Review
of: |
 This
review is a bit unusual for me, as I generally do software program reviews
rather than book reviews. The product I am charged with reviewing this
month is quite unique. It combines a book, (text) videotapes and a software
program in one package. However, the primary strong point of this review
will be its focus on a course or educational program that teaches you how
to do basic PC assembly, diagnostics and repairs. Micro2000
produces the PC Hardware Made Easy Course, which includes a self-study
book, Basic PC Assembly, Diagnostics and Repair and a CD for training
purposes. Also included was their software for diagnosing computer problems,
Micro-Scope 8 LE (Limited Edition – limited to 25 uses). The PC Hardware
Made Easy was the Deluxe Edition, so I thought; let’s see what makes this
a deluxe edition. Two videos were included which enhanced the teaching
found in the text and on the CD. The videotapes were PC Assembly and
Configuration and PC Diagnostic Tutorial. Not only were they
part of this, but there were 3 “loop back” plugs for serial ports and a
parallel port. Finally, a very nice computer tool kit in a zippered, faux
leather case comes with it.
The software was a snap to install and the foremost reason is that you
don’t really install the software. There is a simple explanation for this.
Micro-Scope is not really an application, rather, it is a set of diagnostic
programs or routines that allows you to look at various aspects of your
system and determine what problems exist. I wondered why this Micro-Scope
8.0 was supposed to be so good at getting at problems. It’s inherent strength
is that it does not rely on the host system to allow it to boot up, it
has it’s own distinct operating system that allows it to work independent
of the machines operating system. When there are software and operating
system conflicts in the host machine, Micro-Scope is not constrained.
The diagnostic routines are stored on a 3.5’ floppy disk. Micro-Scope 8.0 is not for an 8th grade science class wanting to study bugs up close and personal, unless of course, you are referring to bugs that frequently acquaint themselves with my computers, operating systems and so forth. I am not just talking about virus problems here, either. Various routines exist and you control which ones you want to run. System Configuration lets you compare settings, garner system information including BIOS, CPU and BUS data. Information on your Memory, Video, Floppy, Hard Disk, IDE or SCSI, Serial and Parallel ports and Keyboard, Network and Sound cards are also available. Device assignments (IRQ, I/O ports, Memory vectors) can be obtained. The program can also be used to display and edit CMOS information. Diagnostics step further and run tests on the motherboard, RAM, Floppy, Fixed Disk, and SCSI/IDE devices. Multimedia (CD-ROM and sound card) tests, Serial/Parallel port tests, Modem tests, Video tests and tests of other devices (joystick, keyboard, printer) can also be accomplished. New in this version are the USB and Plug ‘n Play support. The educational portion of this package (CD, book, and videotapes) is targeted for use by anyone. The authors translate what can be overwhelmingly technical material into plain English and make it more understandable. The book chapters or Lessons all begin with the Lesson objective and are immediately followed by the Glossary, which provides you with specific definitions that are required in that Lesson. Finally, each Lesson concludes with a self-test, intended to discover what you have learned. While reading and watching or listening to the videotapes, I had no problem comprehending what they were telling me despite the fact that I am no computer professional. In short, the course enhanced my understanding of how computers operate and why, sometimes, they do not. I would recommend this program to anyone who wants to learn more from the basics up about computers and how they work. After using this course and its contents, I was recently able to upgrade a computer system for a friend. Soon, I plan on applying it again, when I build a new computer for myself. You know they say discretion is the better part of valor, so don’t tell my wife, okay? She might not like the idea nearly as much as I do. The course would also be ideal for educational settings, training of computer technicians or as a preparatory course for those who want A+ or MCSE certification. Robert McFarlane created Micro2000 in 1990, in Glendale, California. Micro2000 produces several products for diagnosing computer problems. The company’s Website is different in that they do not list the price of their products on the Website, but you can request information from them and they will contact you with the information you request. The pricing statement did suggest that there were 3 separate pricing structures, one for Private and Corporations (home users, SOHO and small businesses) a second for Government (Federal, State, Local, Universities, and School Districts) and a third for International (UK and Europe) customers. This is rather frustrating; when I called for pricing (on the weekend) there was no one there to accept my call. Although I have not specifically looked for this program, I have not seen it in local retail computer stores. You may want to check with your favorite computer store to see if Micro2000 products are carried there.
Larry Grosskopf is a Clinical Psychologist at the San Antonio State Hospital, with a strong interest in computers. He and Marta, his wife, are raising two children, Zoë, age 8 and Jackson, age 6. |