From TNPC issue #4.06...

Norton Utilities 2001 (Diagnostics, File Compare): Part 2

by Lee Hudspeth
March 22, 2001

In this article I continue to examine tools included in Norton Utilities' "system information" category. In the opening article in this series I focused on the System Information tool:
http://www.TheNakedPC.com/t/406/tr.cgi?nort1

First, Diagnostics. This tool leaves me unimpressed. Yes, it does test most of your system's components; the fixed list it checks includes CDROM, keyboard, keypad, memory, modem, mouse, PC speaker, PCMCIA, printer, serial port, sound card, system board, and video. But it doesn't look for devices that aren't on this list, e.g., satellite serial ports provided by a USB hub. Also note that this isn't a hard disk diagnostics tool, for that you'll need to use other tools in the Norton Utilities ("NU") arsenal. When you select "Do All Tests" it finishes testing in under a minute and a half (on a PIII/450). The results appear in a tree control with the traditional + and - signs marking items you can expand or not. You can also choose to test only one component at a time.

Summary: you can use this tool for a quick, minimalist diagnostic run. But if you want more thorough component diagnostics you'll need to selectively use other NU tools. You may also wish to consider a competing product such as SiSoft's Sandra, Smith Micro's CheckIt, Network Associates' PC Medic, Ontrack's Data Advisor, Peter Gebhard's Dr. Hardware, among others.

Second, File Compare. I really like this nifty tool. You can compare any two text files to identify their differences and selectively undo changes. Remember that lots of file types are really text files: INI, HTML, batch, bootup (like Autoexec.bat and Config.sys), etc. File Compare is not limited to files with a TXT extension. Differences are color-coded in a side-by-side window. There are plenty of comparison and display settings you can tweak; you can search by matching block, non-matching block, or for regular text; you can show only differences; and you can edit directly from File Compare. Special tree-like displays are available for INI files and REG (Registry export) files.

Summary: the right tool for the job when tracking down text file differences, plus it's a good companion to NU's Registry Tracker because it allows you to compare "before and after snapshot" INI or REG files, and quickly undo unwanted changes (more on Registry Tracker in a future article).

Thanks to readers who have written me with NU tips, tricks, and comments. If you have more, keep them coming. I try to reply to everyone but it's not always possible. Towards the end of this series I'll include all the best reader tips.

I have some additional information about NU for which there isn't room here. For example, a table showing each individual tool's name (19 in all), its category (find/fix problems, system maintenance, etc.), direct links to the TNPC article that reviewed each tool, and a Yes/No column for Windows 2000 compatibility.
http://www.TheNakedPC.com/lee/norton_p1/index.html

You can reach Lee Hudspeth at:
mailto:leehudspeth@TheNakedPC.com

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