Exclusive: TechiesPad’s Hand-Picked List of Best Tech Utilities 2021
System Backup and Restore Utilities
EaseUS Todo Backup (Free)
A computer, when dies, needs a replacement, and your data needs an urgent backup. You might not know, when does it happen, so it’s always safe to have a backup and restore utility.
EaseUS Todo Backup is a backup software for everyone – from an everyday user to an experienced one. You can use it program to backup files and folders to individual drives or networks, as well as to the cloud. It’s easy and intuitive, something that you will love. With just four steps, your data is parked to a safe, remote location.
It’s a complete solution that offers ease of navigation and use. You can choose which data to encrypt, where to store it, and how to compress and encrypt it. All this at a good speed, probably the fastest in the bandwagon.
There is a lot you can do here – clearing off the disc, scheduling the backups and restores, protecting backups using a password, and splitting archives into smaller parts.
Advanced features include accumulative backups, full-system backups, image splitting, disk imaging and more.
The restore process takes just 3-4 steps, however, is not as fast and clean as the backup. So, it might take you several tries.
EaseUS Todo Backup can be installed on Windows 10/8/7/Vista/XP.
Get EaseUS Todo Backup Free Here.
Comodo Backup (Free)
Don’t leave your data unattended and create its backup using Comodo Backup to anywhere – local servers, an FTP server, network-attached drives or company’s very-own cloud facility. It’s a scalable platform with 10GB of free online storage, usable for 90 days.
Using Comodo, you can back up tons of data, ranging from your files and folders, email accounts, IM conversations, browser data, registry files, partitions and even the system drive to the hilt.
You can customize the backups the way you want. You can store data in parts, can compress it, or apply a password. All, depending on the file you choose to save.
Plus, you can also specify how backups should be done, and what should be done if backups stop. Daily, weekly, monthly, or in many minutes – do backups in whichever way it suits you.
And, the highlight – it comes with a scanner that lets you detect malware, if any, before backing up a chunk of data. This is helpful to pick the important and junk the waste.
You can create manual or automatic backups with Comodo’s Windows’ Volume Shadow Copy, even when they’re in use.
Now, on the restored front, ease is the emphasis. You can instantly create shadow copies and backup files. However, you need Windows Automated Installation Kit to create images, but it’s not preinstalled, surprisingly. You need to download the tool before.
Comodo Backup is very, very handy. And, indeed a reliable program to backup your most important files.
Get Comodo Backup – Free Version Here.
AOMEI Backupper Standard (Free)
Immunize your data from any potential loss with AOMEI Backupper Standard backup and restore utility. The program is simplest to use with only a few steps involved in creating backups of various types, namely Disk Backup, File/Folder Backup, Partition Backup and System Backup.
As straightforward as a single drop-down menu, syncing, restoring and cloning of data is no task. Whatever you backup can be stored either a local drive or an external one. And, to a shared network folder as well.
Automatic, differential and incremental backups happen in a tick, and can also be scheduled.
You get options to choose the drives to backup and the location where the splitting images of your data may go. You can even schedule your backups at regular intervals.
Backing up your huge data takes huge time. So, it’s always wise to select the automatic shutdown once the process gets to its finish. AOMEI Backupper Standard lets you do so. Even restoring the data can be done in a few clicks.
AOMEI Backupper Standard comes with a support for Windows 10/8.1/8/7/Vista/XP.
Get AOMEI Backupper Standard – Free Edition Here.
Paragon Backup and Recovery 16 (Paid)
Paragon has improved its data migration services with its 16th version that comes with full support to Windows 10, BitLocker, Virtual Drives, UEFI Startup and Windows Storage Devices.
Surprisingly, in an exact reversal of its former versions, Paragon Backup and Recovery 16 is all about easy interface and quick actions.
The program has clearly defined options with tabs – Home, Main, and X-view. You can choose your specified action by navigating across these tabs. For first timers, it could take some seconds to get the hang of the interface, but doing that shouldn’t be a problem.
Paragon 16 covers all your needs – from storing data to creating a backup path.
