pcwiz inc PC Diagnostics & Data Recovery Software: Press Releases and New Product Information

PC Clinic Version 3.44 New BURN-IN Factory Test Version
PC Clinic Version 3.44 Aligns Floppy Drives, Saves Boot Record
PC Clinic Version 3.40 Pounds RAM, Detects Cache, New CPUs, Buses
pcwiz inc Releases WhatMEM 3.40 Memory Test Software
pcwiz inc Releases WhatCPU 2.34 CPU Detector Software
PC Clinic Remote Worth $4 Million in Desktop 5 Contract
PC Clinic 3.25 Tests Remote Systems Via Network, Modem
PocketPOST, MiniPOST Now Burnout-Proof
pcwiz inc Acquires Spiral Track Technology

NEW Power in PC Clinic Professional and Burn-in

Clearwater, FL, USA, 20 December 1997- pcwiz inc announced today brand new power-features in its popular PC Clinic Professional Remote kit, and a new BURN-IN Version with unheard-of low prices for system builders.

"Standard diagnostic software has been a disappointment to professional users," he said during the announcement. "Now we have added DATA RECOVERY, floppy drive alignment, brand new memory testing with dynamic cache switching, a configuration snapshot with system rating table, and massive on-line help and coaches. These are features NO OTHER DIAGNOSTIC IN THE WORLD has. So the decrease in price and increase in features make it the World's BEST Diagnostic Value worth at least $700," he added.

In another dramatic move, pcwiz inc also released a never-before-seen PC Clinic Factory Burn-In diagnostic software in lot-licenses of 25 systems. The product is preconfigured to allow PC Builders to make 25 backup copies for burning in systems during factory test. It is also pre-configured as a REMOTE node so it can be controlled from a factory test server. It allows full-control batch testing, including the ability to run batch files from the server and save batch test results on the server. The 25-user annual burn-in license costs $999, and includes FREE support and a FREE update during the year. The equivalent retail value is over $6000.

The new burn-in licensing should help curb software piracy by system builders worldwide, according to Hurt. "A lot of small PC builders have been stealing software by making enough copies to burn in 5 to 20 systems at a time. That is because they felt that they could not afford multiple copies high-priced high-quality diagnostic software," he said, and then added " Now they can get the world's BEST diagnostics at an affordable price, so their motive for making unauthorized copies is reduced, especially since they can get an update during the year to cover technology enhancements." Both products are available for immediate delivery directly from pcwiz inc or any of its interational resellers. They are also available through pcwiz inc's secure on-line order form, which takes the guest directly to the download page for immediate delivery on-line.

pcwiz inc is a premier USA developer and manufacturer of diagnostic test products for personal computers. Hardware products come with a limited parts and labor warranty of 1 year against defects in materials and workmanship; return rate has historically been less than 1%. Tech support is free. All pcwiz inc products are available worldwide through distributors or directly from pcwiz inc. The company is actively seeking international resellers. Contact pcwiz inc at Box 15108, Clearwater, FL 33766, phone (727) 446-3402 (USA), FAX (727) 443-4377. Email info@datadepo.com for more information. Visit the corporate website at http://www.datadepo.com.

For More Information, contact Robert Hurt
pcwiz inc
Phone (727) 446-3402
FAX (727) 443-4377

New Professional PC Clinic 3.44 Aligns Floppy Drives, Saves Boot Record

Clearwater, FL, USA, 19 December 1997- PC Diagnostic developer pcwiz inc announced today the release of version 3.44 of PC Clinic Remote System Diagnostics with major new enhancements to assist the ailing support industry. The new version provides drive and memory maintenance features that can be used over ordinary telephones and NetBIOS-based Networks

PC Clinic allows a technician to call a customer's computer via modem, take control of the remote system, run diagnostics, and perform system discovery, diagnostic, and benchmark tests. Memmory tests have been rewritten from the ground up to perform broad band pattern testing while dynamically switching or flushing cache in order to provoke errors. It also allows new maintenance functions outside the realm of normal testing:

Save and restore CMOS RAM and Boot Record settings for any logical or physical drive.
Floppy Drive alignment using pcwiz inc's proprietary Spiral Track Alignment Diskette
Display of a configuration "snapshot" with a rating table that indicates the need for upgrades
Virus scan its own files to ensure they did not get infected by the system under test.

