Diagnostics Software?

[Unykron]

Hello all, I have been getting my feet wet doing minor repairs, upgrades, virus removal and I wanted to ask you Pro's a question. What would you all suggest for Diagnostics Software?

My friends have told me of several but they do not work on other peoples computers and I dont want to just assume I can use somthing and hope its not illegal. I would like to know what the differance between paid/shareware +'s and -'s and just overall what you think would be best to use.

I'm not extremely tech savy, but I am learning.

Thank you all in advance

[RicheemxX]

The ultimate boot cd has just about everything you'll need, but I guess that also really depends on the type of diagnostics you are talking.

Free vs Paid is always an on-going conversation. For the most part most of the free software out there performs just as well if not better than some of the paid stuff. The adv the paid stuff has though is better support, more reliable updates ect.

[Interrupt]

I'd also like to quickly add that lately I've been using Hiren's BootCD which comes with almost every tool imaginable as well as an XP-lite interface that could be useful if you're doing diagnostic work and you're tired of looking at DOS (or want to run things that require some basic XP services). While UBCD is the best for basic diagnostics, Hiren also helps give you a plethora of tools making it worthwhile to keep in your toolbox as well.

As far as I know Hiren is compiled with 100% freeware. At first some questioned Hiren's legality but after skimming through all the software on the boot disc I can confirm what many have said on other forums, it's all freeware or older tools which have since been abandoned (edit - it also seems like they removed any questionable Windows tools so it should all now be legit).

The link to the site is: Download Hiren’s BootCD 15.1 | HBCD Fan & Discussion Platform

A list of all the contents it has can be located here: Hiren's BootCD 15.1 - All in one Bootable CD » www.hiren.info

Software essentially includes Anti-virus, malware, spyware, disk imaging, partitioning (be careful), BIOS tools (use if experienced only), file managers, file management tools, shredders, all the diagnostic tools you can think of and plenty more.

[Unykron]

Thank you much, I appreciate the Input. You all have a safe day

[bigBonehead]

Thanks Interrupt!