ÇTest Name:ÉAggregate Hardware Test (= Alt-S A)

ÇTest Category:ÉSystem Tests

ÇDescription:ÉThe Aggregate Hardware Test measures the overall throughput
Éof the system hardware being tested. Subtests and their
Éweights include: total system memory, 20%; total expanded
Émemory, 10%; Aggregate CPU/Memory Test, 30%; Aggregate Disk
ÉDrive Test, 20%; Aggregate Video Dispay Test, 20%.

ÇWhen to Use:ÉUse this test to measure the ability of the system to
Éexecute operating system independent applications.

ÇTest Result:ÉPower Meter reports the result of this test in PMU's (Power
ÉMeter Units). Refer to the Introduction for more information
Éabout the PMU. This value is directly proportional to the
Écombined performance of all of the system components.

ÇOther Help Keys: Type Alt-S,-C,-D,-V,-B,-A,-H, or -U to display help menus
ÇTest Name:ÉSpreadsheet Simulation Test (= Alt-S S)

ÇTest Category:ÉSystem Tests

ÇDescription:ÉThis test measures system performance using a spreadsheet
Éapplication simulation. Subtests and their weights include:
Étotal system memory, 10%; total expanded memory, 5%;
ÉCharacter Write Test, 30%; Aggregate File I/O Test, 5%;
Écell address calculation, 20%; formula calculation 30%.

ÇWhen to Use:ÉUse this test to obtain an overall indication of the ability
Éof the system to execute spreadsheet applications.

ÇTest Result:ÉPower Meter reports the result of this test in PMU's (Power
ÉMeter Units). Refer to the Introduction for more information
Éabout the PMU. This value is directly proportional to the
Écombined performance of all of the system components.

ÇOther Help Keys: Type Alt-S,-C,-D,-V,-B,-A,-H, or -U to display help menus
ÇTest Name:ÉWord Processing Simulation Test (= Alt-S W)

ÇTest Category:ÉSystem Tests

ÇDescription:ÉThis test measures system performance using a word
Éprocessing application simulation. Subtests and their
Éweights include: total system memory, 10%; Character Write
ÉTest, 45%; string searching, 10%; Dhrystone CPU Test, 30%,
ÉAggregate File I/O Test, 5%.

ÇWhen to Use:ÉUse this test to obtain an overall indication of the ability
Éof the system to execute word processing applications.

ÇTest Result:ÉPower Meter reports the result of this test in PMU's (Power
ÉMeter Units). Refer to the Introduction for more information
Éabout the PMU. This value is directly proportional to the
Écombined performance of all of the system components.

ÇOther Help Keys: Type Alt-S,-C,-D,-V,-B,-A,-H, or -U to display help menus
ÇTest Name:ÉDatabase Simulation Test (= Alt-S D)

ÇTest Category:ÉSystem Tests

ÇDescription:ÉThis test measures system performance using a database
Éapplication simulation. Subtests and their weights include:
Étotal system memory, 20%; Character Write Test, 10%; MIPS
ÉTest, 20%; Aggregate File I/O Test, 35%; Sort Test, 15%.

ÇWhen to Use:ÉUse this test to obtain an overall indication of the ability
Éof the system to execute database applications.

ÇTest Result:ÉPower Meter reports the result of this test in PMU's (Power
ÉMeter Units). Refer to the Introduction for more information
Éabout the PMU. This value is directly proportional to the
Écombined performance of all of the system components.


ÇOther Help Keys: Type Alt-S,-C,-D,-V,-B,-A,-H, or -U to display help menus
ÇTest Name:ÉCAE/CAD (= Alt-S C)

ÇTest Category:ÉSystem Tests

ÇDescription:ÉThis test measures system performance using a CAE/CAD
Éapplication simulation. Subtests and their weights: total
Ésystem memory, 10%; pixel output test, 40%; Aggregate File
ÉI/O Test, 5%; Dhrystone Test, 15%; Whetstone Test, 30%.

ÇWhen to Use:ÉUse this test to obtain an overall indication of the ability
Éof the system to execute CAE/CAD applications. Note that
Éthis test requires a color adaptor. If the default video
Étest mode is a text mode, the highest graphic mode is used.

ÇTest Result:ÉPower Meter reports the result of this test in PMU's (Power
ÉMeter Units). Refer to the Introduction for more information
Éabout the PMU. Results vary directly with performance.

ÇOther Help Keys: Type Alt-S,-C,-D,-V,-B,-A,-H, or -U to display help menus
ÇTest Name:ÉThroughput Test (= Alt-S T)

ÇTest Category:ÉSystem Tests

ÇDescription:ÉThis test measures overall system performance by calculating
Éthe mean of the Spreadsheet, Word Processing, Database and
ÉCAE/CAD simulation tests. Note that this test uses DOS file-
Élevel disk I/O. Therefore, you should reboot the system
Ébeing tested prior to each execution of this test.

ÇWhen to Use:ÉUse this test to obtain an overall indication of the ability
Éof the system to execute diverse applications.

ÇTest Result:ÉPower Meter reports the result of this test in PMU's (Power
ÉMeter Units). Refer to the Introduction for more information
Éabout the PMU. This value is directly proportional to the
Écombined performance of all of the system components.

ÇOther Help Keys: Type Alt-S,-C,-D,-V,-B,-A,-H, or -U to display help menus
ÇTest Name:ÉUser-Provided Program Test (= Alt-S U)

ÇTest Category:ÉSystem Tests

ÇDescription:ÉThe User-Provided Program Test measures the overall
Éthroughput of the system being tested using a program or
ÉDOS system utility that you specify.

ÇWhen to Use:ÉUse this test to obtain an overall indication of the ability
Éof the system that you are testing to execute DOS commands
Éor programs that you provide. Note that because Power Meter
Émust remain resident in memory during this test, larger
ÉUser-Provided programs might not be testable.

ÇTest Result:ÉPower Meter reports the result of this test in seconds. This
Évalue is inversely proportional to the combined performance
Éof all of the system components being tested.

ÇOther Help Keys: Type Alt-S,-C,-D,-V,-B,-A,-H, or -U to display help menus
ÇTest Name:ÉAggregate CPU/Memory Test (= Alt-C A)

ÇTest Category:ÉCPU/Memory Tests

ÇDescription:ÉThe Aggregate CPU/Memory Test measures the overall
Éperformance of the CPU/Memory subsystem. Subtests and their
Éweights include: Dhrystone Test, 50%; Sieve Test, 40%;
ÉWhetstone Test, 10%.

ÇWhen to Use:ÉUse this test to obtain an indication of the overall
Épower of a CPU/Memory subsystem.

ÇTest Result:ÉPower Meter reports the result of this test in PMU's (Power
ÉMeter Units). Refer to the Introduction for more information
Éabout the PMU. This value is directly proportional to the
Écombined performance of all of the CPU/memory components.


ÇOther Help Keys: Type Alt-S,-C,-D,-V,-B,-A,-H, or -U to display help menus
ÇTest Name:ÉClock Speed Test (= Alt-C C)

ÇTest Category:ÉCPU/Memory Tests

ÇDescription:ÉThe Clock Speed Test measures the effective speed of the
Ésystem crystal that synchronizes the system clock.

ÇWhen to Use:ÉUse this test to obtain an accurate measure of the speed at
Éwhich the CPU (Central Processing Unit) is operating.

ÇTest Results:ÉPower Meter reports the results of this test in megahertz.
ÉThe value is directly proportional to the performance of
Éthe CPU being testing. Note that the IBM PC and PC/XT will
Éindicate speeds of less than 4.77 Mhz. This is due to the
Éinability of the 8088 CPU to process pipelined instructions
Éefficiently. For these systems the displayed result is the
É"effective" clock speed of the system.

ÇOther Help Keys: Type Alt-S,-C,-D,-V,-B,-A,-H, or -U to display help menus
ÇTest Name:ÉMIPS Test (= Alt-C M)

ÇTest Category:ÉCPU/Memory Tests

ÇDescription:ÉThe MIPS Test measures the number of instructions that the
ÉCPU/Memory subsystem can execute in one second.

ÇWhen to Use:ÉUse this test to obtain another indication of the power of
Éthe CPU/Memory subsystem. The MIPS rating is an often quoted
Ébut somewhat controversial estimate of computer performance.

ÇTest Result:ÉPower Meter reports the result of this test in MIPS or
ÉMillions of Instructions Per Second. The test executes the
ÉDhrystone Test, v1.1, the result of which is normalized
Éagainst the performance of the VAX 11/780 computer system.
ÉThe result of this test is directly proportional to the
Éperformance of the CPU/memory subsystem.

ÇOther Help Keys: Type Alt-S,-C,-D,-V,-B,-A,-H, or -U to display help menus
ÇTest Name:ÉDhrystone Test (= Alt-C D)

ÇTest Category:ÉCPU/Memory Tests

ÇDescription:ÉThe Dhrystone Test measures the time required for the
ÉCPU/memory subsystem to execute the traditional Dhrystone
Étest algorithms which execute a complex, balanced mix of
ÉCPU instructions. The Dhrystone version used is V1.1.