The ability to revitalize the CMOS RAM and boot record is important because it allows a technician to recover the drive from a virus attack that destroys the master boot record.

The snapshot display gives users confidence in the judgement of technicians who recommend upgrades; it shows exactly what part of the system requires enhancement and why.

The floppy alignment feature consists of a battery of 11 parametric tests that find all 17 of the major causes of floppy drive failure. It allows the user to align the drive heads to an accuracy of 5 microns with an ordinary screwdriver. It also ensures that all drives in a company can read and write each others' diskettes.

The PC Clinic Professional kit now contains the features of 5 separate utility products at no additional cost: FloppyTune, WhatMEM, WhatCPU, InfoSpotter Snapshot, and PC Clinic. It is available now directly from pcwiz inc for $249 and comes in a box with carrying handle, or it is available for download. OEM versions start at $15 and go down from there, based on quantity.

For More Information, contact Robert Hurt
pcwiz inc
Phone (727) 446-3402
FAX (727) 443-4377

New Professional PC Clinic 3.40 Adds Advanced CPU/Cache Detection

Clearwater, FL, USA, 7 May 1997- Today pcwiz inc announced release of Version 3.40 of its PC Clinic Remote System Diagnostic software. It sports a variety of features needed by ordinary system users and professional maintenance technicians.

Of most pressing urgency, the new software adds advanced detection for cache and modern CPUs, including Pentium Pro and MMX, AMD K6, and Cyrix 6x86 M2. The software gives complete information from the CPUID instruction, and it empirically tests internal and external cache to determine size. It also includes a new memory benchmark test that shows how fast the various memory in the system is, and whether it is cached or not. PC Clinic is said never to go out of date on CPU detection because the professional version contains a CPU database that lets users add CPUs as they are introduced to the market. Users can download the latest database to keep up-to-date.

Like pcwiz inc's WhatCPU Processor and Cache Detection Software> (also discussed on this Press page) this new feature lets a user know whether his system has the cache and CPU he thinks it does. This is especially important in a time when motherboard are populated with remarked CPUs and empty cache RAM chips.

The Professional Version also adds detailed identification of PCI, SCSI, and PCMCIA devices in the system. The diagnostics section includes SCSI tests, Sound Card tests, and the ability to play user-selected .WAV files.

BONUS FOR OEMS - Remote Testing, Easy Copy and Unlock

The remote version of the new PC Clinic is perfect for bundling with computer systems, motherboards, CPUs, memory sets, and other system components. The reason is: it allows manufacturers, system builders, and parts distributors to tout REAL REMOTE SUPPORT, integrated into everything they sell. This allows dealers and VARs to use PC Clinic Controller kit (software only) to test customer systems via modem and network connections. The network-ready test capability is a boon to MIS directors with many intra-corporate PCs to support in one or more buildings. The software saves tremendously in travel and spare parts costs. New OEM Pricing puts the software in a price range that is affordable to small computer vendors all the way to CPU makers and huge PC builders and parts distributors.

Just for OEMs and downloaders, pcwiz inc has addeded a telephone unlock feature. This allows users to make all the copies of the software they like and then call pcwiz inc with an on-screen number to unlock the copies. Small OEMs can receive a master diskette and make a specified number of copies, each installing to a hard drive or floppy, and locking itself to that device. The OEM can also call to renew the master diskette with an unlock number so it can make more copies. This new feature makes it easy to unlock a copy or to upgrade from one strength (novice or lite) to another (standard or professional) without the cost and delay of sending software through the mail.

PC Clinic is available in specially Quoted corporate site licenses. For volume discounts to bundle PC Clinic with systems and system components from manufacturers and distributors, see the pcwiz inc PC Clinic OEM Prices.

For retail pricing, see the pcwiz inc Product Prices. The retail versions are available for immediate delivery from pcwiz inc, or its authorized resellers in the USA and worldwide.

