It would be hard for me to call the programme I recently installed on my desktop simply a registry cleaner. After a single session of use and subsequent fiddling around – lasting less than half an hour, I would call this one of the most well thought out programmes on the internet today. I would even label it as being the ultimate registry fix for Windows-based computers.

They layout is simple, Spartan even, but don't let that fact take away its direct design, clear fonts and easy to use panels. There are no instructions necessary, the Ccleaner is literally self explanatory in nature – a layman's layman could use this without any fuss.

Firstly, on its primary job as a registry cleaner, it does so winningly, the execution of its scanning tool to its final report is fast and efficient; a complete tactile experience. When one clicks on the ‘Registry' tab, one is greeted with a registry integrity submenu, which lists all the problems known to plague registries in Windows world wide. From missing shared DLL's to obsolete software and application paths, there are exactly 15 spotlighted problems that are completely customisable. If you know what your problem is, you can just click it and a thorough scan and identification will ensue. However, I would recommend that all the ticks be filled, as a complete scan and fix of my registry took less than one full minute.

Besides backing up the registry (one of the most important things that should be automated), it also prompts you when you decide to fix selected issues, clarifying conflicts and programme paths that perhaps you still have doubts in removing. This concludes a winning and powerful cleaning experience, giving the end user and informed and controllable experience throughout.

Now I shall move on to the other aspects of the programme, most notably its windows/application utility under the whimsical ‘Cleaner' tab. Ccleaner recognises all the various areas in which slowdowns may occur, from your internet explorer cache to unwanted documents in windows explorer to even deep scanning the system for any invalid or unwanted files/paths which should not be there.

There is even an advanced tab for those with the know how to tinker around with. But what I love best about this programme is the ‘applications' tab, listing the various programmes/browsers specific to your system and deep scans each and every one of them (if you so choose). On my test setup, Ccleaner was able to fish out ‘floating' files within Adobe Photoshop and Norton Antivirus which were clogging my system.

Just a word about its analysis report. It is extremely detailed and well thought out. And another nice touch – the scan is separate from the cleaning, the user can read the report before he/she decides to hit the ‘Run Cleaner' Button.

Add to that sugarpile tools to easily uninstall programmes and control what programmes you want to run on start-up as well as a detailed options menu and you have an award winning programme on the books. This is a keeper, a desktop permanent resident.

Did I mention the best thing about it? Its freeware. So the next time your computer gives you problems, try giving it Windows registry fix with Ccleaner.