,
Absolute
Startup v 4.2
Software review by George
Hawkins
Absolute Startup v 4.2 is a utility
program that helps you manage and control the programs that start automatically
when Windows starts. Some of the programs you use have features that you will
never use. These, and other unneeded programs that start automatically, take up
valuable startup time and resources on your computer that is better utilized by
other programs.
This is my first experience with a
startup manager utility, so I can't make direct comparisons with other similar
programs. To this point, I have managed my Windows startup by using msconfig
(msconfig.exe), a utility included with Windows, and editing the registry
(regedit.exe) and win.ini files. This method, although effective, requires that
you really know what you are doing to avoid disabling some programs and
services that may be necessary for your computer to function properly.
The big advantage to Absolute
Startup is that it is much more informative and user friendly and somewhat safer
than the methods I have been using.
Absolute Startup is a shareware
program available with a 21 day trial period (www.absolutestartup.com). The trial
version is full featured - with only a few functions blocked or limited - to
give the user a good feel for the program capabilities.
At first documentation included with
the program seemed a little sparse. (It didn't have a book or manual). However
the program help system, does a good job familiarizing
the user with the general program features. If there is something not
understood, or you need more detailed information, there is online help, forum,
or contact with the support team for further assistance.
I thought one of the unique features
of this program was a dangerous program database. This is used to alert the
user of any potentially dangerous programs - viruses, spyware, etc. The user
has the option of disabling or deleting any of these detected programs. (This,
however, is not a virus or spyware detection and elimination program). Updates
to this database can be downloaded from the Internet and edited by the user to
add or delete their own program choices.
There are
some "safety net" features included in this program. It has it's own recycle bin, so if an item were deleted and later
found needed it could be restored. It also has a backup feature enabling the
user to make a backup of the current configuration and later restore the system
to that configuration.
There are a number of other features
too numerous to mention here that may be of interest to some users. These can
be examined with a trial copy, or by purchasing a copy for $29.95, with a 30
day money back guarantee.
I would recommend that you give this
utility a try, unless you are absolutely certain that this type of program
would not be useful in helping you manage your computer.
All reviews