For More Information, contact
Robert Hurt
pcwiz inc
Phone (727) 446-3402
FAX (727) 443-4377

pcwiz inc Releases WhatMEM 3.40 Professional Memory Test Software

Clearwater, FL, USA, 7 May 1997 - Today pcwiz inc announced release of its new Version 3.40 of WhatMEM Memory Detection and Test software for PCs. The software is intended to execute 50 brutal test patterns on modern system memory in order to detect weak or failing memory, particularly DRAM and SRAM chips. It will help to overcome a major concern of systems builders, parts distributors, and technicians: flakey memory.

WhatMEM contains the PC Magazine Editor's Choice-winning Discovery Engine from InfoSpotter Snapshot in order to determine the type of CPU and amount of cache and main memory in the system. Like InfoSpotter SnapShot and PC Clinic WhatMEM includes the CPU database from WhatCPU CPU Detector, but users cannot edit it.

Then, WhatMEM displays the system configuration and the memory configuration so the user will know what is in the computer.

WhatMEM offers a test menu from which the user can elect to test Base, Extended, Expanded, or XMS memory, based on what drivers are installed. The Extended memory test can test all RAM up to 4 gigabytes in 32-bit mode. The user has the option of enabling cache, ignoring it, disabling it, or flushing it during the test. The software contains special features to test cache as well as main memory.

WhatMEM was developed as a test and delivery vehicle for pcwiz inc's PC Clinic memory testing. The development cycle is improved by offering just the memory test portion for beta testing without affecting the rest of the product. "Users liked the beta version so much that we decided to make it into its own product", said pcwiz inc president Robert Hurt. "We expect WhatMEM to evolve continually as new CPU and memory types arrive to market, and as our testing algorithms improve over time," he added.

The company intends to offer WhatMEM in OEM versions for memory module producers and distributors to relieve their doubt and concern about module reliability. Unlike SIMM testers which normally do only a quick test, WhatMEM can run for hours or days in continuous burn-in loops to heat up and exercise the memory. This process provokes intermittent errors so users can detect weak modules.

For retail pricing, see the pcwiz inc Product Prices. The retail versions are available for immediate delivery from pcwiz inc, or its authorized resellers in the USA and worldwide.

pcwiz inc is a premier USA developer and manufacturer of diagnostic test products for personal computers. Hardware products come with a limited parts and labor warranty of 1 year against defects in materials and workmanship; return rate has historically been less than 1%. Tech support is free. All pcwiz inc products are available worldwide through distributors or directly from pcwiz inc. The company is actively seeking international resellers. Contact pcwiz inc at Box 15108, Clearwater, FL 33766, phone (727) 446-3402 or (USA), FAX (727) 443-4377. Email info@datadepo.com for more information. Visit the corporate website at http://www.datadepo.com.

For More Information, contact
Robert Hurt
pcwiz inc
Phone (727) 446-3402
FAX (727) 443-4377

pcwiz inc Releases WhatCPU Processor/Cache Detector Software

Clearwater, FL, USA, 30 March 1997 - Today pcwiz inc announced release of its new Version 2.34 of WhatCPU Processor and Cache detection software. The software is intended to relieve users of anxiety about the kind of CPU and memory in their systems. It will overcome worries about being shortchanged in system capabilities, especially in view of widespread reports of remarked CPUs and dummy cache RAM chips in imported motherboards.

Unlike similar products in the market, including modern diagnostic software from other vendors, WhatCPU uses advanced testing algorithms that automatically evolve as new CPU technology is released. For this reason, pcwiz inc executives claim it will never go out of date.

WhatCPU analyzes the system and reports accurately the type, speed, and developer of the CPU, as well as the amount of level 1 and level 2 cache in the system. It supports old Intel and compatible CPUs back to the 8088, and modern CPUs including Intel Pentium Pro and MMX, Cyrix 6x86, AMD K5 and K6, and CPUs with multimedia extensions. It uses both empirical test methods and reports from the CPU itself in determining the system characteristics.

