Monday, September 6, 2010

What Is Checkit Diagnostics For Norton

Checkit Diagnostics troubleshoots computer hardware problems.


Checkit Diagnostics is a PC utility program made by Smith Micro Software Inc. It was added to the now-discontinued Norton Systemworks software suite in 2005. Checkit has the ability to fix the Windows registry, system files, drivers and codecs. However, its main purpose is to diagnose hardware problems. Checkit Diagnostics is currently available as a stand-alone program from the manufacturer.


Integration with Norton Systemworks


Norton is best known for its anti-virus software, but like many software companies they offer other products. Norton Systemworks was an attempt by Norton to provide an all-in-one utility suite that could keep the user's hardware and software running properly and also provide anti-virus protection. Systemworks was essentially a bundle of software made by different companies that were accessed through a centralized control panel. Smith Micro's Checkit Diagnostics was one of these programs.


Purpose


Checkit Diagnostics did the same thing in the Norton suite as it currently does as a standalone utility --- it diagnosed hardware problems. PC World magazine says, "CheckIt Diagnostics does a comprehensive job of looking for system problems. It performs in-depth tests of your RAM, hard disk, network hardware and setup, USB ports, printers and other attached devices, display ... pretty much any piece of hardware on your system."


History


Norton Systemworks was first released in 1998. Checkit Diagnostics was added to the Systemworks package in 2005. It remained part of the Systemworks package until 2009 when Symantec, the maker of Norton products, discontinued the Systemworks package and concentrated its efforts on the Norton 360 software. Norton 360 included system utilities, however Checkit Diagnostics was not a part of that suite.


The Present


Although Checkit Diagnostics is no longer associated with Symantec, it is still available in a stand-alone version from Smith Micro Inc. As of 2011, Checkit Diagnostics' website says that Version 8.0.2.677: works with Windows 7, XP, or Vista; checks routers and all types of ports to troubleshoot connection problems; tests plug-and-play devices, including wireless devices, and all system disks, CPU, memory and graphics; has an email report generator that reports on specific components, the test results and suggested fixes; has a registry fixer and can find updated drivers and codecs and runs on 32 and 64-bit PCs

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