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Author Topic: Ultra CPU Monitor  (Read 16935 times)

wr975

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Ultra CPU Monitor
« on: September 22, 2006, 03:10 PM »
Basic Info

App NameUltra CPU Monitor
App URLhttp://www.darmon.ho...nitor/index_eng.html
App Version Reviewed1.2
Supported OSesW2K/XP, unsure about W9x
Support MethodsNone mentioned. Probably email.
Pricing SchemeFreeware. Author asks for a postcard if you like it.


Intro:

This is my first mini-review and English is not my native language, so please... be nice. :)

I like to see the CPU activity all the time. I know a minimized taskman can do it, but I accidently close it all the time. So for many years I've used Active CPU and thought there'd be never another tool of its kind, but today I found something better: Ultra CPU Monitor. I don't like programs with SUPER or ULTRA in their name (sounds like cheap hype) but I still gave it a try.


Who is this app designed for:

Power users who like to know what's happening with their system. If the PC acts "sluggish" for no reason and you see CPU = 100% you know at instant something's not correct. You also know at one glance if the PC is still busy with some task (MP3 encoding).


The Good

The good thing about this app is of course the price no one can beat. Also it's not showing a "block" like taskman or Active CPU do, but a real graphical presentation (diagram) of the CPU load.

So, instead of

sonicht.gif

you'll see

normal_start.gif

You can extend it to up to 8 tray icons, to expand the "history"

8fach.gif

Or use a tray icon as number.

4fach-text.gif

Colors can be changed

4fach-rot.gif

and, last but not least, the update interval can be adjusted. (no picture). 


The needs improvement section

I guess there's not much to improve. As I started it the first time it took 30 MB memory, but dropped to 9 MB. That's not much for an application these days. Active CPU consumed 7 MB.

Slighty annoying:
  • Clicking on info starts the about box (as it should) but also opens your browser to load the homepage.
  • To save the settings you've to select "Save settings" in the tray menu. I'm lazy... Autosave please! :)



Why I think you should use this product

Anyone who likes to see the current CPU load all the time.


How does it compare to similar apps

The graphical presention (with history) makes it unique. Don't know of any other application doing this only.


Conclusions

Instant keeper and after many, many years Active CPU had to go.


Links to other reviews of this application

Since I mentioned it various times, here's the link to Active CPU (also freeware): http://www.protect-me.com/freeware.html
« Last Edit: September 22, 2006, 06:19 PM by wr975 »

mouser

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Re: Ultra CPU Monitor
« Reply #1 on: September 22, 2006, 03:17 PM »
Great find!  Love the multiple tray icon history spanning trick.

dgea

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Re: Ultra CPU Monitor
« Reply #2 on: September 27, 2006, 04:51 PM »
This guy have a new "must have tool"   :up:

http://www.darmon.ho...r_to_tray/index.html

You can monitor every item of the system monitor of windows in your taskbar as tray icon.

It's a German page but download this tool and try it -  :D

 :-* :-* :-*

wr975

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Re: Ultra CPU Monitor
« Reply #3 on: September 28, 2006, 01:48 AM »
Thanks for the info. :Thmbsup:

dgea

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Re: Ultra CPU Monitor
« Reply #4 on: September 28, 2006, 01:35 PM »
 :-*
the new tool "monitor to tray" is now in english available :up:

http://www.darmon.ho..._tray/eng/index.html

dgea

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Re: Ultra CPU Monitor
« Reply #5 on: October 18, 2006, 03:32 PM »
UPDATE:

a new English DUAL-CORE version of "Ultra CPU Monitor" with Setup / Autostart and auto-save

http://www.darmon.ho...nitor/index_eng.html

JavaJones

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Re: Ultra CPU Monitor
« Reply #6 on: October 18, 2006, 03:57 PM »
You can monitor every item of the system monitor of windows in your taskbar as tray icon.
Oho! That's really cool. Great app. :)

- Oshyan

clif_notes

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Re: Ultra CPU Monitor
« Reply #7 on: October 29, 2006, 09:24 PM »
Hi Wr975,

May I post your review in my newsletter? You'll get full credit and I always provide a link or two back to DC.
Current newsletter: https://freewarewiki...ifsCurrentNewsletter

Here, you can see a few of the mentions DC has gotten at my site in the past.
http://snipurl.com/10qf5

 :Thmbsup: Thanks for the great review. I'd never heard of this one before.

Clif

Devoted to promoting freeware and free information

wr975

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Re: Ultra CPU Monitor
« Reply #8 on: October 30, 2006, 03:29 AM »
May I post your review in my newsletter?

Of course.  :Thmbsup: I've sent you a PM.