The backup process starts when you enter your name and a description, and then, you choose what’s required to be backed up – the complete disk, particular partitions, or individual files and folders. And, then, of course, you choose the destination for the cloned data.
Going into the advanced levels, you find varying degrees of compression, with options like None, Normal, Fast and Maximum. Choosing this, you reduce the consumption of disk space, but also, lowers down the processing speed.
Create backup option, located at X-view tab, lets you schedule the backups by choosing options – daily, weekly, on-demand and one backup.
As backups are created as virtual hard drives, your data is cloned as individual files and folders, even if you choose to restore the entire data. But all that happens at a quick pace.
Paragon 16 is even for beginners much like the way it is for the seasoned users.
The program works on Windows 10/8.1/8/7.
Get Paragon Backup and System Recovery for $39.95 Here.
File Recovery Utilities
Piriform Recuva (Windows/Mac)
Unexpected data loss might give you the creeps. A fuzzy state of affairs guaranteed!
Relax! There are chances that you find all of them still on the drive. And, there is software that helps you locate their whereabouts and undelete them. Recuva is one such piece of software.
Piriform Recuva is the easiest in every sense of the word. Using the program, you can easily win back your files from hard drives, memory cards, BD/CD/DVDs and external drives.
Target what you think might have your files, or carry out a deep scan to chase the vital data. Once through, you are presented with the location details with ratings about the particular files.
Recuva can be installed on Windows 10/8.1/8/7/Vista/XP, Server 2008/2003. It can also run on Windows 2000/NT/ME/98.
Get Recuva Here.
Paragon Rescue Kit Free Edition (Windows/Mac/Linux)
Your day at PC is shot to pieces if you lose your important files. With Paragon Rescue Kit, it’s never a possibility.
Paragon Rescue Kit is not only a file recovery solution but also lets you boot the system and bring it to the readiness if it doesn’t boot at all.
With a strong suite of rescue wizards, including Boot Corrector, Registry Editor, Undelete partitions, Log Saver and more, this tool is a must-have. The recovery is done as per your need, either of an entire disk or partitions. You are also capable of creating reliable backups to Backup Capsule, External Media or Network Drives.
Rebooting is simple.
Install it on a working PC >> Use a blank CD/DVD to set the wizard in action >> Insert the media into the PC that doesn’t boot >> Restart after selecting the media from the boot menu.
Get Paragon Rescue Kit Free Edition Here.
DMDE Free Edition (Windows/Linux)
DMDE is often downplayed but is really effective when it comes to file recoveries. You ask, is it simple? We say, not exactly, but you can get to pace with its basics in a trial or so.
DM Disk Editor and File Recovery allows you to recover data from a number of drive types and works by making your mount and identify partitions on a drive. Of course, it helps in making the job easy by highlighting the apt choices.
Using DMDE free edition, you can recover files from a selected directory. And, the cap of maximum recoveries has been set at 4,000 files at a time. If you segregate your files into batches of 4,000 or less, there is no limit.
The program lets you search for and recover files, undetected by Windows, by performing a scan.
Get DMDE Free Edition Here.
TestDisk (Windows/Mac/Linux)
You might lose a file due to an error, or through a computer crash. Why not use a file recovery utility and be safe, once and for all?
TestDisk is a well-deserved mention with a strong data rescue mechanism and booting capabilities. It is an ideal tool for both beginners and experienced users. By bringing the complete information about a non-booting drive, TestDisk does the half job for the novices.
Features include:
Fix partition table, recover deleted partition
Rebuild FAT12/FAT16/FAT32 boot sector
Undelete files from FAT, exFAT, NTFS and ext2 filesystem
Copy files from deleted FAT, exFAT, NTFS and ext2/ext3/ext4 partitions.
… and more. (source)
TestDisk supports Windows 10/8/8.1/7/Vista/XP, and older versions of Windows, Linux, BSD, macOS, and DOS.
Get TestDisk Free Here.
