Your most popular programs of 2017

You spent the year removing junk, fixing Windows problems and updating software

Without our Snipca URL- shortening service, web addresses in Computeractive would require several hours of finger- twisting typing. For example, instead of www.snipca.com/25237 for Windows Repair Pro, you’d need to type www.tweaking.com/content/page/windows_repair_all_in_one.html. Just remember to type any Snipca URL into your browser bar (not into Google’s search box).

Because we run Snipca ourselves, we can see how many times a link has been clicked, giving us a valuable insight on what matters to you. Here are 2017’s most popular programs, based on your clicks.

Wise Program Uninstaller www.snipca.com/24368

When we tested the best tools for removing software in Issue 504’s Cover Feature, many in the Computeractive office expected old favorite CCleaner to win. But it was shunted into second place by Wise Program Uninstaller, which erased more of those stubborn files left by software when they are expelled from your system. We’ve been using it since, and so have thousands of you.

Windows Repair Pro www.snipca.com/25237

This isn’t the prettiest of programs, but that didn’t put you off. We recommended it in Issue 509 (Best Free Software, page 18) as a way to fix deep-seated problems.

It performed miracles on our test PC, which had been neglected for two years and was days away from being recycled.

Kaspersky Software Updater www.snipca.com/24275

This was the year we realised just how damaging ransomware could be. In Issue 503’s Cover Feature on the WannaCry attack, which crippled the NHS, we recommended Kaspersky Software Updater to stay safe. It automatically updates your program to the latest version, which should be the most secure. It’s unlikely to be the last time we need to give advice on thwarting ransomware.

IObit Advanced SystemCare www.snipca.com/26082

As hackers develop ever more devious ways to infiltrate your PC, it’s no surprise IObit Advanced SystemCare proved popular. It relaunched in November with a new Security Reinforce tool that checks your system for vulnerabilities hackers try to exploit (see Workshop, Issue 515, page 35). Several readers emailed us to say Malwarebytes identified the program as a PUP, but we regard that as a false positive (see Reader Support, page 71).

SterJo Browser Passwords www.snipca.com/23659

Security experts tell us to use long, complex words as passwords, and they’re undoubtedly right. But the harder they are for criminals to crack, the harder they are for average users to remember. Since Issue 497’s Workshop on SterJo (page 42), many of you have been using the program to recover usernames and passwords that have long since slipped from your memory.

DevManView www.snipca.com/24964

DevManView, from the one-man software factory that is Nir Sofer, was the most-clicked program in Issue 507’s Cover Feature, ‘Best Free Software That Does What Windows Can’t’ (page 51).

It’s a brilliant alternative to Microsoft’s Device Manager, which has changed little since Windows 95. Right-click a device’s name to bring up several useful options, including searching for it on Google.

MusicBee www.snipca.com/24973

You’re clearly keen to replace Microsoft’s underwhelming tools, because MusicBee also appeared in Issue 507’s Cover Feature (page 55). A great substitute for Groove Music, it lets you play podcasts and add missing album artwork. Our Secret Tips on MusicBee (Issue 510, page 48) revealed more features, including how to control it from an Android phone or tablet.

AllDup www.snipca.com/23038

Many programs boast they can remove duplicate files from your PC for free, but most ambush you with an unexpected demand for payment. Genuinely free, AllDup is the exception. Issue 494’s lead Workshop showed how to use its advanced tools, including the ability to save searches for duplicates. A must-use tool for anyone saving photos on a computer.

CCEnhancer www.snipca.com/25982

One of the year’s most alarming security shocks was the revelation that hackers had hidden malware in CCleaner. Now updated and safe again to use, it remains a favorite with you. In Issue 514’s feature on adding tools to popular software (page 58), we recommended CCEnhancer, which gives CCleaner the power to obliterate junk from more programs.

Colorize Photos www.snipca.com/25199

Take a bow, Mark Philip Davies. Your recommendation to use Colorize Photos (Readers’ Tips, Issue 508) was picked up by thousands of readers, who have been going through old shoeboxes of black- and-white snaps ever since. Mark sent us a colorised photo of his late granny, which we published. If you have any to share, please email them to us.

2016: TOP 10

1. AdwCleaner
2. PrivaZer
3. BootRacer
4. 10Apps Manager
5. Windows 10 Repair Toolbox
6. Ultra Defrag
7. Auslogics Browser Care
8. EaseUS Todo Backup Free
9. 4K Video Downloader
10. TDSSKiller