ÇWhen to Use:ÉUse this test to obtain a measurement of system's ability to
Édo a wide variety of CPU-intensive computations including
Éthose used in statistics, commercial data processing, word
Éprocessing, spreadsheet applications, and so forth.

ÇTest Result:ÉPower Meter reports the result of this test in thousands of
ÉDhrystones per second. This value is directly proportional
Éto the performance of the CPU/memory subsystem.

ÇOther Help Keys: Type Alt-S,-C,-D,-V,-B,-A,-H, or -U to display help menus
ÇTest Name:ÉWhetstone Test (= Alt-C W)

ÇTest Category:ÉCPU/Memory Tests

ÇDescription:ÉThe Whetstone Test measures the time required for the
ÉCPU/memory subsystem to execute the traditional test for
Éperforming floating-point arithmetic.

ÇWhen to Use:ÉUse this test to obtain a measurement of the system's
Éability to do CPU-intensive floating-point calculations. If
Éthe system has a floating-point processor (FPP), then this
Étest will execute much faster. Note that this test can take
Équite a long time to execute without an FPP.

ÇTest Result:ÉPower Meter reports the result of this test is KWhets/Sec.
É(thousands of Whetstones per second). This value is directly
Éproportional to the performance of the CPU/memory subsystem.

ÇOther Help Keys: Type Alt-S,-C,-D,-V,-B,-A,-H, or -U to display help menus
ÇTest Name:ÉSieve Test (= Alt-C S)

ÇTest Category:ÉCPU/Memory Tests

ÇDescription:ÉThe Sieve Test measures the time required for the CPU/memory
Ésubsystem to execute the traditional Sieve of Erastosthenes
Éalgorithm which calculates a predetermined series of
Éprime numbers.

ÇWhen to Use:ÉUse this test to obtain a measurement of system's ability to
Édo CPU-intensive integer calculations such as those
Éencountered while maintaining business ledgers.

ÇTest Result:ÉPower Meter reports the result of this test in seconds. This
Évalue is inversely proportional to the performance of the
ÉCPU/memory subsystem.


ÇOther Help Keys: Type Alt-S,-C,-D,-V,-B,-A,-H, or -U to display help menus
ÇTest Name:ÉExpanded Memory Test (= Alt-C E)

ÇTest Category:ÉCPU/Memory Tests

ÇDescription:ÉThe Expanded Memory Test measures the time required for the
ÉCPU/memory subsystem to read and write 512 byte blocks of
Édata on "above board" memory devices.

ÇWhen to Use:ÉUse this test to obtain a measurement of the performance of
Ésystem memory above the traditional 640Kb DOS memory
Éboundary. This test can be quite informative since the
Éperformance of expanded memory devices can be slower than
Éthat of main memory due to memory addressing.

ÇTest Result:ÉPower Meter reports the result of this test in seconds. This
Évalue is inversely proportional to the performance of the
Émemory subsystem being tested.

ÇOther Help Keys: Type Alt-S,-C,-D,-V,-B,-A,-H, or -U to display help menus
ÇTest Name:ÉAggregate Disk Drive Test (= Alt-D A)

ÇTest Category:ÉDisk Drive Tests

ÇDescription:ÉThe Aggregate Disk Drive Test measures the overall
Éperformance of the disk drive subsystem. Subtests and their
Éweights include: Sequential Seek Test, 20%; Random Seek
ÉTest, 30%; Data Transfer Rate Test; 50%.

ÇWhen to Use:ÉUse this test to obtain an indication of the overall
Éspeed of a disk drive subsystem.

ÇTest Result:ÉPower Meter reports the result of this test in PMU's (Power
ÉMeter Units). Refer to the Introduction for more information
Éabout the PMU. This value is directly proportional to the
Écombined performance of the disk drive subsystem. This test
Édoes not include the DOS file-level I/O tests.

ÇOther Help Keys: Type Alt-S,-C,-D,-V,-B,-A,-H, or -U to display help menus
ÇTest Name:ÉTrack-to-Track (Sequential) Seek Test (= Alt-D T)

ÇTest Category:ÉDisk Drive Tests

ÇDescription:ÉThe Track-to-Track Seek Test measures the time required for
Éthe disk drive to move the drive head from one track
Éto an adjacent (contiguous) track on the recording surface.

ÇWhen to Use:ÉUse this test to obtain performance information about the
Éefficiency of a disk drive when the information on the disk
Éis well organized; that is, is in contiguous (sequential
Éand adjacent) cylinders. A well maintained disk will have a
Élarge percentage of contiguous cylinders within most files.

ÇTest Result:ÉPower Meter reports the result of this test in milliseconds
Éper seek. This value is inversely proportional to the
Éperformance of the disk drive subsystem being tested.

ÇOther Help Keys: Type Alt-S,-C,-D,-V,-B,-A,-H, or -U to display help menus
ÇTest Name:ÉMean (Random or Average) Seek Test (= Alt-D M)

ÇTest Category:ÉDisk Drive Tests

ÇDescription:ÉThe Mean Seek Test measures the time required for the
Éspecified disk drive to move the disk drive head to and from
Érandom positions on the disk recording surface. This is
Éaccomplished by moving the heads across one-third of the
Écylinders, simulating true random access.

ÇWhen to Use:ÉUse this test to obtain performance information about the
Éefficiency of a disk drive when the information on the disk
Éis randomly organized.

ÇTest Result:ÉPower Meter reports the result of this test in milliseconds
Éper seek. This value is inversely proportional to the
Éperformance of the disk drive subsystem being tested.

ÇOther Help Keys: Type Alt-S,-C,-D,-V,-B,-A,-H, or -U to display help menus
ÇTest Name:ÉData Transfer Rate Test (= Alt-D D)

ÇTest Category:ÉDisk Drive Tests

ÇDescription:ÉThe Data Transfer Rate Test measures the time required for
Éa disk drive subsystem to read a predetermined number of
Éblocks of data from the disk recording surface.

ÇWhen to Use:ÉUse this test to obtain performance information about the
Éefficiency of the non-mechanical (electronic) aspects of
Édisk drive performance.

ÇTest Result:ÉPower Meter reports the result of this test in Kb/Sec.
É(thousands of bytes per second). This value is directly
Éproportional to the performance of the disk drive subsystem
Ébeing tested.


ÇOther Help Keys: Type Alt-S,-C,-D,-V,-B,-A,-H, or -U to display help menus
ÇTest Name:ÉFile Open/Close Test (= Alt-D O)

ÇTest Category:ÉDisk Drive Tests

ÇDescription:ÉThe File Open/Close Test measures the time required for
ÉDOS to execute the following file operations: create a file,
Éopen the file, close the file, and delete the file.

ÇWhen to Use:ÉUse this test to obtain performance information about the
Éefficiency of the disk drive subsystem in conjunction with
Éthe DOS operating system and any optimization software
Éand/or hardware. Note that this test is sensitive to the
Édegree of fragmentation of the disk being tested.

ÇTest Result:ÉPower Meter reports the result of this test in seconds.
ÉThis value is inversely proportional to the performance of
Éthe disk drive subsystem being tested.

ÇOther Help Keys: Type Alt-S,-C,-D,-V,-B,-A,-H, or -U to display help menus
ÇTest Name:ÉSequential File I/O Test (= Alt-D S)

ÇTest Category:ÉDisk Drive Tests

ÇDescription:ÉThe Sequential File I/O Test measures the time required for
ÉDOS to sequentially read and write 512 byte records to and
Éfrom a disk drive subsystem using a 20:1 read/write ratio.

ÇWhen to Use:ÉUse this test to obtain performance information about the
Éefficiency of the disk drive subsystem in conjunction with
Éthe operating system and any optimization software and/or
Éhardware. This test is sensitive disk fragmentation. We
Érecommend rebooting the system prior to executing this test.

ÇTest Result:ÉPower Meter reports the result of this test in seconds.
ÉThis value is inversely proportional to the performance of
Éthe disk drive subsystem being tested.

ÇOther Help Keys: Type Alt-S,-C,-D,-V,-B,-A,-H, or -U to display help menus
ÇTest Name:ÉRandom File I/O Test (= Alt-D R)

ÇTest Category:ÉDisk Drive Tests

ÇDescription:ÉThe Random File I/O Test measures the time required for DOS
Éto randomly read and write 512 byte records to and from a
Édisk drive subsystem using a 20:1 read/write ratio.

ÇWhen to Use:ÉUse this test to obtain performance information about the
Éefficiency of the disk drive in conjunction with the DOS
Éoperating system and any optimization software and/or
Éhardware. This test is sensitive disk fragmentation. We
Érecommend rebooting the system prior to executing this test.

ÇTest Result:ÉPower Meter reports the result of this test in seconds.
ÉThis value is inversely proportional to the performance of
Éthe disk drive subsystem being tested.

