctor, and add WipeInfo to the Windows Desktop.

Running From CD--You can now run Norton Utilities 4.0 tools directly from the CD, without first installing them.

Norton Utilities Integrator--Norton Utilities 4.0 has the same Norton Utilities Integrator as in Version 3.0. It is a control panel that provides easy access to all the utilities. Its interface is divided into two partitions, the left side of the screen showing four ways Norton aids your system: Find and Fix Problems; Improve Performance; Preventative Maintenance; and Troubleshoot. The right partition shows the programs used in each category. Along the bottom are buttons for LiveUpdate, Options, and Help. The integration of graphics and clearly labeled explanations for items makes it very intuitive. Below is a brief description of Norton Utilities and some of the new and enhanced features.

Find and Fix Problems has five features.

System Check–this new feature provides an alternative to System Doctor's continuous monitoring. With System Check you can run a diagnosis whenever you think you have a problem or set up a schedule to run a system checkup. You can check for both disk problems or Windows problems, improve system performance and perform preventative maintenance from one control panel. You can also focus the diagnosis on specific problems.

WinDoctor–performs a series of tests to diagnose and fix most Windows 95/98 problems. WinDoctor shows you a list of problems, including all types of software errors, hardware configurations, Registry problems, and clutter from failed installs. With WinDoctor, you can automatically fix every problem with a click of your mouse or you can pick and choose, specifying which problems to fix and how to repair them.WinDoctor works with System Doctor, continuously monitoring for Windows problems and alerting you when they occur. Norton Utilities 4.0 introduces a new Registry Doctor scan that extends the problem-solving capabilities of Norton WinDoctor. The Registry Doctor scan analyzes the Windows Registry for corruption and, if needed, makes repairs. This provides extra protection for Windows and other applications that might not otherwise operate properly. The Registry Doctor is also available in Norton System Check.

Disk Doctor–helps diagnose and repair problems with your disk. In addition to checking the integrity of logical disk structures--such as your boot records, file allocation tables, and directories--Disk Doctor performs a series of surface analysis tests to ensure the integrity of your disks. You can configure Norton Disk Doctor to repair various disk problems automatically, even while it runs in the background.

Connection Doctor–this new feature is used to diagnose and repair a wide range of problems with your connection, such as connecting with your email server or Internet service provider. It checks your computer's disk system, communications ports, telephony capabilities, and it tests your modem and dialing capabilities. Norton Connection Doctor includes Connection Troubleshooter, an interactive tool you can use to find solutions to common connection problems.

UnErase Wizard–recovers your erased files. Gives you much more protection than the Recycle Bin. It gives you a list of all deleted files. You can use specific file names or different words in a file if you cannot remember a name to search for a file. UnErase Wizard can even recover written over files.

Improve Performance has four features.

Speed Disk–this enhanced feature optimizes your PC's disk to improve performance. It reorders the files and folders so files open faster, and it defragments the Windows swap file.

Optimization Wizard–fine tunes your PC to make applications load faster. It optimizes the swap file, the Registry, and how applications load into memory. The Optimization Wizard compacts the Windows Registry, making Windows more efficient. At the same time, with Speed Disk, the Wizard determines the fastest drive for the Windows swap file, moves the swap file to the front of the hard disk for faster access, and sets the optimal size for the swap file to reduce the potential for future fragmentation. Speed Disk and the Optimization Wizard automatically leverage the new application tracking features built into Windows 98 to speed up application launches.

Space Wizard–creates more disk space by finding unneeded files. It gives you a list of files you can delete, compress, or move. You can do an Express search which only selects files from the Recycle Bin and Temporary files and folders, or you can do a comprehensive search which looks also at large files, duplicates, and commonly discardable files.

Speed Start–automatically improves the startup time of every program you run in Windows 95. You do not have to do anything, just start your programs as usual and Speed Start optimizes the load time in the background. Because similar functionality is built in to Windows 98, Speed Start is disabled in it.

Preventative Maintenance has six features.

System Doctor–continuously monitors your computer for problems. This is the panel of sensors that run in the background and identify pending problems, and sound an alert when they detect a potential problem. You can load System Doctor with Windows. You have the choice of which sensors are included in the panel. You can also manually trigger a detection program to update a sensor.

