System profiler
Encyclopedia
A system profiler is a program that can provide detailed information about the software installed and hardware attached to the computer. Typically workstations and personal computers have had system profilers as a common feature since the mid-1990s.
However, system profilers exist on most computing architectures in some form or other. System Monitor programs in mainframes essentially provide the same function as system profiler programs on personal computers.
Modern system profilers typically provide real time information on not only CPU state (such as clock speed), GPU state, and attached hardware state (such as USB or Firewire devices).
Since the 1990s hardware independent system profilers have emerged in some computing architectures, like Linux
. Most Unix-like
(aka POSIX
compliant) operating systems have system hardware independent profilers.
's Mac OS
, this was done by an application called Apple System Profiler
.
Mac OS X
's profiler is simply called System Profiler. In Microsoft Windows
some similar information may be found by getting properties on My Computer on the desktop
.
However, system profilers exist on most computing architectures in some form or other. System Monitor programs in mainframes essentially provide the same function as system profiler programs on personal computers.
Modern system profilers typically provide real time information on not only CPU state (such as clock speed), GPU state, and attached hardware state (such as USB or Firewire devices).
Historical origins
System profilers came into use after punch cards were no longer needed to run programs. Mainframe computers had evolved into have modular architectures at the same time punch cards were being abandoned as input devices. Punch card based mainframe computer systems typically had very rigidly fixed architectures with little variation in input or output devices.Since the 1990s hardware independent system profilers have emerged in some computing architectures, like Linux
Linux
Linux is a Unix-like computer operating system assembled under the model of free and open source software development and distribution. The defining component of any Linux system is the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released October 5, 1991 by Linus Torvalds...
. Most Unix-like
Unix-like
A Unix-like operating system is one that behaves in a manner similar to a Unix system, while not necessarily conforming to or being certified to any version of the Single UNIX Specification....
(aka POSIX
POSIX
POSIX , an acronym for "Portable Operating System Interface", is a family of standards specified by the IEEE for maintaining compatibility between operating systems...
compliant) operating systems have system hardware independent profilers.
Usage origin
In older versions of Apple ComputerApple Computer
Apple Inc. is an American multinational corporation that designs and markets consumer electronics, computer software, and personal computers. The company's best-known hardware products include the Macintosh line of computers, the iPod, the iPhone and the iPad...
's Mac OS
Mac OS
Mac OS is a series of graphical user interface-based operating systems developed by Apple Inc. for their Macintosh line of computer systems. The Macintosh user experience is credited with popularizing the graphical user interface...
, this was done by an application called Apple System Profiler
System profiler
A system profiler is a program that can provide detailed information about the software installed and hardware attached to the computer. Typically workstations and personal computers have had system profilers as a common feature since the mid-1990s....
.
Mac OS X
Mac OS X
Mac OS X is a series of Unix-based operating systems and graphical user interfaces developed, marketed, and sold by Apple Inc. Since 2002, has been included with all new Macintosh computer systems...
's profiler is simply called System Profiler. In Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Windows is a series of operating systems produced by Microsoft.Microsoft introduced an operating environment named Windows on November 20, 1985 as an add-on to MS-DOS in response to the growing interest in graphical user interfaces . Microsoft Windows came to dominate the world's personal...
some similar information may be found by getting properties on My Computer on the desktop
Desktop metaphor
The desktop metaphor is an interface metaphor which is a set of unifying concepts used by graphical user interfaces to help users more easily interact with the computer. The desktop metaphor treats the monitor of a computer as if it is the user's desktop, upon which objects such as documents and...
.
Microsoft Windows
- SisoftSiSoftwareSiSoftware, founded in 1995, is a provider of computer analysis, diagnostic and benchmarking software. The flagship product, known as "SANDRA", was launched in 1997 and has become notably popular in its field....
SANDRASandraSandra may refer to:*Sandra *Sandra , popular 1980s European singer–songwriter*Margaretha Sandra , Dutch woman soldier*Şandra, a commune in Timiş County, Romania*Şandra, a village in Beltiug Commune, Satu Mare County, Romania...