ÇOther Help Keys: Type Alt-S,-C,-D,-V,-B,-A,-H, or -U to display help menus
ÇTest Name:ÉAggregate Video Display Test (= Alt-V A)

ÇTest Category:ÉVideo Display Tests

ÇDescription:ÉThe Aggregate Video Display Test measures the overall
Éperformance of the video display subsystem. Subtests and
Étheir weights include: in text mode: character output and
Éscrolling: 100%; in graphic mode: character output and
Éscrolling 50%; pixel output, 50%.

ÇWhen to Use:ÉUse this test to obtain an indication of the overall
Épower of a video display subsystem.

ÇTest Result:ÉPower Meter reports the result of this test in PMU's (Power
ÉMeter Units). Refer to the Introduction for more information
Éon the PMU. This value is directly proportional to the
Écombined performance of the video display subsystem.

ÇOther Help Keys: Type Alt-S,-C,-D,-V,-B,-A,-H, or -U to display help menus
ÇTest Name:ÉCharacter Write Test (= Alt-V C)

ÇTest Category:ÉVideo Display Tests

ÇDescription:ÉThe Character Write Test measures the time required for the
Évideo display subsystem to display and scroll fully and
Épartially-windowed screens of character data.

ÇWhen to Use:ÉUse this test to obtain performance information about the
Écharacter-oriented display speed of your video subsystem.

ÇTest Result:ÉPower Meter reports the result of this test in seconds. This
Évalue is inversely proportional to the performance of the
Évideo display subsystem being tested. If a color display
Ésubsystem is being tested, then the test results will be
Éaffected by the video display resolution. Use the Parameters
ÉUtility (F6 key) to select the resolution for each test.

ÇOther Help Keys: Type Alt-S,-C,-D,-V,-B,-A,-H, or -U to display help menus
ÇTest Name:ÉLine Drawing Test (= Alt-V L)

ÇTest Category:ÉVideo Display Tests

ÇDescription:ÉThe Line Drawing Test measures the time required for the
Évideo display subsystem to draw several sets of graphic
Éobjects on your display screen using line segments.

ÇWhen to Use:ÉUse this test to obtain performance information about the
Égraphic-mode display efficiency of your video subsystem.

ÇTest Result:ÉPower Meter reports the result of this test in seconds. This
Évalue is inversely proportional to the performance of the
Évideo display subsystem being tested. Test results are
Éaffected by video display resolution. Use the Parameters
ÉUtility (F6 key) to select the desired video display
Éresolution.

ÇOther Help Keys: Type Alt-S,-C,-D,-V,-B,-A,-H, or -U to display help menus
ÇTest Name:ÉArea Fill Test (= Alt-V A)

ÇTest Category:ÉVideo Display Tests

ÇDescription:ÉThe Area Fill Test measures the time required for the
Évideo display subsystem to fill several sets of objects
Éthat are displayed on your screen.

ÇWhen to Use:ÉUse this test to obtain performance information about the
Égraphic-mode display efficiency of your video subsystem.

ÇTest Result:ÉPower Meter reports the result of this test in seconds. This
Évalue is inversely proportional to the performance of the
Évideo display subsystem being tested. Test results are
Éaffected by video display resolution. Use the Parameters
ÉUtility (F6 key) to select the desired video display
Éresolution.

ÇOther Help Keys: Type Alt-S,-C,-D,-V,-B,-A,-H, or -U to display help menus
ÇTest Name:ÉVisual Quality Test (= Alt-V V)

ÇTest Category:ÉVideo Display Tests

ÇDescription:ÉThe Visual Quality Test is a qualitative test of the video
Édisplay subsystem.

ÇWhen to Use:ÉThis test is provided for those who are interested in the
Évisual quality of video display subsystems. Results of
Éthis test cannot be saved since quantitative measurements
Éare not obtained.

ÇTest Results:ÉPower Meter does not report test results for this test.
ÉTests in this category include color alignment, character
Équality, character alignment, convergence and linearity.
ÉAfter each test is executed, you will be asked to press any
Ékey to continue to the next test.

ÇOther Help Keys: Type Alt-S,-C,-D,-V,-B,-A,-H, or -U to display help menus
ÇTest Name:ÉDuration Test (For Laptop Computers) (= Alt-B D)

ÇTest Category:ÉBattery Tests

ÇDescription:ÉThe Duration Test measures the length of time that the
Ébattery power supply can provide continuous power.

ÇWhen to Use:ÉUse this test to determine whether the battery power supply
Éis sufficient for your specific needs, or to compare battery
Éduration across several machines.

ÇTest Result:ÉPower Meter reports the result of this test in total time.
ÉThis value is directly proportional to the performance of
Éthe battery subsystem being tested. Note that the column
Éheaded 'F' indicates whether the test ran to completion
Éwithout running down the battery (Y), or whether the
Ébattery ran down completely (N).

ÇOther Help Keys: Type Alt-S,-C,-D,-V,-B,-A,-H, or -U to display help menus
ÇAuto Command:ÉExecute (= Alt-A E)

ÇDescription:ÉThe Execute Command enables you to perform unattended Power
ÉMeter testing. After selecting the tests that you want to
Éexecute using the Autoexecute Select Command, you select
Éthe Execute Command by either typing the letter "E" or by
Épositioning the menu bar cursor to the Execute menu item.
ÉThen press the Enter key to begin testing.

ÇResults:ÉDuring test execution you can pause by typing any key when
Éthe Pause message in displayed in the Message Window at the
Ébottom of this screen. After all tests are completed, Power
ÉMeter will return to the Autoexecute Screen and signal that
Éthe tests are completed. The Tests Completed Window on this
Éscreen will indicate which tests have been executed.



ÇOther Help Keys: Type Alt-S,-C,-D,-V,-B,-A,-H, or -U to display help menus
ÇAuto Command:ÉSelect (= Alt-A S)

ÇDescription:ÉThe Select Command enables you to select (actually deselect
Éand reselect) the tests that you want Power Meter to
Éautomatically execute using the Execute Command. When you
Éfirst invoke the Autoexecute System, Power Meter resets the
Étests in the Tests Selected Window to All Tests Selected.
ÉAfter selecting the Select menu item and pressing the Enter
Ékey, you use the space bar to toggle the Test Selected
ÉIndicator (next to each test item) on and off. Use the cursor
Épositioning keys to move among the items to be deselected
Éand reselected.

ÇResults:ÉAfter selecting the tests to be executed, type the Esc key
Éto return the the Autoexecute Menu Bar. Note that the tests
Éthat you have selected to be executed will be indicated
Éas selected in the Tests Selected Window.

ÇOther Help Keys: Type Alt-S,-C,-D,-V,-B,-A,-H, or -U to display help menus
ÇAuto Command:ÉReset (= Alt-A R)

ÇDescription:ÉThe Reset Command enables you to restore the Test Selected
ÉIndicators to their default settings. The default settings
Éat the startup of Power Meter are all tests selected. This
Édefault condition is displayed in the Tests Selected Window
Éof the Autexecute Screen.

ÇResults:ÉAfter invoking the Reset Command, all indicators will be
É"on", that is, will be displayed.








ÇOther Help Keys: Type Alt-S,-C,-D,-V,-B,-A,-H, or -U to display help menus
ÇHelp System:ÉThe Power Meter Help System, Page 1

ÇPower Meter has a powerful Help System that is available to you at all
Çtimes. This Help System provides both context-sensitive and context-
Çindependent help.

ÇContext-sensitive help is help that is dependent upon (sensitive to) your
Çcurrent Power Meter context. For example, if you press the F1 while a test
Çscreen is being displayed with an active menu bar, Power Meter will
Çimmediately display help for the item on the menu bar that is highlighted
Çby the cursor.

ÇContext-independent help is help that is not sensitive to or determined by
Çyour current Power Meter context. For example, if you want to read the
ÇIntroduction to Power Meter, you would move from your current context to
Çthe pull-down Help Menu and select the Introduction item from that menu.


ÇOther Help Keys: Type Alt-S,-C,-D,-V,-B,-A,-H, or -U to display help menus
ÇHelp System:ÉKey Assignments and Commands, Page 1

ÇPower Meter's utilities and tests are controlled by a variety of key
Çcommands. You can get help with many of these commands by refering to the
ÇMessage Window. When Help information is being displayed, you will also
Çfind additional key command information at the bottom of the Main Window.

ÇUtility Key Commands¼Alt Key Commands
Ç------------------------------------------¼---------------------------
ÇF1 = HelpûF6 = Paramters¼Alt S = System Tests Menu
ÇF2 = SelectûF7 = Report¼Alt C = CPU/Memory Tests Menu
ÇF3 = CalibrateûF8 = Sort¼Alt D = Disk Drive Tests Menu
ÇF4 = DatabaseûF9 = Browse¼Alt V = Video Display Tests Menu
ÇF5 = DescribeûF10= Save¼Alt B = Battery Test Menu
¼Alt A = Auto Execute Menu
¼Alt H = Help Menu
¼Alt U = Utilities Menu

ÇOther Help Keys: Type Alt-S,-C,-D,-V,-B,-A,-H, or -U to display help menus
ÇHelp System:ÉIntroduction to Power Meter, Page 1

ÇFeatures and Benefits

ÇPower Meter is a powerful software utility for IBM and compatible personal
Çcomputer systems that enables you to measure and compare overall system
Çperformance as well as the performance of the CPU/memory, disk drive, video
Çdisplay and battery power subsystems.

