I was sort of wondering if this was a possibility.
I can see why you might be interested in diagnostic software.
But...there's always a "but" right??
In a lot of cases (if the computer is not operational)...you won't even be able to run diagnostic software. Also...like I mentioned above (and I'm sure you must be aware)...as far as common problems...there really isn't a lot of parts we can replace in most Mac's. And most problems come down to:
- ram
- storage (HD or SSD)
- logic board
Of course there can be display issues, power supply issues, trackpad issues, keyboard issues...etc. But these are not as common.
I think that for a non-Apple person who does Apple repairs...you really have to rely on your experience (computer is or is not doing something...then the problem most likely is...).
We do this sort of thing here on Mac-Forums all the time (troubleshoot folks computers without even seeing it)!
- Get feedback from the owner what a computer is or isn't doing.
- Determine if it is more likely software or hardware.
- If software based...many times booting the computer from a known good HD (with a compatible OS on it for the computer)...will solve the problem (owners OS install is messed up...or has something installed that is causing the issue).
- If hardware. See if the problem is related to something that can be replaced (or if financially it is worth replacing).
I've been to the Apple store many times...with issues that the Apples folks need to run their diagnostic software. I'm not 100% convinced that this software actually pin-points exactly what's wrong. But that it more narrows things down to what is most likely wrong (which isn't quite the same thing).
This means that some tech. person needs to swap out the most likely part that is bad (with a known good part)...then see if the problem is solved. Maybe it's solved...maybe it isn't. Futher trouble-shooting is needed.
This is pretty much what we non-Apple folks do. Use our experience (without special Apple diagnostic software)...we get a pretty good idea what is wrong. If it's hardware...we swap out the part..and see if the problem is fixed.
It would really be nice if we (average users) did have access to the special Apple diagnostic software
...but then if we did...then we could call ourselves
"Genius" too!!!
- Nick