Ease of Use:  

This program is pretty easy to use, especially considering the complexity of the processes it can run. For example it can provide you with email protection, configure your firewall, defrag your hard drive, detect malware and more. And most of these tests and scans can be done with easy to understand wizards or through a simple setup. Also, most scans, tests or processes include easy to interpret graphs or displays so you can quickly tell if a situation is poor, excellent, critical or only a minor threat.

The program is logically presented with the left navigation bar showing you a selection of protection, maintenance and optimization tools that can be expanded into more options. For example, the optimization section expands into 10 sections, which include things like registry defrag, data vault, Windows Mods and JETDefrag. In addition, most processes are presented through easy to follow steps. For example, in the system optimizer section it simply asks you how you use your computer most (for the office, multimedia, gaming and so on) and from your selection it decides on how to best optimize your computer for you.

Ease of Setup:  

We downloaded and installed this program onto a laptop running XP Pro in a matter of minutes. We did not encounter a single problem downloading and registering the software through the Avanquest web site. We actually expected this software to be more difficult to configure than it was; all set up wizards where straightforward and easy to figure out and it does not "over tax" your system either, it runs on only 64MB of RAM.

Maintenance/Diagnostics:  

SystemSuite has nearly everything we were looking for in this section including a registry cleaner, the ability to manage ongoing processes, a duplicate files checker, encryption tools and more. Avanquest also offers up to the hour updates to handle emergent threats such as viruses and malware. It includes over 100 quick system checks and it can help protect your from identity theft, keyloggers and rootkits while you are online.

Repair/Recovery:  

SystemSuite also did very well in this area; it included everything we were looking for from registry repair to system backups to the ability to erase partitions. In simple terms, this software can help you when you mess something up, like if you accidently erase a needed file or it can help you completely get rid of unwanted items like bits and pieces left over from uninstalled software.

Optimization:  

Optimization features include things like the ability to defrag the hard drive and memory optimization. Many of the tools are already included in Windows XP or other operating systems but this software just makes it easier in many ways. It can also schedule certain events so you don’t have to worry about them and it includes many tools for helping your system run faster for much more satisfying online game playing and multitasking.

Feature Set:  

SystemSuite does just about everything and makes everything easy to do, so of course it does really well in this area. Some of the “extra” features include an up to 35X file shredder for truly getting rid of private information, a two-way firewall, the ability to encrypt your credit card information in IE and FireFox for secure online transactions, and rescue tools for starting a non-booting system. It also provides a complete security suite with protection from viruses, spam, phishing scams, spyware, malware, keyloggers and much more.

SystemSuite also provides privacy tools for erasing Internet activities, such as history erasers, cookie removal, temporary file removal and more. It really does the work of three complete systems: a security suite, privacy software and a utilities program.

Help/Support:  

We found the embedded help files extremely helpful. They include help topics, a full product manual, an emergency response manual, quick links for submitting comments and suggestions and access to updates. Avanquest also posts online FAQs and they offer free support by email and by telephone.

We found SystemSuite quite capable of performing many complex (yet essential) processes quickly and easily, from maintaining your PC security to protecting your privacy to performing maintenance for system optimization. And to make the deal even sweeter it is very reasonably priced, it can be installed on up to three PCs and it comes with free telephone and email support. All-in-all Avanquest has put together a pretty comprehensive and functional package of PC utilities tools that is certainly worth looking into.