Rescue Disk–saves and restores your PC's critical setup data. Rescue Disk records a duplicate set of system startup files, CMOS data, disk partition information, and more. It stores rescue items across multiple floppy disks, or on a network drive. Norton Zip Rescue saves critical files on Iomega Zip or Jaz disk. The Rescue Recovery Wizard guides the user through the process of restarting and fixing a system that fails to boot. Windows File Check has been added to the Recovery Wizard. Windows File Check helps you determine why Windows is not booting properly. It checks for missing critical files on the hard drive and corrupt system files, then restores these files from the Rescue disk in the Zip or Jaz drive.

WipeInfo–this utility returns by popular demand. It removes all traces of selected files or folders from your hard drive. It can also wipe the free space on your hard disk, insuring that previously deleted information is not left on your disk. You can use Fast Wipe, which writes all zeros, or Government Wipe, which is a 7-pass procedure, specified by the Department of Defense!

Image–saves a "snapshot" of your disk's critical information, such as: the boot record, FAT, and root directory data. The UnErase Wizard can use this information to help restore erased disks. The Norton Utilities DOS-based program, UnFormat, can use this information to help restore a damaged or accidentally formatted disk. Norton System Doctor works with Image, continuously monitoring the age of your image files.

Registry Tracker–tracks and restores changes made to critical files. You can monitor changes to your computer's critical setup data and startup files, including Windows Registry keys and .INI files. Registry Tracker can be used to take a snapshot of all your system files and to review subsequent changes made by Setup, by the Control Panel, or by other applications.

Norton Protection–adds extra, configurable data recovery protection to the Recycle Bin to help you recover deleted files that the Recycle Bin cannot find.

Troubleshoot has four features.

System Information–Reviews useful information about your PC. It provides you with a list of everything and anything you would want to know about your system.

Registry Editor–navigates and edits the Windows Registry, which is the master record containing your system hardware, software, and personal preference configuration settings. Use Norton Registry Editor to change and enhance areas inaccessible through the Windows user interface. The Editor's Undo feature makes it safer to use as you can undo when you change your mind.

File Compare–lets you examine the differences--items added, items deleted, and items moved or changed--between two versions of a file. File Compare also displays changes to the Windows Registry file and to Windows .INI files.

Web Services–Web-based utilities to enhance your PC with Norton Utilities updates and third-party updates.

Personal Comments
PC Cafe has used Norton Utilities since the inception of the on-line publication, and we wouldn't be without it. Version 4.0 has enough new and enhanced features to make it a worthwhile upgrade. Since the new System Check can be configured to run on a regular basis, you can avoid running any resident parts other than CrashGuard if you want.

System Requirements

Operating System: Windows 95/98
Processor: 486 or higher
Memory: 8MB RAM (16MB recommended)
Hard Disk Space: 70MB disk space (47MB for compact installation)
Hardware: 256 color VGA resolution
2X CD ROM drive or higher
Zip Drive optional

Graphics: Adobe Photoshop
Web Page Editor: Symantec Visual Page
Scanner: Hewlett Packard ScanJet 6250C Professional Series

Norton Utilities 4.0 "Keep Your System Running in Top Shape"

Click on a thumbnail to enlarge it. Use your browser's "BACK" button to return to this review when done.

