Windows Inspection Tool Set

It offers fewer options than its Windows counterparts, but this freeware system analysis and monitoring tool combines them all in one tidy package. There is a bit of a learning curve to this app. Even with the user guide and easy-to-follow interface, this isn't a tool for the inexperienced user.

Windows Inspection Tool Set and its subcategories windows are laid out in the familiar Windows XP style. Two collapsible menus display Tools and Options or Help and Support. The large pane holds five system categories: System, Security, File System, Network, and Printers. Under System you can view OS and Hardware information, from system SID to BIOS data. With just a glance Network Connections shows you all current connections and their status.

In addition to the information displays, the Tools and Options allow you to lock the computer or shutdown the system. You can also set up the types of events you want to monitor, a tool we liked for its easy set up and simple logs. A simple tick of the check box allows you to monitor nine categories, including System Resources, Disk Space, and Logon Sessions. Another check box creates a file of the log in a location of your choosing. The online Help file is well-written, but there is an expectation that users have a solid knowledge of the various system areas the tool monitors.

You may get a few more configuration options with the native Windows tools, but Windows Inspection Tool Set makes it easier to find the information and monitor system activities. While novices might understand some of the information this tool uncovers, more experienced users will get the most from this freeware.

• Support for Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008/2008R2 andWindows 7
• Native 64-bit support.
• Added user defined filtering to list views.
• Enhanced list view display modes associated with changetracking.
• Support for displaying IPv6 connections.
• Added list view for Windows event log.
• Added list view for loaded modules.
• More properties displayed for each object type.
• User interface enhancements including font change andtoolbars.
• Significantly improved display performance.
• The following features have been removed: display of printers,routing tables, and termination of network connections.