Brutus is a freeware that lets you shut down, restart or log off your computer with just a single click. The service is compatible with Windows Me, Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows Server 2003, and also Windows 98 (2nd Edition).

Straightforward Installation and Usage

Brutus can be easily installed and uninstalled. And if you happen to uninstall it, it won’t leave behind any traces. For installing the tool on Windows 2000 or Windows XP, you would need administrator login credentials. This should not be an issue if you’re using your computer from home. However, if the PC belongs to your workplace’s local network, you may need system administrator assistance. For accessing Brutus’ primary control panel, launch the Start menu. The panel should give you information relating to how Windows would function when you shut down the computer. You could also hide Start menu items: Documents, Settings, Run and Help to decrease the clutter. However, operations such as shutting down the computer cannot be automated.

Standard Microsoft API

Brutus uses standard Microsoft API to enable the log off, lock, shut down or restart tasks. In case any of these operations cannot be completed using the tool, it means there is an issue with the Windows OS itself and not the freeware. In other words, you would not be able to perform the aforementioned activities even when using normal Windows procedures. These issues could be due to many different reasons.