IObit has launched the first public pre-release version of its forthcoming system and security suite, IObit Advanced SystemCare 8 Beta. The new build launches with a number of new tools, including brand new Protect Module.

It also showcases another redesigned user interface and introduces support for themes, allowing users to customise the program with photos.

The user-interface update is described as “brand new”, but will be familiar to existing Advanced SystemCare users – it’s basically a streamlined design that also adds support for maximising the user interface to full screen.

A new Protect module and theme customisation have been added to Advanced SystemCare 8 Beta.

The new Theme customisation feature, accessible by clicking the t-shirt icon on the main page – now allows users to substitute the basic theme with a photo of their choosing. PNG, GIF, BMP and JPG images are supported. The image is then displayed in semi-transparent fashion in front of the existing skin.

A number of new tools have been added to version 8, including a brand new Protect module, which allows users to lock homepages, search engines and general surfing.

Also included is a new browser plug-in and toolbar cleaner, and a “System Reinforce” tool, which provides one-click fixes for beefing up system weak points.

Also added to version 8 is a new browser cleaning tool as well as a Software Updater component. The built-in IObit Uninstaller is now updated to version 4, which is also currently in beta. New features include support for removing Windows 8 Metro apps.

Other tools get updates: the Startup Manager now comes with a one-click optimisation for startups, services and scheduled tasks, while the Privacy Sweep tool can now sweep Windows 8 apps and iTunes. The Disk Optimization tool gains support for optimising SSD drives and supports multi-disk defragging.

The Registry fix tool gains a fix for Windows Services and comes with the promise of faster scan speeds and better stability, while the Performance Monitor has also been updated.

IObit Advanced SystemCare 8 Beta is available now as a free trial download for PCs running Windows XP or later. As its beta software, caution should be applied when using the tool.