Betty Sharp wrote: System Mechanic Version 11 - I am considering either downloading the free version of the above or purchasing the paid for Standard (not Professional) version, as I feel my computer's performance needs optimising. Symptoms: 1. Takes a very long time (ages!!) to start up & shut down 2. Windows Vista downloads will not install, for the past two months, yet Microsoft Office downloads will download & install. I would greatly value your opinion of System Mechanic Version 11, both the Free & the Standard paid for editions. Might it help with the above problems? If you do recommend it, which version should I choose? - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Betty, I have tried numerous products that make similar claims/promises but not this one. They all do 'some' good but I could not quantify which did it better and in exactly what way. I did a GOOGLE search using 'review System Mechanic Version 11' (with no quotes) and found dozens of reviews. The first two I list here are from organisations that I regularly use and 90% trust which give this new version a good write-up and I include another from an organisation I don't know but they do give fulsome details and are very positive about System Mechanic. http://download.cnet.com/System-Mechanic-Free/3000-18512_4-10030183.html http://download.cnet.com/System-Mechanic-Free/3000-18512_4-10030183.html http://www.whatsabyte.com/P1/System_Mechanic_Review.html As to purchasing, the C|Net review does not highlight any difference and I would take that as a lead to at least try the free version. No doubt as you use or install the product it will highlight what advantages the paid-for versions give and you might then chose to upgrade - which, no doubt, would be a very simple process ... just add money! (Incidentally it is quite common for the free and paid-for versions of software are identical but some features could be turned off and are activated once you add a registration code when you pay up. Please let us know how well it works. Mike (PS - I may try it myself!)