SIW stands for System Information Window, a free piece of software (based on the open source CodeStuff) that monitors and controls the performance of the entire Windows OS. When running Vista, it gathers system statistics data and sends them to the CodeStuff web site via FTP. The SIW software comes with an easy-to-use interface (see the link at the end of this article for a download). CodeStuff also offers additional services, including an online scheduler (for managing installations and un-installations), a performance counter (to see how much CPU time is being spent on various processes by different users), and a service that creates a custom Windows installer image for users. All these services together help you monitor and optimize the performance of your PC.
Many people today are concerned about the security of their computer systems - especially since the recent onslaught of malicious "scam" sites online that allow hackers to infiltrate and attack computer systems and obtain sensitive and confidential information. One way to avoid exposing your private information to these types of attacks is to install SIW along with your computer. However, for those who don't want to spend money for the software license fee (which can range from forty dollars to several hundred dollars), there is also a free download version available on the CodeStuff website. A free download version of SIW gives you the basic version features; for more detailed information on using SIW software, visit the web site listed at the end of this article.
The software is available both as freeware and commercial use, with the commercial version being the industry leader. Freeware versions of SIW come with limited functionality. Commercial software comes with extensive features including support for a wide variety of operating systems, dedicated servers, customized diagnostics, an extensive database of system resources, a hardware diagnostic tool, and a memory diagnostic tool. For more detailed information on the application, see the CodeStuff web site. For more details on the commercial version of the software, visit the vendor web site.
