PassMark Software Newsletter Issue #8 - Jul. 2006
Welcome to our second newsletter for 2006
I am happy to say that with very few exceptions, the majority of recipients we polled regarding their desire to receive further newsletters from PassMark was overwhelmingly positive provided that:
- It wasn’t too frequent, and
- It provided real information on our products rather than empty marketing rubbish/etc.
So without any further marketing prattle here it is!
The first difference you will notice is that there are now two ‘editions’ of WirelessMon, i.e. a ‘Professional’ and a ‘Standard’ edition. The standard edition is similar to the previous version 1.0 with some additional functionality and improvements. Whereas the professional edition incorporates those improvements plus the exciting new features such as the ability to plot signal strength on maps and obtain direct input from GPS devices.
Changes common to both editions include:
- A redesigned user interface
- The ability to connect to access points from within WirelessMon.
- A new channel graph showing the channel usage of all detected access points.
- SSID filter list.
- New MapPoint format options in the access point log and connected node log.
Plotting Signals on Maps and using a GPS device
The key feature of the Professional Edition of WirelessMon 2.0 is the ability to plot signal strength on maps.
When enabled, the software will plot on a (user supplied) map, the signal strength for every access point detected at that location. With this information you can determine the ‘reach’ of a particular access point, the number of access points available at a location, strongest signals, average signal strength, access point density, etc. It is ideal for planning wireless coverage and for testing wireless security.
Connecting a GPS unit enables you to automatically plot the signal strength whilst on the move. Professional network designers will particularly find this to be a useful feature.
Information about WirelessMon 2.0 at www.passmark.com/products/wirelessmonitor.htm
DiskCheckup v2.0 (due Sept 06): A complete revision of this very useful utility application that monitors the S.M.A.R.T. (Self Monitoring Analysis & Reporting Technology) attributes of hard disk drives and can alert the user to potential future failures.
S.M.A.R.T. SDK Library – (due Aug 06): Over the years, PassMark has received numerous requests from developers wishing to incorporate parts of the DiskCheckUp program into their own applications. Now the full library will be available as a Software Developers Kit (SDK).
TestLog v3.0 – (Sept 06): Our integrated test case management software solution is undergoing a major upgrade that will significantly improve its functionality and add new features such as web access.
USB 1.0 Loopback Plugs will be discontinued once current stocks are exhausted. Customers will be able to utilize the USB 2.0 plug for both USB 1.1 and USB 2.0.
Windows Vista: The programmers at PassMark have been busy testing our applications on Windows Vista. Information on compatibility of new and future versions of our products will be forthcoming later this year.
Zoom Search Engine: You might not be aware that another division of PassMark by the name of Wrensoft produces a low cost yet very powerful full search engine called the Zoom Search Engine v4.2. This application can be easily integrated into a website, intranet site or even used to make offline searches on a CD or DVD. Further information at www.wrensoft.com.
Are you running the latest version of your PassMark™ software?
| Product | Version | Released |
| BatteryMon | v2.0 build 1007 | 14 Jun 05 |
| BurnInTest for Linux | v1.0 build 1006 | 5 Jul 06 |
| BurnInTest Professional for Windows | v5.1 build 1010 | 4 Jul 06 |
| KeyboardTest | v2.2 build 1011 | 17 Jan 06 |
| ModemTest | v1.3 build 1010 | 10 Mar 06 |
| MonitorTest | v2.2 build 1006 | 13 Mar 06 |
| OSCheck | v1.2 build 1000 | 26 May 05 |
| PerformanceTest | v6.0 build 1011 | 28 Jun 06 |
| SoundCheck | v2.0 build 1001 | 5 May 02 |
| TestLog | v2.1 build 1016 | 28 Jun 06 |
| WirelessMon | v2.0 build 1002 | 20 Jun 06 |
©PassMark™ Software Pty Ltd
Written and prepared by David Bolton (