Program to log system info

larsrc · larsrc #1 (**permalink**)

04-01-2012, 12:08 PM

I got a used iMac recently, and with it a noisy bit that I'm still trying to figure out what is. It sounds like a disk or fan running all the time, from left of the Apple logo. But I noticed today that it stops when the computer goes to sleep. Is there is a program that will log various hardware information to a file (or a command-line tool that just prints it, like lshw on Linux)? That would help me diagnose this issue correctly.

Thanks
-Lars

vansmith · vansmith #2 (**permalink**)

04-01-2012, 12:36 PM

The closest equivalent I can think of for lshw would be System Profiler which is also available as a command line too (system_profiler). system_profiler can return quite a bit of data which can be pared down by specifying a data type as a parameter. You can get the full list by using the -listDataTypes parameter.

Example: let's say you want info on your display(s). You can execute the following:

Code:

system_profiler SPDisplaysDataType

IvanLasston · IvanLasston #3 (**permalink**)

04-01-2012, 01:20 PM

iStat Pro, a Dashboard Widget by iSlayer
You can use istat to monitor processes vs temp/fan speed. I like their menu product.
iStat Menus, a Mac app by Bjango
Both have fan, disk and process monitors. Not to a file but at least you can tell what is going on from one app or dashboard widget.

larsrc · larsrc #4 (**permalink**)

04-01-2012, 02:51 PM

Vansmith, I had no idea it could do that. Lots of good information there, but not any fan speed, unfortunately. I can check if it's the hard disk, though (maybe).

IvanLasston, that is a cool widget, but without either a graph for fan/HDD speed or some way to dump the info, I can't use it to see what's going on when the machine is asleep.

Maybe I can do a screenshot with a delay from the terminal, though.

vansmith #2 (permalink)
Member Since: Oct 19, 2008 Location: Ottawa Posts: 15,302 Mac Specs: 2012 13" MBP (2.5 i5, 8GB)	04-01-2012, 12:36 PM The closest equivalent I can think of for lshw would be System Profiler which is also available as a command line too (system_profiler). system_profiler can return quite a bit of data which can be pared down by specifying a data type as a parameter. You can get the full list by using the -listDataTypes parameter. Example: let's say you want info on your display(s). You can execute the following: Code: system_profiler SPDisplaysDataType Important Links: Community Guidelines : Use the reputation system if you've been helped. M-F Blog :: Write for the blog :: M-F IRC Channel - Chats every Sunday at 8PM EST.
	QUOTE Thanks

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Program Launch at OS Start UP not Account Log In?	andersenk	OS X - Operating System	4	12-08-2011 10:44 AM
System profiler showing wrong info?	steveball	Apple Desktops	6	05-28-2010 08:35 PM
Looking for an app which will log and store private info	Doug b	OS X - Apps and Games	10	02-22-2010 07:45 PM
System 7.5.5 won't boot from hard disk	big_goat	Running Windows (or anything else) on your Mac	1	10-13-2009 09:56 PM
new macbook pro system log normal?	micho.mad	OS X - Operating System	3	04-24-2009 03:13 PM

Program to log system info

Internet Services

Web Development

Digital Marketing

Consumer Tech

larsrc #1 (permalink)
Member Since: Apr 01, 2012 Posts: 2	04-01-2012, 12:08 PM I got a used iMac recently, and with it a noisy bit that I'm still trying to figure out what is. It sounds like a disk or fan running all the time, from left of the Apple logo. But I noticed today that it stops when the computer goes to sleep. Is there is a program that will log various hardware information to a file (or a command-line tool that just prints it, like lshw on Linux)? That would help me diagnose this issue correctly. Thanks -Lars
	QUOTE Thanks

larsrc #4 (permalink)
Member Since: Apr 01, 2012 Posts: 2	04-01-2012, 02:51 PM Vansmith, I had no idea it could do that. Lots of good information there, but not any fan speed, unfortunately. I can check if it's the hard disk, though (maybe). IvanLasston, that is a cool widget, but without either a graph for fan/HDD speed or some way to dump the info, I can't use it to see what's going on when the machine is asleep. Maybe I can do a screenshot with a delay from the terminal, though.
	QUOTE Thanks

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)