ÇPerhaps the most important benefit of Power Meter is that it enables you to
Çcompare test results simultaneously across many systems and components. Test
Çresults alone are not enough if they cannot be compared quickly in order to
Çmake timely hardware purchasing decisions. Power Meter's integrated menu and
Çhelp systems, tests, utilities, and database of test results provide the
Çtools that you need to make those tough decisions.

ü* IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corp.

ÇOther Help Keys: Type Alt-S,-C,-D,-V,-B,-A,-H, or -U to display help menus
ÇHelp System:ÆRelease Notes, Version 1.5, Page 1

ÇNew Feature in Version 1.5

ÇIn response to numerous requests, Version 1.5 of Power Meter includes new
Çfeatures that increase testing capabilities of Power Meter.

àoêSystem Throughput Test: This new test measures the overall
êperformance of a system INCLUDING the effects of DOS file-level
êdisk I/O. Suggestion: Reboot prior to each execution of this test.

àoêClock Speed Test: This new test measures the effective speed of the
êsystem crystal that synchronizes the system clock.

àoêDhrystone Test: This new test measures the speed of the CPU/Memory
êsubsystem to execute a standard balanced mix of instructions. This
êpopular test is used in the MIPS test.

ÇOther Help Keys: Type Alt-S,-C,-D,-V,-B,-A,-H, or -U to display help menus
ÇHelp System:ÉDiagSoft Support Services

ÇUsers of Power Meter can obtain several support services from DiagSoft's
ÇCustomer Support Program. The services provided by this program require
Çthat you be a registered user of Power Meter.

ÇProductÉFor a modest fee, you can obtain a periodic update of Power
ÇUpdateÉMeter and Power Meter's database of Certified Test Results.
ÇServiceÉRefer to the Ordering Help Menu item for additional details.

ÇProductÉFor a nominal fee, registered users of Power Meter can
ÇReplacementÉobtain replacements for damaged or defective products.
ÇServiceÉRefer to the Ordering Help Menu item for additional details.

ÇProductÉVendors who want to have their PC compatible hardware tested
ÇCertificationÉand certified by DiagSoft staff should contact DiagSoft
ÇProgramÉfor additional information.

ÇOther Help Keys: Type Alt-S,-C,-D,-V,-B,-A,-H, or -U to display help menus
ÇHelp System:ÉOrdering Information

ÇThe following Power Meter products and services are currently available.
ÇTo order these products or request additional information, please contact:

ÿDiagSoft, Inc.,
ÿ5615 Scotts Valley Drive, Suite 140
ÿScotts Valley, CA½95066
ÿTelephone: (408) 438-8247
ÿFAX:ú(408) 438-7113

ÇItem No.ïDescription
Ç--------ï-----------------------------------------------------------------
ÇPM15NPR5ïPower Meter distribution kit, 5-1/4" or 3-1/2"
ÇPM15USR0ïProduct upgrade for registered users (one time only)
ÇPM15RDR0ïReplacement diskette (return diskette required)
ÇPM15PC01ïPseudocode of all of the Power Meter tests

ÇOther Help Keys: Type Alt-S,-C,-D,-V,-B,-A,-H, or -U to display help menus
ÇUtility Name:ÉHelpû(the F1 key)

ÇDescription:ÉThe Help Utility provides you with context-sensitive Help at
Éany time while running Power Meter. You can enter Help by
Étyping the F1 key. Once within Help, use the Cursor movement
Ékeys -- Cursor Up, Cursor Down, Page Up, Page Down, Cursor
ÉLeft, Cursor Right, Home and End -- and the Enter and Esc
Ékeys to move among the Help screens. Type the F1 key to exit
ÉHelp and return to your previous context. Other key commands
Éthat can be especially useful in Help include:

ÇKey CommandôAction Taken by Power Meter
Ç-----------------ô---------------------------------------------------------
ÇAlt-HôPlaces you immediately within the Help System Menu.
ÇCtl-EnterôExits Help at the context of the current Help screen.
ÇEsc[ape]ôBacks up one level in the Help System heirarchy.
ÇPage Up/DownôFor some Help Menu items, displays the next screen.

ÇOther Help Keys: Type Alt-S,-C,-D,-V,-B,-A,-H, or -U to display help menus
ÇUtility Name:ÉSelectÿ(the F2 key)

ÇDescription:ÉThe Select Utility allows you to choose which previously
Étested systems and components will be compared with the
ÉReference System or Component. Place an 'x' beside systems
Éyou wish to be compared. Place an 'h' or 'f' beside disk
Édrives you wish to be compared when the Reference Drive is
Éa hard or floppy drive respectively, or an 'x' to indicate
Éalways compare. Other key commands include:

ÇKey CommandôAction Taken by Power Meter
Ç-----------------ô---------------------------------------------------------
ÇEnterôDisplays configuration screen for the highlighted system.
ÇDel[ete]ôDeselects the system or disk drive.
ÇSpace BarôToggles the select/deselect values ('x','f','h', blank).
ÇCursor keysôPosition to systems or disk drives to be selected.
ÇEsc[ape]ôExit to previous context.

ÇOther Help Keys: Type Alt-S,-C,-D,-V,-B,-A,-H, or -U to display help menus
ÇUtility Name:ÉCalibrate¢(the F3 key)

ÇDescription:ÉThe Calibrate Utility enables you to change the Reference
ÉSystem (top area of test screens) against which Selected
ÉSystems (bottom area of the test screens) are compared. The
Édefault Reference System is the Current System. To have a
Épreviously tested system switch places with the Refernce
ÉSystem, position the cursor over the desired system in the
ÉSelected Systems Area and press Enter. Since the Current
ÉSystem is now displayed in the Selected Systems Area, an '*'
Éis placed beside it for easy reference. The Reference System
Éreverts to the Current System upon exiting a test category.

ÇKey CommandôAction Taken by Power Meter
Ç-----------------ô---------------------------------------------------------
ÇCursor keysôPosition to a system on the Selected System List.
ÇEnterôSelects a system as the current Reference System.

ÇOther Help Keys: Type Alt-S,-C,-D,-V,-B,-A,-H, or -U to display help menus
ÇUtility Name:ÉDatabaseÜ(the F4 key)

ÇDescription:ÉThe Database Utility enables you to specify the location
Éof Power Meter's database files (PMDB.DAT and PMINDEX.DAT).
ÉAt startup, Power Meter reads the file PMSETUP.DAT to
Édetermine the initial location for these files. If the
ÉPMSETUP.DAT file is not found, or the default file and path
Éare left blank, Power Meter will use the current default
ÉDOS directory instead. Whenever you specify a new location
Éfor the database files, Power Meter prompts you whether you
Éwish this location to become the default at startup.

ÇKey CommandôAction Taken by Power Meter
Ç-----------------ô---------------------------------------------------------
ÇEnterôAdvances to the next field/screen; terminates data entry.
ÇCursor keysôMove between the specified drive and path to make edits.
ÇDel[ete]ôDeletes the character to the left of the cursor.

ÇOther Help Keys: Type Alt-S,-C,-D,-V,-B,-A,-H, or -U to display help menus
ÇUtility Name:ÉDescribeÜ(the F5 key)

ÇDescription:ÉThe Describe Utility enables you to enter detailed
Éinformation about the system and components that you are
Étesting. Portions of this information are then displayed
Éduring testing. All of the information that you enter is
Éalso accessible using the Browse and Select Utilities, and
Éappears on certain standard reports. Some of the key
Écommands available during data entry include:

ÇKey CommandôAction Taken by Power Meter
Ç-----------------ô---------------------------------------------------------
ÇCtl-Cursor RightôAdvance to the end of the field, or to the next field
ÇCtl-Cursor LeftôBack up to the start of the field, or the previous field
ÇTab / Shift-TabôAdvance / back up cursor by one word.
ÇEnterôAdvances to next field; terminates data entry in a field.
ÇCtl-EndôDelete to the end of the field.

ÇOther Help Keys: Type Alt-S,-C,-D,-V,-B,-A,-H, or -U to display help menus
ÇUtility Name:ÉParameters£(the F6 key)

ÇDescription:ÉThe Parameters Utility enables you to choose which disk
Édrive and/or video display mode will be utilized during
Étesting.ÜUpon invoking this utility, Power Meter displays
Étwo floating menus side by side: the Selected Disk Drive
ÉMenu and the Video Test Mode Menu. When you are selecting
Éfrom the Disk Drive Menu, an asterisk (*) is placed beside
Éthe current default in the Video Test Mode Menu, and vice
Éversa. Use the following keys to select from these menus:

ÇKey CommandôAction Taken by Power Meter
Ç-----------------ô---------------------------------------------------------
ÇCursor Right/LeftôSelect which menu is the active menu.
ÇCursor Up/DownôPosition to items within the active menu.
ÇSpace BarôAdvance to the next item on the menu (= Cursor Down).
ÇEnterôSelect the item currently designated by the menu cursor.

