Quarterdeck WINProbe 4
by Jeff Zubricky, Alamo PC

Introduction:

WINProbe 4.0, is a Windows utility by Quaterdeck that has a comprehensive group of diagnostic's and system analysis for Windows 3.1, 3.11, Windows for Workgroups 3.11 and Windows 95. The program is Win95 compatible, but it is 16 bit. PC Computing May 1996 page 210 reports that Version 5 is due out later this year and will be optimized for Win95.

Installation:

WINProbe 4 is on one 3.5 disk. The installation seemed to take an extra long time for a 1.44 MB disk, it must be ultra compressed. Installation of the software went well, I did notice a lack of an un-installer, I guess it is Quaterdeck's way of asking you to buy Clean Sweep. The software package I reviewed included a free Mega Bundle that had, you guessed it Clean Sweep. I was somewhat disappointed to see that it was Clean Sweep 16 bit version, not the Win95 version.

System Status:

System Status is the main window that gives a graphical overview of your computer system, performance and access to all the functions of WINProbe 4. The diagnostics modules include the basics including tests for bad RAM, disk surface tests, I/O checks, video tests, and many more. There are too many diagnostic functions to list in this article, but they cover just about every part of your computer you would like to test. This is not a "fix all" utility, more middle of the road, but it will identify most common problems and offers solutions.

Observations:

This program was tested on a 486SX2-66 running Win95, with 16MB RAM. I tried the "Tune-Up" part of the program and was a little disappointed that the suggestion made to increase my performance did not work. There was one suggestion that actually prevented my computer from booting up. I used the floppy RPM test and it failed to function. It is my observation that WINProbe 4 is more suited to the Windows 3.1 user rather that the Win95 user. I did find on the Quaterdeck Web Site there is a 4.01 update file available. I downloaded and installed the update to see if I would get any other results; I did not. The program did identify the upgraded processor i486DX4-100 I installed when I returned from the Dog & Pony Computer SuperSale. I did like the "Push Pin" feature which allows you to toggle the reporting panel to a small panel that monitors the CPU usage, System Load, and System Resources. If you are a Win95 user, I would suggest waiting for version 5, if you cann't wait then keep an eye on the web site for updates to the software.

System Requirements:

Hardware: IBM compatible with a minimum of 2 MB RAM. 386, 486, or Pentium processor. Software: Microsoft Windows 3.1 or higher and MS-DOS 3.1 or later.

Technical Support:

Ninety (90) days, available phone, FAX, and on the Internet
Quarterdeck Corporation 13160 Mindanao Way, Fl 3, Marina del Rey, CA 90292-9959
Technical Support: (310) 309-4250 FAX: (310) 309-3217 support@qdeck.com
Product Information: (310) 309-3700 FAX: (310) 309-4217 info@qdeck.com
World Wide Web: http://www.qdeck.com/
Local street price: $39.98.