Tools for every system - what are the options?

Computers are true marvels of modern technology. They help us work, provide us with information, and simplify all aspects of our daily lives. The Internet connects people from all over the world and helps communicate with those same people across thousands of miles. Nevertheless, there are ways to further optimize the home system, improve the computer and equip it with certain tools to expand its bandwidth. But what types of tools are there anyway and what is the best way to use them?

System optimization through virtualization

What does it even mean to virtualize a system? Doesn't the mere use of a computer in a sense enter its own virtual world? In principle, yes, but that is certainly not what is meant by this definition of the term here. Virtualizing a system means creating a virtual environment within a computer in which, for example, simulated storage devices, operating systems or even hardware can exist. In this way, computers or even entire servers can be divided into numerous virtual computers whose functions run individually. This means that a physical computer can be divided into several virtual computers, each with a different operating system and different virtual hardware.

The idea behind this is that, for example in a company, several tasks can be executed in parallel without having to use a large number of computers. The tasks can be managed centrally, but executed at different levels.

The software developers at VMware have taken up this cause and are convincing with their software solutions VMware Workstation and VMware Workstation 16 Pro. If you are looking for virtualization software for Mac, you will find it with Parallels Desktop.

Tools for data backup

Of course, the constant development of computers brings a great amount of possibilities that society benefits from. However, there is still a need to ensure a certain level of security when handling sensitive and personal data. There are mainly two main threats that can pose a danger. First, malware can have a harmful impact on a functioning computer system, contribute to data theft or destroy important documents. Usually, malware gets onto the victim's computer via corrupted websites, links or downloads. On the other hand, data can simply get lost due to technical defects, system crashes or other errors. Accordingly, tools are needed that take care of exactly such problems.

Acronis True Image

Acronis True Image is the former name of today's Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office. This is a program that is fully dedicated to backing up data and pursues this goal on several levels. The software combines a backup function with the capabilities of an antivirus program and guarantees high-quality data security. Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office can be used to back up complete system images as well as individual files and documents to avoid massive data loss even in the event of a system failure or malware attack.

AVG TuneUp

AVG TuneUp covers other aspects of data security. Namely, this software ensures, among other things, that unnecessary data junk, unnecessary duplicates and malware are removed from the system. Furthermore, the program keeps an eye on the state of the system and checks if there are any outdated drivers that need urgent updates. If that is the case, these updates will be downloaded and installed, if desired, so that error-free functioning of the entire system can be ensured. What such cleaning software should have to do with data security and protection against data loss is an understandable question.

The answer is nevertheless simple: the most common cause of data loss is not an attack by a hacker or the unintentional download of malware, but technical or system-internal malfunctions. It is not uncommon for outdated drivers that have compatibility problems with the running system to cause crashes, reboots and malfunctions. If the used data is not already backed up at this point, data loss can hardly be avoided. AVG's tool takes care of preventing such cases by keeping the entire system up-to-date, thus preventing dramatic errors that could crash the system.

Especially the backup of data makes it necessary to use additional tools. The motto is: better safe than sorry.

Burning software - outdated or useful after all?

Those who are familiar with "burning a CD" may now wonder what burning has to do with optimizing a system - especially in this day and age when streaming platforms and digital posts dominate the Internet. But that's not always true. Even more so when you consider programs like Nero Platinum. Nero has been known for several years to consider burning as its main specialty and to bring high-quality software to the market accordingly - Platinum is no exception. The focus is on burning as well as media playback and video editing.

If you want to enjoy the full program, you can fall back on seven individual programs thanks to this tool: Nero Burning ROM, Nero Video, Nero MediaHome, Nero BackItUp, Nero DuplicateManager Photo, Audials Music Recorder, and Nero Recode. Furthermore, it is possible to place content from CDs, Blu-rays, or DVDs on tablets, smartphones, or within a cloud via "disc-to-device conversion." While Nero is known as a leading software company with a focus on burning, Platinum offers a complete multimedia solution that leaves little to be desired. Software tools can positively influence and complement a system in many ways.

Which tool is used for optimization mainly depends on the individual preferences of the user. Depending on the direction in which the computer is to be improved, certain tools are better suited than others. If you want to turn your computer into a true multimedia hub, tools like Platinum from Nero are an excellent choice. Despite all the specializations, tools that improve the backup of data are always recommended. Also, adequate virus protection should definitely not be omitted. Usually, certain operating systems offer appropriate tools themselves, but technology is developing so steadily and quickly that an improvement can't hurt. Clear priorities should be set first and then invested in an appropriate tool.