ÇOther Help Keys: Type Alt-S,-C,-D,-V,-B,-A,-H, or -U to display help menus
ÇUtility Name:ÉReportÿ(the F7 key)

ÇDescription:ÉThe Report Utility enables you to print standard reports.
ÉUse the cursor keys to position to the desired report on
Éthe Report Menu and press Enter. Then specify whether the
Éoutput is to go to a file or the printer. If you choose a
Éfile you may enter the drive and path. If you choose the
Éprinter, you will be asked to position the paper.
ÉType the Esc key to halt printing.

ÇThe available reports are:

ÇDISPLAYED TEST RESULTS - all of the selected results for the current test
ÇTEST CATEGORY RESULTSù- the results of all tests in the current category
ÇCURRENT CONFIGURATIONù- all informtion collected on the Current System
ÇSAVED CONFIGURATIONù- as above but for a previously tested system
ÇLIST OF SAVED SYSTEMSù- a listing of all systems saved in the database.

ÇOther Help Keys: Type Alt-S,-C,-D,-V,-B,-A,-H, or -U to display help menus
ÇUtility Name:ÉSortû(the F8 key)

ÇDescription:ÉThe Sort Utility enables you to sort the records that are
Édisplayed in the Selected Systems Area of the currently
Édisplayed test screen. After invoking this utility, a
Éfloating menu is displayed that enables you to select the
Éfield to sort on. After selecting a field, another menu is
Édisplayed that enables you to select whether you want the
Érecords sorted in ascending or descending order. Use the
Éfollowing key commands to control the Sort Utility:

ÇKey CommandôAction Taken by Power Meter
Ç-----------------ô---------------------------------------------------------
ÇCursor Up/DownôPosition to items within the active menu.
ÇSpace BarôAdvance to the next item on the menu (= Cursor Down).
ÇEnterôSelect the item currently designated by the menu cursor.
ÇlettersôChoose the corresponding item from the current menu

ÇOther Help Keys: Type Alt-S,-C,-D,-V,-B,-A,-H, or -U to display help menus
ÇUtility Name:ÉBrowseÿ(the F9 key)

ÇDescription:ÉThe Browse Utility enables you to review and maintain the
Écontents of your Test Results Database. After invoking this
Éutility, a list of all of the saved systems is displayed.
ÉUse the cursor keys to move to a system that you want to
Éreview or change.úPress Enter to bring up the Describe
ÉForm for the system, and then either PgUp or PgDn to scroll
Éthrough the Configuration Information/Tests Completed Screen
Éand Test Results screens. Or press the Del key if you
Éwish to delete it from the database. You will be asked to
Éconfirm the deletion. Other keys you can utilize are:

ÇKey CommandôAction Taken by Power Meter
Ç-----------------ô---------------------------------------------------------
ÇCursor Up/DownôSelect items within the Browse List or Describe Form.
ÇPage Up/DownôScroll through the systems list; change Browse screens.

ÇOther Help Keys: Type Alt-S,-C,-D,-V,-B,-A,-H, or -U to display help menus
ÇUtility Name:ÉSaveû(the F10 key)

ÇDescription:ÉThe Save Utility enables you to save your current test
Éresults. If you have not already provided Power Meter with
Éa System ID for the current system, Power Meter will request
Éthat you do so before allowing you to save the results. We
Érecommend that you take backups of your database files
É(PMDB.DAT and PMINDEX.DAT) after leaving Power Meter, to
Éprotect against accidental erasure or corruption.
ÉUse the following keys to control the Save Utility:

ÇKey CommandôAction Taken by Power Meter
Ç-----------------ô---------------------------------------------------------
ÇCursor keysôMove within the System Identification Form for editing.
ÇCursor Up/DownôPosition to items within the System Identification Form.
ÇEnterôExits from a field within the System Identification Form.
ÇDel[ete]ôDeletes the character to the left of the cursor.

ÇOther Help Keys: Type Alt-S,-C,-D,-V,-B,-A,-H, or -U to display help menus
ÇItem Name:ÉQuit

ÇDescription:ÉThe Yes menu item on the Quit menu is provided in order for
Éyou to confirm that you want to exit from Power Meter.

ÉIf you have executed one or more tests since starting Power
ÉMeter and have not saved the results of those tests, Power
Émeter will ask if you want to save your test results. If you
Édo want to save them but have not yet entered a System ID
Éfor your current system, Power Meter will request that you
Éprovide a System ID before you exit. Use the editing keys to
Éselect menu items and to perform data entry.

ÉWe recommend that you take frequent backups of your database
Éfiles (PMDB.DAT and PMINDEX.DAT) in case of unintentional
Éerasure or corruption. These files must always be backed up
Éand restored together.

ÇOther Help Keys: Type Alt-S,-C,-D,-V,-B,-A,-H, or -U to display help menus
ÇItem Name:ÉEsc and Quit

ÇDescription:ÉPower Meter provides several ways for you to exit from
Éscreens. When within the Help or Menu Systems, Esc[ape] and
É'Q' are equivalent, and move you up one level in the menu
Éheirarchy, or to the Quit item if you are already at the
Étop level (i.e. the Main Menu Bar). In other contexts
É(particularly while executing Utilities) the Esc[ape] key is
Éused to back you up in your current context and eventually
Éout of the Utility altogether. Selecting the Quit item from
Éthe Main Menu Bar will terminate the test session, after
Éfirst prompting whether or not you wish to save any changes.

ÉIt is important to notice that when you are within the Help
ÉSystem, the F1 key will return you back to the context you
Éwere in prior to requesting Help. (Esc[ape] moves you up one
Élevel in the Test/Help Menu Heirarchy.)

ÇOther Help Keys: Type Alt-S,-C,-D,-V,-B,-A,-H, or -U to display help menus
ÇHelp System:æSystem Tests Menuñ(= Alt-S)

ÇAggregate Test:æMeasures overall hardware performance simulating multiple
æsystem applications. (= Alt-S A)
ÇSpreadsheet:æMeasures overall system performance using a spreadsheet
æapplication simulation. (= Alt-S S)
ÇWord Proc:æMeasures overall system performance using a word processing
æapplication simulation. (= Alt-S W)
ÇDatabase:æMeasures overall system performance using a database
æmanagement application simulation. (= Alt-S D)
ÇCAE/CAD:æMeasures overall system performance using a Computer Aided
æEngineering/Design application simulation. (= Alt-S C)
ÇThroughput:æMeasures overall system performance by calculating the mean
æof all system simulation tests. (= Alt-S T)
ÇUser Program:æMeasures overall system performance using a user-provided
æsoftware application or DOS utility. (= Alt-S U)
ÇEsc:æReturn to the Configuration Information Help Screen.

ÇOther Help Keys: Type Alt-S,-C,-D,-V,-B,-A,-H, or -U to display help menus
ÇHelp System:æCPU/Memory Tests Menu¿(= Alt-C)

ÇAggregate Test:æMeasures the overall performance of the CPU/memory
æsubsystem for general purpose comparisons. (= Alt-C A)
ÇClock Speed:æMeasures the effective speed of the system crystal that
æsynchronizes the system clock. (= Alt-C C)
ÇDhrystone Test:æMeasures CPU speed using a balanced set of instructions.
æA popular test used in the MIPS test. (= Alt-C D)
ÇMIPS Test:æMeasures CPU execution speed in Millions of Instructions
æPer Second (MIPS). (= Alt-C M)
ÇWhetstone Test:æMeasures CPU (and optional Floating Point Processor) speed
æfor floating point calculations. (= Alt-C W)
ÇSieve Test:æMeasures CPU speed for integer calculations using the Sieve
æof Aristosthenes. (= Alt-C S)
ÇExpanded Memory: Measures the speed of storing and retrieving blocks of data
æto and from "above board" memory. (= Alt-C E)
ÇEsc:æReturn to the Configuration Information Help Screen.

ÇOther Help Keys: Type Alt-S,-C,-D,-V,-B,-A,-H, or -U to display help menus
ÇHelp System:æDisk Drive Tests Menu¿(= Alt-D)

ÇAggregate Test:æMeasures the overall performance of the disk drive
æsubsystem for general purpose comparisons. (= Alt-D A)
ÇTrk-Trk Seek:æMeasures the time required to move the disk drive head
æacross adjacent (contiguous) tracks. (= Alt-D T)
ÇMean Seek:æMeasures the time required to move the disk drive head
æacross random tracks. (= Alt-D M)
ÇData Xfer Rate:æMeasures the rate at which data is transferred from the
ædisk (excluding head positioning time). (= Alt-D D)
ÇFile Open/Cls:æMeasures the time required to perform file creation,
æopen, close and deletion operations. (= Alt-D F)
ÇSeq. File I/O:æMeasures the time required to sequentially read and write
ærecords using a 20:1 read/write ratio. (= Alt-D S)
ÇRand. File I/O:æMeasures the time required to randomly read and write
ærecords using a 20:1 read/write ratio. (= Alt-D R)
ÇEsc:æReturn to the Configuration Information Help Screen.

