How To of the Week - Hiren's

This is more of a rave about an awesome tool than a how-to but you will have to get by with it. If you are a super user or just a natural go getter with a computer, you know how important it is to keep your PC up and running. There is an awesome multi use tool that can help with almost any possible problem that you may have. Made by open source coders, Hirens boot CD will be your most used and trusted tool in your computing existence. I will prove it to you for I have listed all the types of tools it has in it (underlined ones are most popular categories):

Antivirus Tools

Archivers (Zip tools)

Backup Tools

BIOS / CMOS Tools

Browsers / File Managers

Cleaners

Editors / Viewers

FileSystems Tools

Hard Disk Tools

MBR (Master Boot Record) Tools

Network Tools

Optimizers

Partition Tools

Password Tools

Process Tools

Recovery Tools

Registry Tools

Remote Control Tools

Security / Encryption Tools

Startup Tools

System Information Tools

Testing Tools

Tweakers

Other Tools

See a full list of all categories and tools here

Each category has multiple tools so you can choose your favourite program or take advantage of different functionality between the tools. If you are constantly looking to Google to get your freeware, just download this awesome boot CD and have it all in one convenient place.

Some of the most popular tools that I use and recommend are:

Avira AntiVir Personal –personal antivirus that protects your computer and uses little resources

7-Zip – Will literally open every compressed folder...and its free

G4L Ghost 4 Linux – clones one PC to another (for advanced users)

CCleaner – Spring cleaning for your computer. Literally.

All HDD Diagnostics – Can help test your hard drive health and power (by brand)

TrueCrypt – very powerful encryption software for your personal data

GPU/CPU-Z – Informative monitoring of your temperatures and information

Acronis – Very good tool for backing up and cloning your computer

To get this all working here comes the how-to part:

1. Download the zip file(bottom of the page)
2. Extract and burn the iso file using an imaging tool (download one here) and burn to a CD
3. Restart the computer with your CD in the CD drive and it will load into the Hirens CD menu.
4. If it does not boot into the CD, you will have to select which device you are booting into (tutorial here)

I hope this saves you some time and energy in the future! Leave a comment!