Previous Contents Next

Using the Comparison feature

The Comparison Feature gives the ability to verify the correct components are installed in the systems being tested. Using MicroScope, the Comparison file is created (CTEST.BIN) for the specific model of system to be tested. This compare file saves information about the motherboard, CPU and NPU, amount of memory installed, floppy drive numbers and sizes, fixed disk drive sizes and speeds, video card information, number of serial and parallel ports, network cards, sound card and keyboard interface type. This information is then used as a comparison for the entire line for that specific model number.

The comparison file can be edited, using a standard text file editor, to include additional options for the comparison. If a "!!" (double exclamation point) is added to the beginning of a line, then when that item is compared, the test ignores the results. This is useful if a model number build may include one of two hard drives that have a different cylinder, head and sector count but the same physical size. This would normally create a failure because the drives do not match exactly, but this may be acceptable for this build. The other option is a "||" (double pipe). This option added to a line indicates "or". This is useful if for this model number the processor is no longer available in a specific speed, so the next processor is used. Then the comparison would look at that component and if the processor speed is one or the other then the component is all right.

Previous Contents Next