Reading time: 2 – 4 minutes
How often do you check your hardware for conditioning? Do often download the latest Windows Security updates? Do have all your software license keys intact?
If you answered at least a “no” in any of these questions then you might possibly need some computer auditing. Well, if you’re thinking about the cost of doing such task there’s really a way around it and you don’t have to pay somebody to do it for you.
A free PC auditing software does the trick of keeping you abreast with your current hardware settings and all the software installed. Belarc Advisor is a freeware that builds an HTML profile of your computer system in minutes indicating all installed software and hardware specs, missing Microsoft hotfixes or Security Updates you failed to download, your anti-virus’ status, and CIS (Center for Internet Security) benchmarks.
Belarc Advisor Computer Profile Results
All the above information is comprehensively shown on a web page via your default web browser which will open once the program has finished scanning your computer. The results are fairly accurate but it really wouldn’t tell you how to fix your computer is it’s slowing down or crashing. It will only show some salient details which might give you a hint on the areas of your PC that needs some attention.
Like for example, during the course of the Conficker scare, I’ve failed to download one of Microsoft’s Security updates and that caused my computer’s vulnerability to the malware.
Another savvy feature of this program is it allows you to take note of all the license keys you have on each installed software on your system. This way, you can have these vital information for safe keeping just in case you might need to rebuild an OS installation. Of course, it’s easy to download replacement software but you cannot use them fully if you don’t have your keys.
Belarc Advisor is free to use but is limited to a single computer and for personal purposes only. It doesn’t have a portable version which could have been better for servicing IT professionals and computer technicians but otherwise I think the software is really useful.
Go ahead and give it a try, who knows, you might be surprised with what you’ll find out about your PC.
Suggested for further reading:
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- Is Newer Really Better – Why You Should Consider Using Old Software Reading time: 3 – 5 minutes While many people rush out to buy the latest and greatest computer hardware and software packages, many savvy computer owners know that newer is not always better. Computers that are four and five years old or even older can still provide trouble free service,...
- Why Computer Hardware and Device Driver Detection Software Matters Reading time: 3 – 4 minutes Computer users are often times bombarded with a lot of information about their system especially when there are concerns pertaining to support queries either over the phone or online through forums and even offline with technicians. It will be very inconvenient if we’re not...
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{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Hey Math, thanks for this piece of information. As a ‘senior’ (meaning oldest in terms of age) employee of a small start up company, I often get to handle IT technical chores when the IT guy is not readily available. This free software just might come in handy. Thanks again.
James Moralde´s last blog ..Open_Basedir Restriction In Effect
I really think this would be good for non-tech savvy people. I’m thinking of my mom, specifically. Having it all together and semi-automated would definitely motivate people to update more often. Good stuff.
You’re welcome, James!
Hopefully this software would be able to help you out with some of your IT chores. Well, actually this piece of utility really does a great deal for IT people. It’s very detailed up to the last piece.
@Steve
The scan results of the software though comprehensive are pretty understandable so I don’t think your mom would have a hard time following through the details. It’s motivating really because the more you see some red “X” marks, the more you’d like to get the green check marks instead.
It’s nice to see you again, thanks for your comment.
Wow worth to try. Thanks bro
Bill´s last blog ..Chaos Trivia Naughty Pay Per Lead
You’re welcome, Bill!