[TechGuy]

Not sure if you guys have seen this, or maybe something better, but I thought it was pretty good. Check out this Advisor program at http://www.belarc.com/Download.html

It takes about a minute to run (on my computer, at least) and then gives you a very simple, concise report that includes motherboard type, bios version, communications, controllers, software versions, and much more. I think the motherboard/bios info alone makes it pretty useful... not sure that I'd ever need it for the rest.

[deuce]

Thanks for the link... I'll download it and check it out. Just curious... what kind of connection do you have being you are also running that server and all over there? Do you use T1, 2 or 3 or anything like that?... or just something more normal?

[TechGuy]

Sadly, the server isn't actually <i>here</i>. It's at another location (also in PA), co-located with an ISP. I looked into it, but couldn't afford the $1,000/month price tag for T1 in this area. The server is conneted via multiple T3s (shared with the ISP). Here, I'm connected via DSL at 1.5mb/s (that's megaBITs, not megaBYTEs). Still, it's very nice. Happily, it's not related to @home in any way, and I've yet to have a moment of down time for the 2 months I've had it. (Before that, I had cable at 300kb/s. Before that was good-ol' 56k. Before that was darkness. =)

[deuce]

Ok I checked out the program and it is quite something. I figured you'd have high-speed DSl or something. I remember looking in to the 1.5 mbps around the summer and it was pretty expensive then. Have you heard about the new DSL service that is being tested in Sacramento? It is supposed to reach speeds of around 56 mbps in the next two years or so I think. Sounds good for all of us so we can have super high speed connections cheaper than T1. I have a friend who has T1 in his house that he said he got a really good deal on but still won't tell me anymore about it. They use T3 at my dad's office and wow is that incredibly fast. Currently 276 kbps is fine for me.

[eddie5659]

Hiya

Now thats a good piece of software. I can look at all my programs with version numbers, all hardware stuff as well as the BIOS.

Thanks for the link. Its now a bookmark.

Thanks

eddie

[deuce]

I have that link on my desktop now. It's kinda nice to get those version numbers and stuff. Now all I need is a program that finds venders selling motherboards at ACTUAL retail cost, let alone wholesale. I have been looking for this one mobo... it has had great reviews and looks awsome and it is the only PIII board that runs DDR. Retail price on it is $85... but everyone online sells it for $130 and up... plus shipping. I finally did find it today for $92... but shipping was unfortunately $40. Oh well, I could have chosen standard ground for $12... but to my place it would take at least 6 days... so it wouldn't get here until next saturday.

[rodfitzpatrick]

Having used Belarc to compile reports for my customers I appreciate it's qualities. HOWEVER, I now use a program called "Sisoft Sandra" which is far superior. Even the standard version gives more options and details along with performance tips. You can even find the key for Win98 if it is installed on your maching. It is so good that I have invested in the professional version, that is how useful I have found it.
Visit = http://www.sisoftware.co.uk
and look for sandra
or try = http://www.sisoftware.co.uk/sandra

[FlaFoci]

Cool program.