ÇOther Help Keys: Type Alt-S,-C,-D,-V,-B,-A,-H, or -U to display help menus
ÇHelp System:æVideo Display Tests Menu½(= Alt-V)

ÇAggregate Test:æMeasures the overall performance of the video display
æsubsystem for general purpose comparisons. (= Alt-V A)

ÇCharacter Write: Measures the time required for the system to display and
æscroll full screens of data. (= Alt-V C)

ÇLine Drawing:æMeasures the time required for the system to draw several
æsets of graphic objects using line segments. (= Alt-V L)

ÇArea Fill:æMeasures the time required for the system to fill a set of
ægraphic objects. (= Alt-V A)

ÇVisual Tests:æProvides qualitative video display tests. (= Alt-V V)

ÇEsc:æReturn to the Configuration Information Help Screen.

ÇOther Help Keys: Type Alt-S,-C,-D,-V,-B,-A,-H, or -U to display help menus
ÇHelp System:æBattery Tests Menu (= Alt-B)

ÇDuration Test:æMeasures the length of time that the battery can provide
æcontinuous power. (= Alt-B D)

ÇEsc:æReturn to the Configuration Information Help Screen.












ÇOther Help Keys: Type Alt-S,-C,-D,-V,-B,-A,-H, or -U to display help menus
ÇHelp System:æAutoexec Menuá(= Alt-A)

ÇExecute Tests:æBegins execution of the tests that you have selected
æusing the Select menu item. (= Alt-A E)

ÇSelect Tests:æUse the space bar and cursor movement keys to deselect
æand reselect tests to be executed. (= Alt-A S)

ÇReset Tests:æResets the items in the Tests Selected Window to the
æcurrent default (all tests selected). (= Alt=A S)

ÇEsc:æReturn to the Configuration Information Help Screen.






ÇOther Help Keys: Type Alt-S,-C,-D,-V,-B,-A,-H, or -U to display help menus
ÇHelp System:æThe Help Menuá(= Alt-H)

ÇEnter Help:æEnables you to page through several screens of text
Ç(= the F1 key)ædescribing the Help system. (= Alt-H H)

ÇKey Assignments: Displays key command key assignments. (= Alt-H K)

ÇIntro. to PM:æProvides an introduction to Power Meter. (= Alt-H I)

ÇRelease Notes:æDisplays the Release Notes for this version. (= Alt-H R)

ÇServices:æProvides Customer Support Service information. (= Alt-H S)

ÇOrdering:æProvides you with information about ordering products
æand services from DiagSoft. (= Alt-H O)

ÇEsc:æReturn to the Configuration Information Help Screen.

ÇOther Help Keys: Type Alt-S,-C,-D,-V,-B,-A,-H, or -U to display help menus
ÇHelp System:æPower Meter Utilities Menu¡(= Alt-U)

ÇF1 = Help:æEnters and exits the Help Menu System from and to the Test
æMenu System. (= F1 or Alt-U 1)
ÇF2 = Select:æSelects systems and/or components for comparison with the
æReference System. (= F2 or Alt-U 2)
ÇF3 = Calibrate:æChanges the Reference System against which Selected Systems
æare compared and PMRs are calculated. (=F3 or Alt-U 3)
ÇF4 = Database:æChanges the drive/path of database files. (= F4 or Alt-U 4)
ÇF5 = Describe:æTo enter descriptions of tested systems. (= F5 or Alt-U 5)
ÇF6 = Parameters: Sets drive and video modes for testing. (= F6 or Alt-U 6)
ÇF7 = Report:æPrints several test results reports. (= F7 or Alt-U 7)
ÇF8 = Sort:æSorts test results by displayed fields. (= F8 or Alt-U 8)
ÇF9 = Browse:æTo browse through the database of test results. Also lets
æyou delete records from the database. (= F9 or Alt-U 9)
ÇF10= Save:æSaves the results of the test session. (= F10 or Alt-U 0)
ÇEsc:æReturn to the Configuration Information Help Screen.

ÇOther Help Keys: Type Alt-S,-C,-D,-V,-B,-A,-H, or -U to display help menus
ÇHelp System:æQuit Menu

ÇThe Quit menu item enables you to exit from Power Meter in an orderly
Çmanner.ëYou can access this menu item by typing the Esc[ape] key until
Çthe Quit menu item is displayed on the Main Menu Bar, or by positioning
Çto this item by using the cursor movement keys (Cursor Right/Left) when
Çthe Main Menu Bar is displayed.

ÇYes:æThe default Quit Menu item is "Yes", meaning that you want
æto exit from Power Meter. If you select "Yes", Power Meter
æwill ask whether you wish to save the results of the test
æsession if you have not already done so.

ÇEsc:æReturn to the Configuration Information Help Screen.




ÇOther Help Keys: Type Alt-S,-C,-D,-V,-B,-A,-H, or -U to display help menus
ÇHelp System:ÉSystem Overview

ÇConfiguration Information and Tests Completed Windows

ÇEach time that Power Meter is started, the program gathers and displays
Çinformation from DOS about your current system configuration. If a diskette
Çwas not in a drive, then floppy disk drive capacity is not shown. The Tests
ÇCompleted Window provides a continuously updated checklist of the tests that
Çyou have completed. Each time you complete a system or disk drive test, the
Çletter of the drive on which the test was run is displayed.

ÇUsing the Help System

ÇYou are at the top of the help menu hierarchy. Type the Enter key to select
Çthe next help screen. Each help screen displays help key descriptions at the
Çbottom of the help text in addition to Power Meter messages. Type "Alt-H I"
Çto display the Introduction to Power Meter and the Help System.

ÇOther Help Keys: Type Alt-S,-C,-D,-V,-B,-A,-H, or -U to display help menus
ÇStartup Help:ÉPreviously Saved Test Results

ÇPower Meter has searched your default directory, found a database of saved
Çtest results, and is asking whether any of them are for the current system.

ÇAnswer "Y" (Yes) if you have an entry in the database corresponding to your
Çcurrent system, and you wish to update that entry with new test results and
Çchanges generated in the current session. Power Meter displays the Database
ÇContents Menu for you to select the corresponding entry, and then loads the
Çinformation for that entry to be reviewed and updated as required. Any save
Çyou perform during the session will overwrite the previous values.

ÇAnswer "N" (No) if you want Power Meter to create a new (empty) record for
Çthe current system. You will be asked to enter a System ID and description
Çfor it. Any Save that you perform will add the record to your database.

ÇAnswer "?" if you are unsure. Power Meter displays the Database Contents
ÇMenu for you to review. You can select a system from it, or back out.

ÇStartup Help:ÉSystem Identification Form

ÇThe System Identification Form allows you to enter a System ID, Description
Çand Tested By name for the system you are currently testing. You may leave
Çthese values blank if you do not intend to save the results of the current
Çsession. Otherwise we recommend they be meaningful to you, as they are your
Çway of identifying the systems in your database. The System ID need not be
Çunique. Before you leave this form, you will be asked to confirm the values
Çyou have entered. Some of the editing keys that you can use include:

ÇKeyôDescription
Ç----------------Æ---------------------------------------------------------
ÇEnterÆExits/Advances to the next field; terminate data entry.
ÇCtl-Cursor RightÆAdvance to end of field; if at the end, then to next field
ÇCtl-Cursor LeftÆBack up to start of field; or to previous field
ÇCtl-EndÆDelete to end of field
ÇTab / Shift-TabÆAdvance / Back up one word
ÇEscÆreturn to prior context

ÇStartup Help:ÉDatabase Contents Menu

ÇThe Database Contents Menu lists all of the system ID's and Descriptions for
Çthe records in your database. Use the cursor movement keys (described below)
Çto search for and position to the System ID that matches your current system.
ÇType the Enter key to have Power Meter pull up the Configuration Summary
Çscreen for that system, and to compare it against your current system. You
Çcan confirm the selection, or return to this menu and continue searching.

ÇType the Esc key if you do not find an entry matching the current system and
Çanswer "N" to the startup question to create a new entry for it instead.

ÇKeyôDescription
Ç-----------------ô---------------------------------------------------------
ÇCursor Right/LeftôMoves the menu cursor to the right and left menu columns.
ÇCursor Up/DownôMoves the menu cursor up and down one menu item.
ÇPage Up/DownôMoves the menu cursor up and down one menu page.
ÇHome/EndôMoves the menu cursor to the first and last menu items.

ÇStartup Help:ÉSystem Comparison/Verification

ÇAfter you have selected a System ID from the Database Contents Menu, Power
ÇMeter requests that you confirm your selection by comparing the
Çconfiguration of the system that you have selected with the configuration
Çof the system that you are currently running on.

