Essential Boot Disk Program Parted Magic Also Tests Memory. Parted Magic (free) has been my go-to Linux boot disc since I first downloaded it several years ago.
Not only does it boot quickly and provide easy access to the Gnome partition editor, GParted, it provides access to the Memtest86+ memory testing utility and numerous other handy apps on board. The latest version of Parted Magic, 6.0, has ditched the pretty but occasionally problematic graphic boot menu for a more compatible character-based boot menu. The 10 Best Free Hard Drive Utilities.
Most users are satisfied with the hard drive utilities that ship with Windows--especially the more powerful partitioning and defragging tools found in Windows Vista and 7.
Since you're reading this, though, you're obviously not a "most" type of user. Here are our ten favorite free utilities for partitioning, monitoring, and optimizing hard drives (as well as a few inexpensive for-pay alternatives). Despite offering some high-end features, these downloadable programs won't bust your budget. (For links to all of the downloads in one convenient list, see our "10 Best Free Hard-Drive Utilities" collection.) Partitioning.
Free software downloads. About Parted Magic - Parted Magic LLC.