SIW update

[Noreen]

SIW version 1.71. For those that don't know, SIW is a free computer auditor. http://www.gtopala.com/siw-download.html

[Rik]

Providing it's not an Inland Revenue auditor...

[Noreen]

It's very good, Rik. Tells me more about my computer's hardware and software than I want to know really and it doesn't have to be installed.   

[Rik]

I occasionally run such software, Noreen, and am always struck by just how many bits of software get loaded just to make the machine run. No wonder Windows has problems from time to time.

[drummer]

Thanks for that Noreen - an older version of SIW is on all of my memory sticks and has proved invaluable for sorting out problems on other people's computers.

Another similar bit of kit I still use on my own systems is the free edition of Everest from Lavalys which, although no longer supported, is still available to download from MajorGeeks.

http://www.majorgeeks.com/download4181.html

Same meat, different gravy, but picks up things that SIW doesn't (and vicky vercky).

I like free stuff, so have a karma. 

[Noreen]

Thanks drummer. I also use Belarc when I want a simpler program. http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html

[Rik]

I'm and Everest & Belarc man, but about to add SIW for completeness. 

[Noreen]

A description from the site for anyone else interested..........

  "SIW is an advanced System Information for Windows tool that gathers detailed information about your system properties and settings and displays it in an extremely comprehensible manner.

  SIW can create a report file (CSV, HTML, TXT or XML), and is able to run in batch mode (for Asset Inventory Tracking, Software and Hardware Inventory, PC Audit, Software Audit, Software License Compliance Management).

  The system information is divided into few major categories:

Software: Operating System, Installed Software and Hotfixes, Processes, Services, Users, Open Files, System Uptime, Installed Codecs, Software Licenses (Product Keys / Serial Numbers / CD Key).

Hardware: Motherboard, Sensors, BIOS, CPU, chipset, PCI/AGP, USB and ISA/PnP Devices, Memory, Video Card, Monitor, Disk Drives, CD/DVD Devices, SCSI Devices, S.M.A.R.T., Ports, Printers.

Network: Network Cards, Network Shares, currently active Network Connections, Open Ports.

Tools: Password Recovery, Reveal lost passwords hidden behind asterisks, MAC Address Changer, Shutdown / Restart.

Real-time monitors: CPU, Memory, Page File usage and Network Traffic.

  SIW is a standalone utility that does not require installation (Portable Freeware) - one less installed program on your PC as well the fact that you can run the program directly from an USB flash drive, from a floppy, from a network drive or from a domain login script."

[Noreen]

SIW new version 1.72 now available. http://www.gtopala.com/siw-download.html

* Added "Browser Helper Objects" module.
* Added "Shell Extensions" module.
* Updates for Window NT.
* Bugfixes.

[Rik]

I thought I'd try it (at last!), Noreen. It produces a pretty comprehensive listing, between that and Belarc Advisor, there's not much left unrevealed.

[Ray]

Thanks for the link Noreen, I've just downloaded and installed, it looks a very useful programme. 

[Rik]

You now just need an hour or two to work your way through the readout, Ray.

[Ray]

You now just need an hour or two to work your way through the readout, Ray.

Very true, Rik, there's certainly a great deal of information provided. 

[Noreen]

The "Secrets" section can be useful. 

[Rik]

The "Secrets" section can be useful. 

It's a bit frightening when you think it might be used in any workshop you send your machine to.