[GTALUG] computer hardware testing tools.

[D. Hugh Redelmeier]

This is a hard question.

Most digital systems components work or don't work.
It gets really hard when they kind of work.

Let me be a little more explicit about that, with an example.  A computer 
can mostly work but have a failing serial port.  Then the component to 
look at is the serial port, not the whole computer.  The serial port will 
usually work or not work.

Then again, when one says that a serial port isn't completely working, one 
has to realize that it is made up of components.  For example:
- the software using the port
- the OS
- the serial cable
- the device on the other end
Each of these may be the failure.  It gets more difficult if more than one 
is the problem.

For complete testing I/O (like a serial port), you usually need some kind 
of hardware test jig to observe what's leaving your system and to generate 
inputs.

Usually a serial port has gross misbehaviour.  Hooking it up to anything 
just doesn't work.  Or either the input or the output just doesn't work.  
Often the problem turns out to be something simple like cables.  OK, I 
admit, serial cables aren't actually simple: too many configurations.

Sometimes the problem is just dirty contacts.  Plugging and unplugging a 
few times might fix this.

Long ago, I had to replace 1488 or 1489 levl-shifting / buffering chips 
for serial ports.  They could be burnt out by static, I think.  Those 
aren't used any longer so I don't know what you do these days.

In the past, when I've tried to help you, I've failed.  I think that the 
problem is that we have different models of how things work.  Clearly your 
model is correct for you. It means that my attempts of help haven't 
been useful to you and have just wasted time.

| From: Karen Lewellen via talk <talk at gtalug.org>
|
| What I am seeking is an open source program that tests aspects of say your
| motherboard.  that the serial ports or parallel ports work, that the USB ports
| are sound etc.
| I am asking  because due to an as of yet not fixed hydro problem in my new
| apartment, the occasional power surges, even with machines attached to
| protectors, are causing slight damage to hardware.
| Need to know how much as I only have so many computers I can use.
| Any program ideas?
| Will be sharing suggestions with someone hopefully helping me troubleshoot.