TweakVista is a utility that enables users to optimize the performance and behavior of Microsoft® Windows Vista. The program has been designed to allow both casual, non-technical users to safely use it as well as contain a host of advanced features for power users to dig into the internals of Windows Vista.
Just an example of some of the features of TweakVista include:
The TweakVista 1.5 update brings:
TweakVista is part of the Object Desktop Ultimate suite of desktop enhancements, or available as a stand-alone application for $19.95. A free trial version is also available for download.
Link: TweakVista 1.5
Download: TweakVista 1.5 (Free trial, $19.95 full version)
Screenshot: Start Up Manager
Just an example of some of the features of TweakVista include:
- Security Handling. Users can now easily and safely adjust the way Windows handles security prompting including the new UAC (User Account Control)
- Memory Optimization. TweakVista knows which start-up services different types of users will typically use and offers recommendations on what services to disable. Users can easily switch between different profiles (including the default) based on their needs to maximize performance and memory use.
- Resource Control. TweakVista has several features for keeping an eye on and flagging programs that use excessive amounts of resources (memory, CPU, or system handles) as well as integrating seamlessly with built in hardware diagnostic reports.
- Start-Up Management. TweakVista not only will display and enable users to control what programs are loading on start-up but will identify in plain English what these programs do.
The TweakVista 1.5 update brings:
- Improved startup programs and process list layouts
- Added sorting to Processes
- Improved snapshot load time
- Improved tooltip information
- Limited Windows7 support
- Added SMART drive attributes
- Option to disable built-in skin/use WindowBlinds skinning
TweakVista is part of the Object Desktop Ultimate suite of desktop enhancements, or available as a stand-alone application for $19.95. A free trial version is also available for download.
Link: TweakVista 1.5 Download: TweakVista 1.5 (Free trial, $19.95 full version) Screenshot: Start Up Manager
How am I supposed to test this app when it is crippled.
Perhaps Stardock would realize the thing should be pretty much fully functional for the 30 day trial, then when the 30 days is over is when they should disable the advanced features....
/me uninstalls.
One really handy feature I guess would be that it shows you your resource usage and what process is taking up all your memory or cpu cycles.
All in all, it just takes things that you can do manually and puts them all in a convenient location. For me..worth it at 4 bucks, but maybe not so much at 20.
I could get around that idea in less than about 10 seconds..
You back up your registry..
Stardock makes the app a 30 day trial... you set all your registry options that the program allows. This in turn, makes registry changes.
You make yet another backup of your registry.. this time the one that has been "tweaked".
Uninstall the trial.. which in turn resets the registry because all the trial options are now over. (programmed by Stardock to do this or the app might as well be free)
Now.. your tweaks are gone right?
Uh... nope. You simply merge the back up you made after tweaking the registry, and it's as if you made the changes yourself without the app.
I was an advocate for this app being free.. and I understand the cost of development. However, I am more careful than others about playing in the registry. I make the changes myself..because as I said in past threads.. most of the tweaks you find in this app, can be found on sites where others have posted the information to do it manually (way before the app was developed)... therefore if you do not want it, do not buy it. TweakVista just allows you to do it all within a UI.
The cost? Good grief people.. shut the hell up already. I do buy Stardock's products.. and guess what?? HAHA.. TweakVista is free!! Just buy the Ultimate package at $70 and get over, what $400.00 worth of software?!?! There's got to be at least 15 apps in there alone..
The people that actually will purchase this app are the ones that don't have a huge technical knowledge of all of this, and most likely wouldn't even be able to make sense of your post to circumvent the trial period.
I still think it is a bit more crippled then it should be for a "trial" version.
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