WhatCPU provides a database of CPUs from Intel, Cyrix, AMD, and clone makers use the Intel-standard CPUID instructions. Users can add new CPUs to the database as they are released by their developers.

WhatCPU also provides empirical cache and memory speed detection that display dynamically for the user. The display shows which of the memory in the system is cached and which is uncached. The memory speed displays indicate how fast the CPU can read the different kinds of memory in the system, thus indicating what is ROM, RAM, and shadowed ROM.

WhatCPU is available in a freely downloadable version and in a professional version. The professional version shows the cache and memory timings and is available directly from pcwiz inc and authorized resellers for $99. The downloadable version is available from the websites of CPU makers and pcwiz inc. Users may get the downloadable version by filling in an on-line registration form at http://www.datadepo.com.

For retail pricing, see the pcwiz inc Product Prices. The professional version of the product is available from pcwiz inc, or its authorized resellers in the USA and worldwide.

For More Information, contact
Robert Hurt
pcwiz inc
Phone (727) 446-3402
FAX (727) 443-4377

PC Clinic Remote Diagnostics Worth $4 Million+ in Desktop 5 Contract

Clearwater, FL, USA, 10 June 1996- Today pcwiz inc announced its role in the coveted U.S. Air Force's Desktop 5 contract by which Hughes Data Systems will provide up to 360,000 computers to the U.S. Government. Each of the systems will include a Remote Node of pcwiz inc's PC Clinic Diagnostic Test Software. Sources estimate the Air Force will also need up to 40,000 of the Controller versions to allow support engineers to troubleshoot and diagnose problems on remote computers from the support centers. The contract can provide more than five million dollars in revenue to pcwiz inc over the next two years.

Hughes' winning bid was made possible in part by the dramatic support cost reductions achievable BECAUSE of PC Clinic's robust remote testing capability. Because the engineer can test and reconfigure the remote computer via network or serial communication channels, it is not necessary to travel to the client's location. An estimated 40% to 60% of support incidents can be handled remotely.

PC Clinic provides the following capabilities remotely:

Examine and display system configuration
Execute functionality tests
Execute benchmark (performance) tests
Execute utility functions
Allow editing of configuration files and CMOS RAM
Transfer files
Execute external programs
Chat with the remote user
Reboot the system to test configuration changes
Execute batch mode tests offline and be called with results
Save and restore CMOS RAM
View in memory or on drives in hex, decimal, text, template

PC Clinic provides up to SEVEN levels of PASSWORD PROTECTION to ensure the client computer cannot be invaded by unauthorized persons.

For retail pricing, see the pcwiz inc Product Prices. The retail versions are available for immediate delivery from pcwiz inc, or its authorized resellers in the USA and worldwide.

For More Information, contact Robert Hurt
pcwiz inc
Phone (727) 446-3402
FAX (727) 443-4377

PC Clinic 3.25 Tests Remote Systems Via Network, Modem

Clearwater, FL, USA - Today pcwiz inc announced the release of PC Clinic Version 3.25 professional system test software. The new package tests local systems, and remote systems via direct serial lines, modems, and NetBIOS or Novell IPX-compatible networks. Tests include robust diagnostics, benchmarks, system information, and configuration aid software for 80x86-based ISA, EISA, MCA, and PCI local bus architectures, and Plug N Play BIOS. Remote batch-mode tests can run off-line to reduce network overhead and phone line charges, and then the remote system calls the controller with test results when testing is finished. The new remote testing features promise OEMs and maintenance providers with substantially lower customer support costs than conventional methods because technicians at the controller site can also transfer files, edit the remote configuration, and execute other applications on the remote system, all via built-in features of PC Clinic. All standard test mode activity on the remote system is seen on the controller screen.

PC Clinic includes a broad range of utility features for professionals, such as disk optimization, low-level hard drive formatting, editing for CMOS RAM and system configuration files, viewing of every byte on any drive or program memory, the ability to create templates for easy viewing of complex data structures, RAM chip locator, I/O port and IRQ/DMA usage map, MicroChannel and PCI adapter identifier, 450K of online help, and expert system troubleshooting assistant. The product supports CD ROMs, up to 8 hard drives, Pentium/P6/P7 and earlier CPUs, and it even detects various Pentium bugs discovered in late 1984.