ÇAlthough Power Meter has already checked to see if the Central Processing
ÇUnit (CPU) and optional Floating Point Processor (FPP) are identical, your
ÇCurrent System might not exactly match your Selected System. Remember that
ÇPower Meter will overwrite the results currently stored for the selected
Çsystem with any changes or new test results you generate and save during the
Çsession. If the hardware configurations are different, you may end up with
Çinconsistencies between the previous test results and the current ones.

ÇType the Esc key to cancel your selection and return to the Database
ÇContents Menu, or if Power Meter found that the CPU and optional Floating
ÇPoint Processor do not match. Type the Enter key to confirm your selection.

ÇHelp System:ÉThe Power Meter Help System, Page 2

ÇContext-Sensitive Help

ÇUnlike many other help systems that you may be familiar with, Power Meter's
Çcontext-sensitive help system "shadows" or follows you wherever you go
Çwithin Power Meter. Power Meter always knows where you are before you
Çrequest help and where to return you to after you exit the Help System.

ÇContext-sensitive help can be invoked in several ways: (a) by typing the F1
Çkey at any time, (b) by selecting the "Enter Help System =F1" menu item from
Çthe pull-down Help Menu that is accessible from the Main Menu Bar, or (c) by
Çtyping the Alt-H key command. If you do type Alt-H, then the Help Menu will
Çbe superimposed upon whatever screen is being displayed.

ÇJust as Power Meter Test Menus are arranged in a hierarchy, so are Power
ÇMeter Help Menus arranged in the same hierarchy as shown on the next screen:

ÇHelp Keys: Pg Dn=Next Screen; Alt-S,-C,-D,-V,-B,-A,-H, or -U for help menus
ÇHelp System:ÉThe Power Meter Help System, Page 3

îConfiguration Information/Tests Completed Screen
Ç+--------+--------+--------+--------^--------+--------+--------+-------+
ÇSystemëCPU/MemÆDisks¢VideoñBattery¡Auto╢Help┐Utils╟Quit
ÇMenuëMenuÆMenu¢MenuñMenu¡Menu╢Menu┐Menu╟Menu
Ç|ë|Æ|¢|ñ|¡|╢|┐|╟|
Ç|-Aggrë|-AggrÆ|-Aggr¢|-Aggrñ|-Dura.¡|-Exec╢|-Help┐|-Help╟|-Yes
Ç|-Spread |-ClockÆ|-Tk/Tk¢|-Char¡|-Select |-Intro┐|-Select
Ç|-Word P |-MIPSÆ|-Mean¢|-LineDrw¡|-Reset╢|-Keys┐|-Calibrate
Ç|-Databë|-Dhryst |-Xfer¢|-Fills╢|-Notes┐|-Database
Ç|-CADë|-Whetst |-Files¢|-Visual╢|-Serv.┐|-Describe
Ç|-Through|-SieveÆ|-SeqI/O╢|-Orders |-Parameters
Ç|-Userë|-ExpanÆ|-RndI/O┐|-Report
┐|-Sort
┐|-Browse
┐|-Save

ÇHelp Keys: Pg Dn=Next Screen; Alt-S,-C,-D,-V,-B,-A,-H, or -U for help menus
ÇHelp System:ÉThe Power Meter Help System, Page 4

ÇHelp Key Commands...

ÇYou can control the Help System using the following keys commands.

ÇNo Ctl Key PrefixªWith Ctl Key Prefix
Ç------------------------------------ª--------------------------------------
ÇCursor RightÄ= Next help screenªCtl-Cur. Right = Moves to end of menu
ÇCursor LeftÄ= Previous help screenªCtl-Cur. Left╡= Moves to beg. of menu
ÇCursor UpÄ= Moves up one itemªCtl-Up╡= Moves to top of menu
ÇCursor DownÄ= Moves down one itemªCtl-Down╡= Moves to end of menu
ÇEnterÄ= Selects a menu itemªCtl-Enter╡= Places you in a test
ÇAlt and a key = Go to pull-down menu
ÇF1Ä= Toggle in/out of help
ÇEsc[ape]Ä= Back up through menus


ÇHelp Keys: Pg Dn=Next Screen; Alt-S,-C,-D,-V,-B,-A,-H, or -U for help menus
ÇHelp System:ÉThe Power Meter Help System, Page 5

ÇContext-Independent Help is available from the pull-down Help Menu. You can
Çtype Alt-H at any time to access this menu. The items on this menu include:

ÇEnter Help Mode (= F1 key) ...... Invokes context-sensitive help. Provides
óthis multi-screen help description.
ÇKey Assignments ................. Displays a list of the Power Meter keys
óand their functions.
ÇIntro. to Power Meter ........... Provides a multi-screen Introduction to
óPower Meter for new users.
ÇRelease Notes ................... Presents a discussion of the new features
óin Power Meter.
ÇDiagSoft Support Services ....... Provides information about available
ósupport services from DiagSoft.
ÇOrdering DiagSoft Products ...... Provides information about ordering
óproducts and services from DiagSoft.

ÇHelp Keys: Pg Dn=Next Screen; Alt-S,-C,-D,-V,-B,-A,-H, or -U for help menus
ÇHelp System:ÉKey Assignments and Commands, Page 2

ÇPull-Down Menu KeysºMenu Bar Keys (when active)
Ç------------------------------------º-------------------------------------
ÇA letterî= Select that menu itemºA letter╡= Select that menu item
ÇEnterî= Select current itemºEnter╡= Select current item
ÇCursor Upî= Move cursor upºCursor Left╡= Move cursor left
ÇCursor Down = Move cursor downºCursor Right╡= Move cursor right
ÇHomeî= Move to first itemºCtl-CursorLft = Move to first item
ÇEndî= Move to last itemºCtl-CursorRgt = Move to last item
ÇSpace Barî= Advance to next itemºSpace Bar╡= Advance to next item

ÇScroll Region Keysö(active when no pull down menu is displayed)
Ç----------------------------------------------------------------------------
ÇHomeè= Scroll to top of the list⌐End│= Scroll to end of list
ÇPage Upè= Scroll up one page⌐Page Down = Scroll down one page
ÇCursor Up = Scroll up one line⌐Cursor Dn = Scroll down one item

ÇHelp Keys: Pg Dn=Next Screen; Alt-S,-C,-D,-V,-B,-A,-H, or -U for help menus
ÇHelp System:ÉKey Assignments and Commands, Page 3

ÇData Entry Key Commands
Ç----------------------------------------------------------------------------
ÇHome = Back up to start of field; then to start of line; then top of form;
ÇEndà= Advance to end of field; then to end of line; then to end of form;

ÇCursor Upî= Move up one lineºCursor Down┤= Move down one line
ÇCursor Left = Move left one char.ºCursor Right = Move right one char.
ÇEnterî= Advance to next fieldºEsc┤= Exit data entry form
ÇPage Upî= Move to top of columnºPage Down┤= Move to bottom of col.
ÇCtl-Cursor R= Advance FieldºCtl-Cursor L = Back field
ÇDelî= Delete char. at cursorºCtl-End┤= Delete to end of field
ÇTabî= Advance word/fieldºBacktab┤= Back word/field
ÇBackspaceî= Delete previous char.ºIns┤= Toggle Insert mode

ÇFor Help Key Commands information, see the Help System item (Help Menu).

ÇHelp Keys: Pg Dn=Next Screen; Alt-S,-C,-D,-V,-B,-A,-H, or -U for help menus
ÇHelp System:ÉIntroduction to Power Meter, Page 2

ÇAvailable Tests

ÇThe following is a list by test category of the Power Meter tests that are
Çavailable to you:

ÇSystem TestsÑCPU/Memory Tests
âAggregate Hardware Test¿Aggregate CPU/Memory Test
âSpreadsheet Simulation¿Clock Speed Test
âDatabase Applic. Simulation¿MIPS Test
âWord Processing Simulation¿Dhrystone Test (Instruction Mix)
âCAE/CAD Simulation¿Whetstone Test (Floating Point)
âThroughput Test¿Sieve Test (Integer Calculations)
âUser-Provided Program Test¿Expanded Memory



ÇHelp Keys: Pg Dn=Next Screen; Alt-S,-C,-D,-V,-B,-A,-H, or -U for help menus
ÇHelp System:ÉIntroduction to Power Meter, Page 3

ÇDisk Drive TestsÑBattery Tests
âAggregate Disk Drive Test¿Duration Test
âTrack-To-Track Seek Test
âMean Seek TestÑVideo Display Tests
âData Transfer Rate Test¿Aggregate Video Display Test
âFile Open/Close Test¿Character Write Test
âSequential File I/O Test¿Line Drawing Test
âRandom File I/O Test¿Fill Test
¿Visual Quality Tests

ÇTo execute a test, first select a test category from the Main Menu Bar:

Ç============================================================================
Ç| Main Menu>ÄSystem CPU/Mem. Disks Video Battery Auto Help Utils Quit╦|
Ç============================================================================

ÇHelp Keys: Pg Dn=Next Screen; Alt-S,-C,-D,-V,-B,-A,-H, or -U for help menus
ÇHelp System:ÉIntroduction to Power Meter, Page 4

ÇUse the cursor movement keys to move the menu cursor to the test category
Çthat you want to use and then type the Enter key to select that item. Or,
Çtype the first character of the menu item that you want to select.

