hw-probe vs Speccy

hw-probe is a free hardware probing tool for Linux and BSD systems, aimed at debugging computer problems and managing hardware inventory. It captures a snapshot of hardware state and logs, then provides a permanent URL to view the probe. If a device lacks a driver, it can suggest a Linux kernel version or third-party driver using LKDDb data. Users can create an inventory ID and mark probes to locate their computers on Linux-Hardware.org. Its monitoring command schedules a daily cron probe and emails alerts about operating-system failures, configuration changes, and hardware degradation. Optional tests check graphics, drive read speed, CPU performance, and RAM. Installation options include AppImage, Docker, Snap, Flatpak, Live CD/USB, and native packages. Uploads use HTTPS; selected logs can be disabled, and private details are decorated before upload, though edge-case failures are acknowledged. MAC addresses and serial numbers are represented by prefixes of salted SHA-512 hashes. The tool is dual-licensed under LGPL-2.1-or-later and BSD-4-Clause. The Snap package runs in a sandbox with limited functionality.

Speccy is a Windows system information tool that summarizes a PC’s hardware and provides component-level details. It reports on the CPU, motherboard, RAM, and graphics card, while also displaying real-time temperatures for critical components. Its system coverage includes the operating system, audio, storage, network, peripherals, and environmental settings. Info Finder helps locate particular system details, and S.M.A.R.T. support provides hard-drive diagnostic data. Scan results can be saved as snapshots, XML, or text files. Publish Snapshot can make specifications available at a public internet address without publishing the computer’s public IP address. Speccy has a free home-use plan and a Professional plan at $19.95 as a one-time purchase, which includes automatic updates and premium support. A separate CCleaner Professional Plus plan is $59.95 as a one-time purchase and covers up to three PCs with CCleaner and Recuva products. Free and Professional are for home use; business customers are directed to a business edition. Listed requirements span Windows XP through Windows 10, 32-bit and 64-bit, excluding RT tablet editions.