(System Analyser, Diagnostic and Reporting Assistant) system profiling software - HWiNFO32 - FreewareFreewareFreeware is computer software that is available for use at no cost or for an optional fee, but usually with one or more restricted usage rights. Freeware is in contrast to commercial software, which is typically sold for profit, but might be distributed for a business or commercial purpose in the...
system information tool. - AIDA64 - A popular shareware system profiling and benchmarking tool. Formerly EverestLavalysLavalys is a privately held company from Montreal, Canada. This company is the provider of software products popular amongst computer enthusiasts. It's flagship products are EVEREST Ultimate Edition and EVEREST Corporate Edition. These software are designed for everyday use as well as use in...
and before that it was known as AIDA32AIDA32AIDA32 is a discontinued freeware system information, diagnostics, and auditing program written by Tamás Miklós that runs on Microsoft Windows operating systems, not dissimilar to System Information for Windows . It displays detailed information on the components of a computer. Information can be... - FreshDiagnose - FreewareFreewareFreeware is computer software that is available for use at no cost or for an optional fee, but usually with one or more restricted usage rights. Freeware is in contrast to commercial software, which is typically sold for profit, but might be distributed for a business or commercial purpose in the...
system information tool. - CPU-ZCPU-ZCPU-Z is a freeware system profiler application for Microsoft Windows that detects the central processing unit, RAM, motherboard chipset, and other hardware features of a modern personal computer, and presents the information in one window.CPU-Z is more in-depth in almost all areas than the tools...
, useful when overclocking processors - SIW - System Information for Windows - portable freeware (does not require installation) - software, hardware, network information, tools and real-time monitors
- BelarcBelarcBelarc develops and licenses Internet based products which help make personal computers easier to use and maintain by large enterprises, small businesses and individual consumers. Belarc's products are used for Software Asset Management, hardware upgrade planning, cyber security status, information...
Freeware for personal use PC Auditing Software lists hardware, as well as software installed on the local machine and displays as a local webpage. Belarc also makes a security assessment for checking how secure a system is, and links missing updates directly to a Microsoft website for download. - systeminfo native windows command line, returns OS version, uptime, CPU, physical memory, network cards, etc ...
- msinfo32 or winmsd comprehensive view of hardware, system components, and software environment
- PsInfo command line, from the SysinternalsSysinternalsWindows Sysinternals is a part of the Microsoft TechNet website which offers technical resources and utilities to manage, diagnose, troubleshoot, and monitor a Microsoft Windows environment. Originally, the Sysinternals website was created in 1996 and was operated by the company Winternals...
suite - SekChek LocalSekChek LocalSekChek Local is a set of automated computer security audit and benchmarking tools developed by SekChek IPS in March 2008.The product analyses security controls on Hosts or domains across an organisation’s LAN and produces reports relating to the security on the network. The reporting engine is...
- an automated security audit tool which scans multiple Windows workstations and servers, from the network. It creates a security assessment report file which is presented as an Microsoft Access dataset. - CPU Speed ProCPU Speed ProCPU Speed Pro is a freeware system profiler application for Microsoft Windows that detects the type of central processing unit located on a motherboard and tests the speed of a motherboard's processor in four automated steps. The ability to accurately check a computer system's CPU speed is an...
is a Microsoft WindowsMicrosoft WindowsMicrosoft Windows is a series of operating systems produced by Microsoft.Microsoft introduced an operating environment named Windows on November 20, 1985 as an add-on to MS-DOS in response to the growing interest in graphical user interfaces . Microsoft Windows came to dominate the world's personal...
software application which will test the speed of the central processing unitCentral processing unitThe central processing unit is the portion of a computer system that carries out the instructions of a computer program, to perform the basic arithmetical, logical, and input/output operations of the system. The CPU plays a role somewhat analogous to the brain in the computer. The term has been in...
(CPU) - SlimWare UtilitiesSlimWare UtilitiesSlimWare Utilities is an American information technologies company that produces cleaning and optimization programs for an international market. The products they produce center on using crowdsourced feedback to generate real time reviews and quality evaluations of other programs.-History:SlimWare...
- PC data and registry cleaner, driver diagnostic, system analyzer and optimization software. - Speccy - Detailed specifications of various PC subsystems
Linux
- LSHW
- HardInfo
- SekChek Classic - The UNIX extract tool extracts control data regarding security policies and objects defined on the target host.