Glary Undelete (Windows)
It’s not always when you exactly remember the location of the file you deleted mistakenly. Therefore, Glary Undelete – a free file recovery software with a comprehensive and easy to handle interface.
You can easily find the file you need to recover or undelete while navigating its ‘Files and Folders Menu’. Not just this, the ‘State’ option is a prominent feature that shows you how likely a file recovery can be done.
With Glary Undelete, you can easily filter out the files by performing an advanced search according to the file size, file date, size and recovery state.
But, an installation is needed. You cannot use Glary Undelete without installing it. It also asks you to install other programs with it,
Glary Undelete has a support for all known hard drive and flash drive file systems, and can be installed on all Windows platforms, including Windows 8 and Windows 10.
Get Glary Undelete Here.
Performance Optimization Utilities
iolo System Mechanic 15.5
If your system is taking a long time to perform a specified action, you need to call the shots and spruce it up fast. Therefore, lolo System Mechanic 15.5, a performance optimization software, which helps in setting the right pace in which your system should work.
With this program, the drives are defragged and the system is rebooted.
Plus, it makes urgent tweaks to the CPU and the RAM usage in real-time, and also, repairs Window’s troublesome registry.
With tools like CRUDD, LiveBoost, PowerSense, AcceleWrite, and more, any irregularities or speed issues, whatsoever, are completely mitigated.
iolo System Mechanic has some new additions for Windows 10 and can be installed on Windows XP and later.
Using the privacy protection suite for Windows 10, you can deactivate SmartScreen Service, Wi-Fi Sense, Microsoft Data Collection, Telemetry Services, and also, provides a blanket cover to any kind of data loss or leak.
At $49.95 pa, lolo System Mechanic could seem like a pricey proposition, but you get any number of licenses you want. That pretty much sums up all!
Get iolo System Mechanic Here.
IObit Advanced SystemCare
Your system, if slow, can send you into a tizzy. Speed it up using IObit Advanced SystemCare.
IObit Advanced SystemCare is a basic, lightweight fix-up and optimization program that remedies everything that bogs down your system. A free version of the software is available, but if you want more than the ‘scratch’, choose to pay.
Make your PC work smarter using Internet Booster, Auto RAM Clean-Up on the fly, Windows Registry Clean, Massive Security Protection and 24/7 Technical Support.
This facility runs the reputation of being user-friendly, even to a novice. And, is affordable.
However, it just allows licenses for three PCs. So, it’s indeed not a deal you’ll excitingly dig.
IObit Advanced SystemCare quickly diagnoses everything in your ailing system and keeps things in check.
Get IObit Advanced SystemCare Here.
AVG Tune-Up
If you notice fluctuations as to how your system is responding to the tasks and find delays, you need a performance optimizer. AVG Tune-Up is a must-try, right off the bat.
AVG Tune-Up is an end-to-end reboot solution that lets you pause the programs and betters your system’s working. Using the suite, you can free up a lot of space on the drive, improve boot time and boost battery life.
In short, it turns your used PC into a new one. And lets you rediscover what a PC can do.
It’s fast, easy and efficient when it comes to enhancing your system. Good news for multiple PC households, as AVG Tune-Up is downloadable on more than one device. So, additional licenses are no more a need.
The free version of the program is available. If you wish to have better, you can buy it for $49.99 annually.
AVG Tune-Up is available for Android and MAC, besides Windows, as a smartphone app that comes as a part of the suite.
Get AVG Tune-Up Here.
Glary Utilities
You think, your system is clean. Think twice! Even if it doesn’t look like, there is a plenty of junk, duplicates, background apps and more, that exist on your system and slow it down.
The solution? Glary Utilities Pro.
Though the free version of Glary Utility system optimizer is available, you get lots of perks when you pay for it.
Glary Utilities is a clean-up utility with automated options to fix problems that make your system crawl. It is one of the optimizing programs with good performance consistency.
The program is user-friendly with lots of automated options and one-click functionality. It kills whatever dries up your system’s performance and lets you manage tasks when boot is underway. There is also a secure deletion tool and integrated drive update.
