About Computer Diagnostic Utilities

Just like people, computers rarely can tell you what ails them. So the computer user must use diagnostic tools to figure out exactly what the problem is and get an idea of how to fix it. There is a wide variety of diagnostic software available to help the user treat the computer as patient.

History

One of the earlier home computer diagnostic utility programs for both the Mac and PC was Norton Utilities. This program allowed the user to boot the computer from a disk so it could run a wide variety of tests on the computer system. The Norton Disk Doctor could do a search and give you a list of problems with the software and hardware. The utility also provided file saver software so files could be recovered in the event of a glitch.

Types

Today, most computers have auto-run utilities to warn users of problems, but sometimes this isn't enough. For people who perform many task with their computers, there are diagnostic software packages such as TechTool Pro, which diagnoses hardware and software. It can also give advice on courses of action to take.

Function

Diagnostic utilities work at home just as they do in the factory or lab. They run a series of tests to determine if the computer, its hard drive and its software are working at the appropriate level, called a benchmark. They do this by running algorithms pre-designed for each computer.

Benefits

Diagnostic utilities can tell you if your computer is running too slowly, if it has fragmented files and how to fix them. They usually include an optimization or defragmentation option to bring the computer back to optimal usage.

Considerations

Running diagnostic utility programs frequently, once every month or so, can eliminate a lot of headaches. Like a medical exam, early detection is the best way to prevent more severe problems later.