Diagnostics
✅ What is Diagnostics?
Diagnostics refers to the process of identifying and analyzing problems in computer hardware, software, and networks to determine the cause of issues and fix them.
👉 In simple words:
Finding out what's wrong with a computer or network and how to fix it.
🔑 Types of Diagnostics:
Hardware Diagnostics
Check physical components like CPU, RAM, HDD.
BIOS/UEFI Diagnostics, MemTest86, Dell ePSA
Software Diagnostics
Check OS, drivers, and applications.
Event Viewer, System Logs, Safe Mode
Network Diagnostics
Analyze connectivity and performance issues.
PING, TRACEROUTE, NETSTAT, ipconfig
Security Diagnostics
Check for viruses, malware, and vulnerabilities.
Antivirus, Windows Defender, Malwarebytes
Performance Diagnostics
Find reasons for slow system/app performance.
Task Manager, Resource Monitor, top (Linux)
⚙️ Common Diagnostic Tools and Utilities:
1. Built-in System Tools:
Task Manager
Windows
Monitor running processes, CPU, RAM usage.
Event Viewer
Windows
View system/application error logs.
System Information (msinfo32)
Windows
Full system specs and hardware info.
Device Manager
Windows
Check and update device drivers.
Performance Monitor
Windows
Advanced performance analysis.
Activity Monitor
macOS
Monitor CPU, memory, and disk usage.
Console Logs
macOS
View system and application logs.
System Logs
Linux (e.g., /var/log/syslog)
System events and errors.
2. Hardware Diagnostics Tools:
MemTest86
Test RAM for errors.
BIOS/UEFI Diagnostics
Built-in hardware tests in BIOS (e.g., Dell, HP).
CrystalDiskInfo
Check hard drive health (SMART data).
CPU-Z / GPU-Z
Check CPU/GPU status and temperature.
HWMonitor
Monitor hardware sensors (temp, voltage).
3. Network Diagnostics Tools:
PING
Check if a device is reachable.
TRACEROUTE/TRACERT
Find the route and latency to a destination.
ipconfig/ifconfig
View and configure network interfaces.
NETSTAT
View network connections and listening ports.
nslookup
DNS resolution check.
4. Security and Malware Diagnostics:
Windows Defender
Built-in antivirus for Windows.
Malwarebytes
Detect and remove malware.
ESET Online Scanner
Online virus scan.
Kaspersky Rescue Disk
Bootable antivirus for deep scan.
🔍 Common Diagnostic Commands (Windows):
sfc /scannow
Scan and repair corrupted system files.
chkdsk /f
Check and fix disk errors.
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Repair Windows image.
ipconfig /all
Show detailed network configuration.
netstat -ano
List network connections with PID.
🚦 Common Diagnostic Process (Step by Step):
1. Identify Problem
Collect symptoms and error messages.
2. Gather Information
Use diagnostic tools to check system status.
3. Isolate the Issue
Determine if it's hardware, software, or network.
4. Test Solutions
Apply fixes or workarounds step by step.
5. Monitor Results
See if issue is resolved; test system performance.
6. Document the Fix
Note solution for future reference.
📊 Examples of Diagnostics in Action:
Slow Computer
Task Manager, Resource Monitor
Too many background apps, malware, low RAM.
Frequent Crashes
Event Viewer, sfc /scannow
Corrupt system files, faulty RAM/driver.
No Internet Connection
PING, ipconfig, router diagnostics
IP config issue, router problem.
Blue Screen (BSOD)
Event Viewer, Windows Memory Diagnostic
Faulty driver, hardware issues.
Unrecognized USB Device
Device Manager
Driver issue, hardware failure.
✅ Benefits of Diagnostics:
Prevents Major Failures
Fix issues early before bigger problems arise.
Saves Time and Money
Avoid unnecessary repairs or replacements.
Improves System Performance
Identify and remove bottlenecks.
Enhances Security
Detect malware or vulnerabilities.
Accurate Troubleshooting
Pinpoint exact cause, avoiding trial-and-error.
📌 Summary:
Definition
Process to identify and fix system issues.
Types
Hardware, software, network, security.
Common Tools
Task Manager, Event Viewer, sfc, PING, BIOS.
Steps
Identify, analyze, isolate, fix, monitor.
Goal
Restore system to normal, efficient operation.
Last updated