Based on the company's Remote Rx and award-winning InfoSpotter software, PC Clinic contains technology that has been field tested since 1981. Its robust feature mix is targeted at demanding professional system installers and troubleshooters. However, Remote Lite versions are available in quickly customizable forms for PC makers and other OEMs to bundle with systems, peripherals, support products, and other software.

For retail pricing, see the pcwiz inc Product Prices. The retail versions are available for immediate delivery from pcwiz inc, or its authorized resellers in the USA and worldwide.

For More Information, contact Robert Hurt
pcwiz inc
Phone (727) 446-3402
FAX (727) 443-4377

PocketPOST and MiniPOST Now Burnout-Proof


New PocketPOST Burn-Out Resistant	New MiniPOST Burn-Out Resistant
Click on the pictures above to see more detail

Clearwater, FL, USA, 15 June 1996 - Today pcwiz inc announced that its PocketPOST and MiniPOST diagnostic cards are now not susceptible to being damaged by plugging them in backwards. In the past, technicians have occasionally plugged the cards in backwards because of being disoriented while working on a motherboard outside the case of the computer. It was difficult to determine which way was frontward and which way was backward. When the boards are damaged by plugging in backwards, users must send them in for repair.

Now, pcwiz inc has outfitted new versions of the boards with special circuitry that prevents damage to the cards even if they are plugged in backwards. The change will bring comfort to concerned technicians.

The company has sold more than 40,000 of the cards to professional technicians around the world in the past five years. Companies such as Phoenix Technologies, Intel Corporation, and IBM number among the many volume buyers of the cards.

pcwiz inc has stopped producing the old version of the cards. For a limited time, the company is offering the new version as a trade-in for old versions at one-half of list price. For retail pricing, see the pcwiz inc Product Prices. The retail versions are available for immediate delivery from pcwiz inc, or its authorized resellers in the USA and worldwide.

For More Information, contact Robert Hurt
pcwiz inc
Phone (727) 446-3402
FAX (727) 443-4377

pcwiz inc Acquires Spiral Track Technology

Clearwater, FL, USA, 15 June 1996 - Today pcwiz inc announced that it has acquired the Spiral Track Technology of Asky Inc which ceased operations in November, 1995. pcwiz inc has since 1991 been using Spiral - formatted floppy diskettes in its FloppyTune floppy drive maintenance product. The company made the acquisition to prevent the technology from falling into competitor hands and thereby becoming unavailable.

The Spiral Track technology is one of the few available worldwide that allows technicians to perform accurate alignment testing and adjustment on floppy drives in the field. Using the associated software, a technician can bring misaligned drives into alignment within .2 mils (about 5 micrometers) with a simple screwdriver while watching the computer screen. The technique has been proven valuable, as half of all drives discarded or sent in for factory repair only need to be cleaned and aligned.

pcwiz inc has reconstructed the manufacturing equipment and revamped production software to make it easier and less expensive to create the diskettes. The technology and its related equipment is said to be valued at more than $550,000, according to company president Robert Hurt.

Many technicians wrongly believe it is cheaper to throw away a floppy drive than to clean and align it. In reality, there is no guarantee that a NEW drive is properly aligned, especially considering they often are shipped halfway around the world and pass through many hands to reach end user systems. Furthermore, modern drives wear out faster than older drives of more solid construction, and it is not possible to detect debilitating wear until data is already lost. Even if worn out, a drive can still format and write to a diskette. However, other drives cannot read it.

FloppyTune detects the 17 major causes of floppy drive failure, among which are wear, dirty or misaligned heads, and misadjusted detectors. The product is ideal for computer technicians, diskette manufacturers, and software duplication houses.

The deluxe kit retails for $239 and handles both 3.5" and 5.25" drives of standard densities. The single diskette kit retails for $139. Both kits contain software and Marauder cleaning diskettes. For more information contact pcwiz inc directly.

For More Information, contact Robert Hurt
pcwiz inc
Phone (727) 446-3402
FAX (727) 443-4377


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