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If you have been a fan of the freeware utility JV16 PowerTools, things have changed. What was once a great free utility is, unfortunately, no longer free. You do have to pay for it now, but on the plus side, the program is still available, and has a new home with Finnish software maker Macecraft. So do not be alarmed if you can no longer find this much applauded and convenient program.
JV16 PowerTools, now version 1.4.0.237, is a relatively small program. Depending on which version you download, either with or without the installer, measures a meager 1.3 MB with the installer included. For years I have heard of the program, but recently, before its acquisition by Macecraft, did I realize that this is a surprisingly able tool. What this small program accomplishes is indeed lengthy. It is a registry manager, a registry cleaner, registry finder, registry monitor, file tool, directory tool, start menu cleaner, DLL cleaner, script editor, script wizard, and backup tool In short, JV16 makes easier work of going deep into the structure of Windows to literally make things work just that much better.
For newer PC users, as well as experienced users, JV16 PowerTools offers an incredibly deep array of tools for keeping Windows running at maximum effieiciency with minimal effort on the part of the end user. This is a good thing. However, for newbies, neophytes, or those unfamiliar with the inner workings of Windows, this program is a bit different from others in the arena.
The first thing you will notice is that JV16 is not a heavily graphic program. While it does run in Windows and is a Windows application, the interface is utilitarian. If you are expecting swirling graphics, or attractive buttons, JV16 is all about business, and less about aesthetics. In spite of that, the information window for the program is surprisingly sharp. So if you are coming to this program after working with applications like Norton, McAfee or Vcom System Suite, this program is a bit different. Where most programs that are in the utility area for general users, and even pros can be largely automated, this one depands a certain degree of understanding on the part of the user.
This point is one made very clearly by Macecraft on their Web site. Naturally, with any utility program one does need to exercise great care. Even with fairly fool proof applications, one false move can mean the destruction of an entire system. This is particularly true when working with the registry. Even though there is a great deal here for novices, I do strongly suggest that you know exactly what you are doing before you make changes to your system, or even begin to touch this program.
Keeping all of the warnings and such in mind, JV16 does offer much for the casual user, and does happen to go in greater depth than many other applications. While JV does not include such utilities as anti-virus, firewalls, spam protection and the like, what JV16 does do is make the regular maintaince of system parts that much easier. Rather than going through files directly, JV takes several long steps out of the PC maintance process. As stable as Windows XP is, if you install and uninstall programs, or make changes to your system, having this handy utility can make your life that much easier. On several occasions I have noticed that running JV16 can make things run faster, rid yourself of file debris and generally make your life that much easier. This will be particularly true when running older versions of Windows.
JV16 does everything it claims to do well, but do be forewarned that this application demands a certain degree of expertise on the part of the end user. Simply running the program cold is not a good idea. In fact, if you do not know what you are doing, this application could spell trouble. On the flip side, failing to make sure your registry is lean and free of debris can cause huge problems down the road, or in the immediate future. Maintenance of your system is important, and I cannot stress strongly enough that you need to do so on a regular basis. One does not have to be carried away by running these programs daily, but keeping things lean and clean makes sense.
For pros, this will be a convenience program, for newbies, I do think this is a great program to have, but do keep in mind you will need to do some homework. Thankfully, Macecraft’s Web site does offer support and online documentation providing insights and help hints. They also offer on their site a comprehensive, nearly exhaustive list of what the program can do. An added advantage of JV16 is that it supports older versions of Windows, something of a rarity with updated software.
While JV16 cannot replace a dedicated fully functional suite like Vcom’s System Suite, or offer the solid online protection of McAfee, or the anti-virus security of Norton, JV16 is easy to install, does not leave any clutter on your hard drive, and is small enough and portable enough to carry anywhere. This is one little tool well worth adding even if you are not a pro.
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