Glary Utilities works on Windows 10/8/7/XP/Vista.
Get Glary Utilities Pro Here.
File Shredder Utilities
Eraser
An extremely popular file shredder program, Eraser is a genius at deleting; something you can count on if you have lots on your system’s hard drive.
There remains no trace of data with Eraser, as the program works by deleting all your files, folders, and everything you’ve junked previously. It deletes the file from all possible locations, making it totally irretrievable.
Sensitive data, as we know, is always at risk. At an advanced level, Eraser works by deleting all kinds of classified information from the hard drive by overwriting it multiple times.
Eraser is usable on Windows XP, Server 2003, Vista, Server 2008, 7, 8 and 10.
Data Deletion Algorithms: DoD 5220.22-M, RCMP TSSIT OPS-II, AFSSI-5020, AR 380-19, VSITR, GOST-R 50739-95, HMG IS5, Gutmann, Schneier, Random Data
Get Eraser Here
WipeFile
WipeFile doesn’t let your data stick, using its 14 pro-level wipe methods. The software works meticulously by eliminating all files and folders from all levels of storage on your system. Fast and safe!
The wipe methods are anything but usual, having standards on a par with US Navy, US Department of Defense and NATO standards.
Once a file is removed using WipeFile, there’s no way it can stand in. It’s permanently deleted.
Data Deletion Algorithms: Toggle, manyGutmann, NATO Standard, DoD 5220.22-M, NAVSO P-5239-26, Random Data, WipeFile, MS Cipher and Write Zero.
To general benefit, WipeFile is available in multiple languages, German being its default one though. It supports many languages, including Chinese, Spanish, Bulgarian, Korean, Dutch, Turkish, Japanese muchmore.
WipeFile works on the latest Windows 10, but should also work on Windows 8,7, XP and Vista.
Get WipeFile Here.
Secure Eraser
What you see as deleted on your system isn’t deleted in its entirety. This is why, Secure Eraser – a software that specializes in data disposal.
A multi-purpose program, Secure Eraser is not only a data remover, but also a registry cleaner. It uses cutting-edge methods of eliminating the data, making it next to impossible for anyone to restore the data, come what may.
Secure Eraser means no dregs of data anywhere, no cross-references. A clean slate only!
Data Deletion Algorithms: DoD 5220.22-M, Random Data, VSITR, Gutmann
With capabilities of overwriting the data over 35 times, Secure Eraser is one of the most successful file shredder utilities.
Simply drag and drop files and click ‘Start Delete’ to destroy what’s unwanted. The program also comes with an option to exit the program, reboot or shutdown the system once you’re through.
You can use Secure Eraser on Windows Server/2012/2008/2003, along with Windows 7, 8, 10, XP and Vista.
Get Secure Eraser Here.
MooO File Shredder
Another file shredding app, MooO File Shredder lets you do the data removal task with ease and speed.
Ease such, that all you need to do is drag-drop the files and hit the delete button. Much like what you do in Recycle Bin.
There is nothing left to imagination when MooO File Shredder is in use, as this software tackles your safety and privacy with computerized data like a specialist.
Data Deletion Algorithms: DoD 5220.22-M, Gutmann, Random Data
There is an advanced wing of this file shredder, namely ‘MooO File Anti-Recovery’ that works by erasing your data and blocking all modes of recovery, whatsoever.
The best part? MooO can be configured as a default setting for every window that you open, so that you can delete files securely with an instant access. This configuration appears on the top of every window in use.
MooO File Shredder is designed and upgraded to work on Windows 10, 8, 7, XP, Vista and Windows Server 2003.
Get MooO File Shredder Here.
Securely File Shredder
Securely File Shredder deletes data with no chances of recovery. Using the program, you can wipe out Word documents, Excel files, PowerPoint sheets, music, videos, photos and what not!
Again, the program is written on the ‘drag and drop’ premise. Just select files, drag them to the bin, and delete all of them in a click. This single-click file shredding is the highlight, letting you remove chunks of unwanted data in a click of a button.