Type of Product The latest version of Norton Utilities 4.0, by Symantec Corporation, is a set of programs designed to keep the user's system running in peak performance. It detects, prevents and repairs hardware and software problems; protects against system crashes; optimizes performance; and carries out preventative maintenance.Version 4.0 introduces a host of new features and time-saving improvements, designed to protect your data and keep your system running smoothly. Norton Utilities also includes additional value with the inclusion of CrashGuard 4.0, a crash recovery and data recovery program. The price for Norton Utilities is $59.95. The program also comes with a 6 month subscription for Norton Web Services for only $6.95. It is regularly $29.95 per year. Norton Utilities is available for PC or Mac. The Symantec Web site offers upgrades and information that is useful: http://www.symantec.com User Level Beginners, intermediate, and advanced PC users. Norton's clean and easy-to-use interface makes it appropriate for beginners; yet it is also thorough enough for the classic power user who actively troubleshoots problems, performs hands-on system maintenance, and controls system performance and optimization. New and Enhanced Features Below is a brief outline of the new and enhanced features. New Norton System Check–with the click of a single button, find and fix disk problems, Windows problems, improve performance, and give your system a preventative-maintenance checkup. Norton Connection Doctor–helps you troubleshoot a wide range of connection problems, such as problems with connecting to your email server or Internet service provider. Norton WipeInfo–removes all traces of selected files or folders from your hard drive. It can also wipe the free space on your hard disk. Enhanced Norton WinDoctor–now includes Registry Doctor to detect and repair corruption in the Windows registry. Rescue Recovery Wizard–now finds missing and corrupt files in your Windows and System folders and replaces them with copies from the Zip Rescue disk.. Review Installation--With Norton Utilities, you have three new configuration options which determine how active the program is when running, with users able to manage default sensor settings for automatic scanning and reporting, speed and system impact. Other new installation options also permit users to choose whether to enable the Norton Protected Recycle Bin, replace Microsoft Scandisk with Norton Disk Doctor, and add WipeInfo to the Windows Desktop. Running From CD--You can now run Norton Utilities 4.0 tools directly from the CD, without first installing them. Norton Utilities Integrator--Norton Utilities 4.0 has the same Norton Utilities Integrator as in Version 3.0. It is a control panel that provides easy access to all the utilities. Its interface is divided into two partitions, the left side of the screen showing four ways Norton aids your system: Find and Fix Problems; Improve Performance; Preventative Maintenance; and Troubleshoot. The right partition shows the programs used in each category. Along the bottom are buttons for LiveUpdate, Options, and Help. The integration of graphics and clearly labeled explanations for items makes it very intuitive. Below is a brief description of Norton Utilities and some of the new and enhanced features. Find and Fix Problems has five features. System Check–this new feature provides an alternative to System Doctor's continuous monitoring. With System Check you can run a diagnosis whenever you think you have a problem or set up a schedule to run a system checkup. You can check for both disk problems or Windows problems, improve system performance and perform preventative maintenance from one control panel. You can also focus the diagnosis on specific problems. WinDoctor–performs a series of tests to diagnose and fix most Windows 95/98 problems. WinDoctor shows you a list of problems, including all types of software errors, hardware configurations, Registry problems, and clutter from failed installs. With WinDoctor, you can automatically fix every problem with a click of your mouse or you can pick and choose, specifying which problems to fix and how to repair them.WinDoctor works with System Doctor, continuously monitoring for Windows problems and alerting you when they occur. Norton Utilities 4.0 introduces a new Registry Doctor scan that extends the problem-solving capabilities of Norton WinDoctor. The Registry Doctor scan analyzes the Windows Registry for corruption and, if needed, makes repairs. This provides extra protection for Windows and other applications that might not otherwise operate properly. The Registry Doctor is also available in Norton System Check. Disk Doctor–helps diagnose and repair problems with your disk. In addition to checking the integrity of logical disk structures--such as your boot records, file allocation tables, and directories--Disk Doctor performs a series of surface analysis tests to ensure the integrity of your disks. You can configure Norton Disk Doctor to repair various disk problems automatically, even while it runs in the background. Connection Doctor–this new feature is used to diagnose and repair a wide range of problems with your connection, such as connecting with your email server or Internet service provider. It checks your computer's disk system, communications ports, telephony capabilities, and it tests your modem and dialing capabilities. Norton Connection Doctor includes Connection Troubleshooter, an interactive tool you can use to find solutions to common connection problems. UnErase Wizard–recovers your erased files. Gives you much more protection than the Recycle Bin. It gives you a list of all deleted files. You can use specific file names