The Speed Up My PC series is one of the best known computer optimisers around.

The idea is that it will improve the computer by removing unwanted or unnecessary files and that it offers better control than the similar tools found in Windows itself.

Thanks to the straightforward and intuitive interface of the new version, Speed Up My PC 2009, this process is very simple, allowing the user to perform an initial scan after installing the program to automatically streamline processor, memory and network settings to improve performance.

Users have the option of choosing which areas to correct based on the scan results, and there's a good degree of straightforward customisation here that allows inclusion or exclusion of various parts of the computer.

Most users, particularly beginners, will be happy to let the software do its thing and stick with the automatic settings, even though in truth many of the more detailed aspects of the software are tweakable through Windows by those who know where to find the right tools.

The way Speed Up My PC provides information on all aspects of the operating system – and makes it easy both to adjust things and to revert back to previous settings if need be – is very impressive. If you're not comfortable using the advanced tools in Windows you'll find that the way they work in this program is much more friendly.

After running all of the suggested scans and corrections we did notice a difference in performance on the rather cluttered PC we used to test the software, particularly in how quickly it started up.

In addition to the main interface there's also a mini-view that appears from the Notification Area that'll inform you of current processor, memory and network usage, which is a useful indication of whether the computer might need more power in the form of an upgrade.

The help files provided are extremely comprehensive and not only walk through how to use the software but also offer some background on how computers use their resources, which those new to computers will find useful.

While there's not really enough here for advanced users to justify paying for a dedicated package, beginners or those who don't want to bother with manually tweaking and adjusting settings to improve performance will find Speed Up My PC 2009 both easy to use and very effective at what it does.