Nothing is recoverable. And that’s its beauty!
Data Deletion Algorithms: DoD 5220.22-M, Schneier, Gutmann
You can install Securely File Shredder on Windows 10, 8, 7, XP and Vista.
Get Securely File Shredder Here.
File Encryption Utilities
AxCrypt Premium Review
As long as you don’t switch from free to paid platforms, you don’t get the performance boost you need. This is why, AxCrypt.
AxCrypt is a performance app with everything you might need to store and secure crucial information online, away from the prying eyes.
The best part? The app is usable, not just by individual users, but even by small-scale businesses.
To break the grip of intruders, the app has a lot, including the cloud storage capabilities, multi-lingual support, and an encryption that’s the most robust of its kind (128-bit or 256-bit AES).
And to save you some time and effort, the passport management of the app lets you access the protected files on your smartphone as well, all through a phone app.
FolderLock
You don’t always use a PC to access files. In fact, you use the PC for only 16% of your total needs. The remaining 84% is done using a smartphone.
So, what’s important to know is that your smartphone needs encryption as well. And, nothing works better than FolderLock for mobile data encryption. A PC version of the software is also available.
Using FolderLock, you can beef up the security of your personal data that may include photos, videos, audios, contacts, wallet cards and more. Additional features, such as decoy passwords, hacking deterrents and passwords backup, are also available.
FolderLock can protect your files on CD-RW, Floppies, Notebooks, USB Flash Drives and many a device, let alone your PC and smartphone.
Just in case, you’re the one who forgets things easily, FolderLock has wallets to keep your passwords and information safe. You can also store your data on the cloud.
Secure Backup on FolderLock is only available via a separate subscription plan. And, that’s a bit upsetting!
Get FolderLock Here.
CertainSafe
CertainSafe is a reliable cloud storage facility that works by securing your crucial data at all levels. By protecting your private data against the foreign invasions and having compliance with industry regulations, this software is an ideal bet.
There is a CertainSafe Digital Vault, using which, you can store and share documents, files, photos and private messages, while keeping the spying elements at bay. And, then there is also a Digital Safety Deposit Box, which offers an end-to-end encryption to messages shared between two individuals.
You aren’t bound by any long-term payments. CertainSafe says, pay as you go.
The system is designed to provide automated security, which means, you don’t have to set up things manually. You’re protected even when you don’t interfere.
Get CertainSafe Here.
CryptoExpert8
CryptoExpert8 makes a spot here for some excellent security specifications, helpful in keeping your important data and files safe in the event of any loophole or theft.
The app is based on some of the well-built encryption algorithms in the business, and comes with security vaults of 10GB or more, which you can create unlimitedly. These vaults open with a password only. Store a range of data, including Word, Powerpoint files, email databases, Excel sheets, videos, photos and more.
You can access your data on the fly. That means, access your data when the encryption is underway. No waiting till the time your files are completely encrypted or decrypted. All real-time here!
With two-factor authentication process, keep your worries aside.
However, there have been particular cases when deletion doesn’t happen securely and some odd errors are found.
CryptoExpert8 is designed to work on Windows 10, 8 and Windows 7.
Get CryptoExpert8 Here.
Disk Partition Utilities
AOMEI Partition Assistant Free Edition
AOMEI Partition Assistant breaks ranks as being the safest and the most reliable hard drive partition software. It is available for both personal and commercial uses. With a suite of powerful features, AOMEI Partition Assistant offers you an improved control over your drive and its partitions.
Doesn’t matter what remains the disk style (MBR or GPT) and size (2TB or less), AOMEI Partition Manager lets you create, format, align, resize, merge, split and recover partition. Also, it allows you to copy whole disks and partitions. You can also manage the partitions by developing bootable media under Windows PE.
With so much of ease and flexibility, we doubt if you can turn up elsewhere.
AOMEI Partition Assistant is the safest of the lot, as it embeds sector-level data protection technology.
This program is great for basics, but in case, you need the creamier features, look up at its pro version. The inability of converting dynamic disks to basic disks is one undoing of the program.