or different words in a file if you cannot remember a name to search for a file. UnErase Wizard can even recover written over files. Improve Performance has four features. Speed Disk–this enhanced feature optimizes your PC's disk to improve performance. It reorders the files and folders so files open faster, and it defragments the Windows swap file. Optimization Wizard–fine tunes your PC to make applications load faster. It optimizes the swap file, the Registry, and how applications load into memory. The Optimization Wizard compacts the Windows Registry, making Windows more efficient. At the same time, with Speed Disk, the Wizard determines the fastest drive for the Windows swap file, moves the swap file to the front of the hard disk for faster access, and sets the optimal size for the swap file to reduce the potential for future fragmentation. Speed Disk and the Optimization Wizard automatically leverage the new application tracking features built into Windows 98 to speed up application launches. Space Wizard–creates more disk space by finding unneeded files. It gives you a list of files you can delete, compress, or move. You can do an Express search which only selects files from the Recycle Bin and Temporary files and folders, or you can do a comprehensive search which looks also at large files, duplicates, and commonly discardable files. Speed Start–automatically improves the startup time of every program you run in Windows 95. You do not have to do anything, just start your programs as usual and Speed Start optimizes the load time in the background. Because similar functionality is built in to Windows 98, Speed Start is disabled in it. Preventative Maintenance has six features. System Doctor–continuously monitors your computer for problems. This is the panel of sensors that run in the background and identify pending problems, and sound an alert when they detect a potential problem. You can load System Doctor with Windows. You have the choice of which sensors are included in the panel. You can also manually trigger a detection program to update a sensor. Rescue Disk–saves and restores your PC's critical setup data. Rescue Disk records a duplicate set of system startup files, CMOS data, disk partition information, and more. It stores rescue items across multiple floppy disks, or on a network drive. Norton Zip Rescue saves critical files on Iomega Zip or Jaz disk. The Rescue Recovery Wizard guides the user through the process of restarting and fixing a system that fails to boot. Windows File Check has been added to the Recovery Wizard. Windows File Check helps you determine why Windows is not booting properly. It checks for missing critical files on the hard drive and corrupt system files, then restores these files from the Rescue disk in the Zip or Jaz drive. WipeInfo–this utility returns by popular demand. It removes all traces of selected files or folders from your hard drive. It can also wipe the free space on your hard disk, insuring that previously deleted information is not left on your disk. You can use Fast Wipe, which writes all zeros, or Government Wipe, which is a 7-pass procedure, specified by the Department of Defense! Image–saves a "snapshot" of your disk's critical information, such as: the boot record, FAT, and root directory data. The UnErase Wizard can use this information to help restore erased disks. The Norton Utilities DOS-based program, UnFormat, can use this information to help restore a damaged or accidentally formatted disk. Norton System Doctor works with Image, continuously monitoring the age of your image files. Registry Tracker–tracks and restores changes made to critical files. You can monitor changes to your computer's critical setup data and startup files, including Windows Registry keys and .INI files. Registry Tracker can be used to take a snapshot of all your system files and to review subsequent changes made by Setup, by the Control Panel, or by other applications. Norton Protection–adds extra, configurable data recovery protection to the Recycle Bin to help you recover deleted files that the Recycle Bin cannot find. Troubleshoot has four features. System Information–Reviews useful information about your PC. It provides you with a list of everything and anything you would want to know about your system. Registry Editor–navigates and edits the Windows Registry, which is the master record containing your system hardware, software, and personal preference configuration settings. Use Norton Registry Editor to change and enhance areas inaccessible through the Windows user interface. The Editor's Undo feature makes it safer to use as you can undo when you change your mind. File Compare–lets you examine the differences--items added, items deleted, and items moved or changed--between two versions of a file. File Compare also displays changes to the Windows Registry file and to Windows .INI files. Web Services–Web-based utilities to enhance your PC with Norton Utilities updates and third-party updates. Personal Comments PC Cafe has used Norton Utilities since the inception of the on-line publication, and we wouldn't be without it. Version 4.0 has enough new and enhanced features to make it a worthwhile upgrade. Since the new System Check can be configured to run on a regular basis, you can avoid running any resident parts other than CrashGuard if you want. System Requirements Operating System: Windows 95/98 Processor: 486 or higher Memory: 8MB RAM (16MB recommended) Hard Disk Space: 70MB disk space (47MB for compact installation) Hardware: 256 color VGA resolution 2X CD ROM drive or higher Zip Drive optional

Graphics: Adobe Photoshop Web Page Editor: Symantec Visual Page Scanner: Hewlett Packard ScanJet 6250C Professional Series