System Information

Windows comes with an integrated System Information panel that provides a quick way to view data about your computer's hardware and software configuration. Even so, there are users who prefer using a third-party application to fulfill the same task. One of the choices available is suggestively called System Information.

This particular application does not come with a standard user interface. Instead, it runs in the command console, scanning the system and gathering the information, then saving it in the application's folder, in a new directory.

Unlike the Windows built-in app, which can export the entire data in a single text file only, System Information structures it differently and creates a separate text file for each system component. The list of installed applications is saved in a CSV file for easier and faster visualization.

System Information targets both hardware and software-related information, analyzing several areas. To begin with, it retrieves data regarding the network configuration and the active network connections, displaying TCP and UDP ports and their status, as well as the IP configuration and details regarding connected network adapters.

It also scans running services and puts together a list of programs that are installed on the host PC. Moreover, it creates a text document for user environment data, and others for more general information, such as dynamic link libraries, Windows-related information and hardware configuration, system paths, and installed drivers.

System Information does not bring to the table more than other applications of its kind do. Its advantage is that it structures the information differently. However, not allowing the user to choose the data to scan and save, and not providing a more user-friendly interface for easier interaction with the end user can be considered important drawbacks.