AOMEI Partition Assistant can be installed on Windows 10/8/7/Vista/XP.
Get AOMEI Partition Assistant – Free Edition Here
GParted
Hunting for a software that helps you minimize or maximize your disks? Look no further with GParted. It is a free software that allows you to deal with your drives very effectively.
Avoid data loss as you resize, move, copy, hide and delete partitions using GParted’s user-friendly interface and simplified controls.
GParted disk partition software runs outside the operating system and needs no reboot to commit changes. Customizations to partitions can be done easily and quickly, as you can use a space slider or a regular text box to specify the space you need before and after the partition.
And, the best part about GParted is that whatever changes you make get queued up until you are okay with them. However, changes once made can’t be undone. So, look before you click!
The download size is large, pegged at 240 MB. So, it might take you some time to get fully downloaded.
But, at the end, it can do lots of tasks better than what other partition software claims to do. With support to a range of file systems, including NTFS, FAT, EXT, and HFS, F2FS, XFS, BTRFS, JFS, Reiser4, and NILFS2, it is the most versatile software ever.
Get GParted No-Price Variant Here.
Active@ Partition Manager
Use Active@ Partition Manager to manage your drives and cut down some space on your system. If drive partitions are easier to do in this day, this software is one of the reasons that lets you create, resize, format and delete partitions.
You don’t need to shut down your system when Active@ Partition Manager moves through its tasks. The program has support from almost all file systems, including FAT, NFTS, BtrFS, +EFS, EXT 2/3/4 and more.
You can do a good deal of things with Active@ Partition Manager, including making converts from MBR to GPT and GPT to MBR, creating partitions on a USB memory device, editing boot records, creating FAT32 partitions greater than 32GB and reversing configuration changes on partitions.
This utility can be installed on Windows 10/8/7/XP, Server 2003/2008/2012, and WinPE.
Get Active@ Partition Manager Here.
Antivirus Utilities
Avast Free Antivirus
The forms of cyber security breaches the world has so far seen could be only the tip of the iceberg. We need stronger antivirus software than ever and Avast happens to be the top choice. Usually, the free versions cover only the basics, but Avast Free Antivirus is packed with a ton of bonus features, making it commercially strong and a market favorite.
Before getting to the point, let’s just keep our heads clear of this one doubt – Avast has acquired AVG, but they’re having no plans to merge their offerings as a single one. They will be continuing as individual roll-outs only.
Avast has excellent virus detection capabilities and comes with an automatic gaming mode that adjusts settings, blocks unnecessary apps and reduce system load. Every game you play gets automatically detected and is launched the next time you go to your list of game entries.
Malware blocking is impressive, but antiphishing needs improvement. In addition to this, there is a password managers, which is great from the security viewpoint.
The interface has been improved to look simple yet snazzy.
Get Avast Free Antivirus Here.
BitDefender Antivirus
Antivirus utilities are about vaccinating your computer against virus attacks, malware invasion, and phishing. BitDefender Antivirus is all about that, and the most famous out there.
The free variant of BitDefender has a lot of powerful features under its name but is still not as competitive as the paid sibling.
BitDefender scans in a blink-and-you-miss pace. It’s very fast and very thorough. The scanning mechanisms are quite smart in detecting and removing the disruptive programs on your PC.
The Antivirus software has scored full marks on usability and performance tests, making it the best bet in the industry.
BitDefender is a good surprise when it comes to malware scanning and blocking with a protection rate of 90 per cent. The virus clean-up process is an absolute one. The program is also good puncturing the phishing or fraud attempts and touted as the most accurate one. It’s an excellent choice to block escrow scams and online dating scams.
To speak in general, BitDefender is neat, effective, smart, but not exactly popup-free. You will find this annoying.
Get BitDefender Antivirus Free Edition Here.
These utilities are making the right noises in the market. Choose whichever suits your requirements and make your PC work snappier, longer. We hope, we made a difference. For more exciting and informative stories, keep checking this space.