ÇIn either case, a pull-down menu will appear similar to the one shown on the
áleft, corresponding to Main Menu Bar item
Ç+------ System Tests -------+áthat you selected. Use the Cursor Up and
Ç| (A)ggregate Hardware Test |áCursor Down keys to position to a specific
Ç| (S)preadsheet Simulation£|átest and type the Enter key. Or, you can
Ç| (W)ord Proc. Simulation£|átype the first character of the test that
Ç| (D)atabase Simulation£|áyou want to execute. Look for these and
Ç| (C)AE/CAD Simulation Test |áother instructions in the Message Window at
Ç| (T)hroughput Test£|áthe bottom of your screen. Notice that the
Ç| (E)sc to exit this menu£|áitems on the pull-down menu will appear on
Ç+---------------------------+áthe test menu after you make a selection.

ÇHelp Keys: Pg Dn=Next Screen; Alt-S,-C,-D,-V,-B,-A,-H, or -U for help menus
ÇHelp System:ÉIntroduction to Power Meter, Page 5

ÇAfter selecting a test from a pull-down menu, you will see a standard Power
ÇMeter Test Screen. As previously mentioned, the items on the pull-down menu
Çare now displayed horizontally in the Menu Bar Window at the top of your
Çscreen as shown below:

Ç============================================================================
Ç| System> Agg. Spread Word-Proc Database CAE/CAD Throughput User's Quit╦|
Ç============================================================================

ÇTo execute the test that you selected, type the Enter key. To change to a
Çdifferent test within the same test category, type the Cursor Right or
ÇCursor Left key. Alternatively, you can type the first character of the
Çtest that you want to select. To exit from the test, select the Quit menu
Çitem from the Menu Bar or type the Esc[ape] key.


ÇHelp Keys: Pg Dn=Next Screen; Alt-S,-C,-D,-V,-B,-A,-H, or -U for help menus
ÇHelp System:ÉIntroduction to Power Meter, Page 6

ÇTest Results and the Power Meter Unit (PMU)

ÇPower Meter's suite of performance tests has been carefully constructed
Çusing state-of-the-art software techniques. For example, Power Meter's
Çimplementation of the MIPS (Millions of Instructions Per Second) Test
Çproduces a result that is derived from the execution of a widely accepted
Çstandard test of computer performance -- the Dhrystone Test --. That result
Çis normalized against another industry standard of performance -- the DEC
ÇVAX 11/780* computer system.

ÇSimilarly, Power Meter's System, CPU/Memory, Disk Drive and Video Display
ÇTests have been constructed using existing standards whenever possible. If
Çexisting test standards did not exist during test construction, then we

Ç* DEC, VAX and VAX 11/780 are trademarks of Digital Equipment Corporation.

ÇHelp Keys: Pg Dn=Next Screen; Alt-S,-C,-D,-V,-B,-A,-H, or -U for help menus
ÇHelp System:ÉIntroduction to Power Meter, Page 7

Çengineering staff developed tests based upon what they considered to be
Çthe best testing methodologies for the personal computer environment.

ÇThe Power Meter Unit (PMU)

ÇPower Meter provides a series of Aggregate and System Tests that combine
Çthe dissimilar results of several subtests. Since the units of measurement
Çof the subtests are often different, a standard unit of measurement -- the
ÇPower Meter Unit (PMU) -- was derived for tests that must aggregate subtest
Çresults. The PMU is the mean of weighted subtest results for a System or
ÇAggregate Test. Each subtest consists of the number of operations that can
Çbe performed by that subtest in one second. Weighting is based upon the
Çimportance of each subtest relative to the type of test being executed.
ÇSpecific weights for each of the subtests are presented in the Test
ÇDescription section of the help text for each System and Aggregate Test.

ÇHelp Keys: Pg Dn=Next Screen; Alt-S,-C,-D,-V,-B,-A,-H, or -U for help menus
ÇHelp System:ÉIntroduction to Power Meter, Page 8

ÇThe Help System

ÇPower Meter has a powerful Help System that makes it easy for you to learn
Çabout and use Power Meter. This Help System is "context-sensitive", that is,
Çit knows where you are within Power Meter and responds with full screens of
Çhelpful information. Type the F1 key for help. Type F1 again to exit from
Çthe Help System. The F1 key toggles you in and out of Help.

ÇFor more information about the Help System, refer to the Help Menu item
Çabout the Help System.

ÇPower Meter Utilities

ÇPower Meter provides you with ten utilities for controlling your tests,
Çaccessing the Help System, and managing your test results.

ÇHelp Keys: Pg Dn=Next Screen; Alt-S,-C,-D,-V,-B,-A,-H, or -U for help menus
ÇHelp System:ÉIntroduction to Power Meter, Page 9

ÇKeyàUtilityÉDescription
Ç---à---------É------------------------------------------------------------
ÇF1àHelpÉEnters/exits Power Meter's context-sensitive Help System.
ÇF2àSelectÉSelects/deselects previously tested systems for comparison.
ÇF3àCalibrateÉChanges the Reference System for alternative comparisons.
ÇF4àDatabaseÉChanges the location of Power Meter's database files.
ÇF5àDescribeÉEnter/Edit detailed descriptions of system configurations.
ÇF6àParameters Changes the default test disk drive and video display mode.
ÇF7àReportÉGenerates formatted reports for output to a printer or file.
ÇF8àSortÉSorts displayed test results in the Selected System Area.
ÇF9àBrowseÉEnables you to review information about previous tests.
ÇF10àSaveÉSaves your test results using a unique System ID.

ÇFor additional information about these utilities, type the appropriate
Çutiility key command when you have completed reading this introduction.

ÇHelp Keys: Pg Dn=Next Screen; Alt-S,-C,-D,-V,-B,-A,-H, or -U for help menus
ÇHelp System:ÉIntroduction to Power Meter, Page 10

ÇYour Customer Support Program

ÇPower Meter comes with a Customer Support Program that can provide you with
Çperiodic updates, replacement copies of damaged products, and access to the
ÇProduct Certification Program. Note however that you must send us your
ÇProduct Registration Card before you can receive any of these services.

ÇWe hope that you enjoy using Power Meter and that you will provide us with
Çsuggestions for future versions. Please feel free to send us your ideas or
Çcall us at 408/438-8247, Monday through Friday.

ÿDiagSoft, Inc.
ÿ5615 Scotts Valley Drive
ÿSuite 140
ÿScotts Valley, CA½95066

ÇHelp Keys: Pg Dn=Next Screen; Alt-S,-C,-D,-V,-B,-A,-H, or -U for help menus
ÇHelp System:ÆRelease Notes, Version 1.5, Page 2

àoêDOS File-Level Disk I/O Tests: Two of the three DOS file-level I/O
êtests have been modified slightly. Prior to V1.5, the read/write
êratio of the Sequential and Random File I/O Tests was set to 1:1. At
êthe request of Power Meter Users, the read/write ratio has been set
êto 20:1 in order to reflect real-world disk I/O activity.

ÇFeatures Added Prior to Version 1.5

ÇThe following features were added to Power Meter prior to version 1.5 and
Çmentioned again at this point:

àoêAutomated test execution: Using the AUTO command, you can now select
êa set of tests that you want to execute, start the testing session,
êand then go about doing other activities. Power Meter's alarm will
êsound when the session is completed.

ÇHelp Keys: Pg Dn=Next Screen; Alt-S,-C,-D,-V,-B,-A,-H, or -U for help menus
ÇHelp System:ÆRelease Notes, Version 1.5, Page 3

àoêSupport for New Video Devices: Version 1.5 provides support for
êadditional video adapters including the IBM Multi-Color Graphic
êArray (MCGA) and Virtual Graphic Array (VGA) adapters and the
êHercules Graphic adapter (monochrome).

àoêSupport for Additional Math Coprocessor: Power Meter now includes
êsupport for the new Intel 80387 Floating Point Processor (FPP) in
êaddition to supporting the 8087 and 80287 coprocessors.

àoêSupport for 720Kb and 1.4Mb floppy disk drive subsystems.

àoêVideo Modes are now saved and displayed for the video category and
êsystem aggregate tests enabling quick comparisons of video results.



ÇHelp Keys: Pg Dn=Next Screen; Alt-S,-C,-D,-V,-B,-A,-H, or -U for help menus
ÇHelp System:ÆRelease Notes, Version 1.5, Page 4

ÇDatabase Changes

àoêA new database format is utilized in version 1.5.╗This requires you
êto convert previous versions before they can be used. The PMUTIL
êutility includes an upgrade option to do this.

ÇSupport Services

àoêThe Product Update Service has been changed. Users who purchase the
êfull update service ($79.95) will receive the next two updates when
êthey become available. Users may upgrade to the current version at
êany time for $49.95. All new releases will be announced by
êDiagSoft in advance.



ÇHelp Keys: Pg Dn=Next Screen; Alt-S,-C,-D,-V,-B,-A,-H, or -U for help menus
