Raxco has released version 10 of their popular defrag program PerfectDisk. I’ll take a quick look at it from a home users view and give you my thoughts on it.
I’ve been using PerfectDisk 10 for a week now. It’s installed on 3 machines using XP, Vista, and Windows 7. Let’s take a look at what’s new for the home user:
• Microsoft Certified
PerfectDisk 10 is certified by Microsoft for Vista and Windows Server 2008.
That means Microsoft says it runs like it should. A definite plus.
• Exclusive Support for Windows 7 PerfectDisk 10 supports Windows 7.
I’ve been using it without issue on Windows 7 Beta.
• Improved performance
Saving you time and resources, PerfectDisk’s engine now runs up to 30% faster.
I don’t know about 30% but it is faster.
• Smart automatic StealthPatrol
Working during computer idle times, StealthPatrol now intelligently self-adjusts to conserve valuable system resources.
Nice feature for those who like to schedule their defrags.
• Exclusive to PerfectDisk – Complete space management reports
PerfectDisk offers a host of new reports that enable youto quickly analyze space distribution of file and folders.
Eh, not sure this matters to the home user. Geeks should like it, I do.
• Faster Free Space Consolidation
PerfectDisk’s industry-leading free space consolidation features now work faster than ever before.
It is a little faster.
• Exclusive AutoPilot Scheduling
The most flexible scheduling of any defrag tool.
I think PD10 has the best scheduling options of any defrag program.
• New Unlimited Pause feature
You can now “Pause” PerfectDisk during a defrag run for an unlimited length of time.
Cool feature.
• Enhanced user interface
Easier to use than ever before, PerfectDisk’s user-friendly interface includes tabbed navigation, setup wizards and graphics of your drive’s fragmented files.
Yep, it sure is pretty! PD has always had a great user interface. I’m not much into wizards.
• Enhanced self-diagnostics
Enhanced self-diagnostics to detect and repair most common issues with PerfectDisk (i.e. PD registry keys deleted, PD files deleted, etc.)
Excellent! It found an issue with another driver starting up during boot time and gave me a link to a file to adjust the registry accordingly.
• Exclusive Free Space Management
PerfectDisk offers a host of features to help you better understand and manage the space on your drive. Easily free up wasted space, remove unnecessary duplicate files, see a graphical view of your files and directories, and get a complete set of space management reports to quickly analyze space distribution of your files and folders.
LOL. Why is everyone trying to put disk cleaners in their software now? Just use CCleaner.
• Cumulative counters
PerfectDisk 10 displays how many files have been defragmented and how much free space has been recovered since PerfectDisk was installed.
Cool to see but not all the useful for the non-Geek.
A screen shot for you. As you can see PerfectDisk 10 does an excellent job:
My Thoughts:
My one gripe about PD has always been the cost. Well, Raxco has taken care of that problem. Now there is a Home version that is less expensive, AND, there is even more savings for multi-user licenses:
• Single License = $29.99
• 3-License Power Pack = $59.99 ($20 each!)
• Family License Pack (all PCs in household) = $99.99
PD10 is fast, efficient, and an excellent value. The scheduling options are second to none. The only little nit-pick I have with PD10 is the single file defrag. You have to open up the program to use it. I would like the option of right-clicking on a file instead. Yep, that’s about the only problem I have with PD10. PerfectDisk’s Blog has been calling this new version a “Perfect 10”. Well, we all know there ain’t no 10’s, but I’ll give it a 9!
😉
I’ve always liked PerfectDisk and I am highly impressed with PerfectDisk 10. With it’s improvements in speed, the scheduling options, and the new lower cost it is back in the #1 spot for my preferred defrag program.
Download a free trial, buy it, or find out more: PerfectDisk 10 Home Edition
***Update
Raxco just sent out an email with a 20% off offer:
If you would like to add or purchase any new PerfectDisk 10 products, make sure you do so by midnight on Saturday (1/31) and use coupon code PERFECT10 to receive a 20% online discount.
20% Online Special: Purchase or upgrade any new or additional PerfectDisk 10 product(s) from the PerfectDisk Online Store before midnight on Saturday (1/31), and after you add the product(s) to your cart, type coupon code PERFECT10, click the enter code button, and your entire license purchase will be discounted by 20%. Click Online Store now to get the ball rolling.
That makes the new PerfectDisk 10 Home about $24.