DISCUSSION: [Hari's Linux Corner] How to tell a software problem from a hardware one
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A different kind of article to address a frequent issue that keeps cropping up on tech support forums, particularly one like LinuxQuestions.org. I've often found questions on this forum where the problems encountered by users are hard to diagnose as either a software issue or a hardware issue. In particular, I thought I'd share some of my thoughts on what makes a problem more likely to be a hardware problem. While rare, hardware problems do occur on modern machines because of the increasing number of transistors choked into smaller and smaller boards and the enormous heat generated by multi-gigahertz processors with advanced features.
In my experience the main difference that will best distinguish a hardware error from a software error is that software errors are more predictable, and happen after specific events as compared to hardware errors which are more random and it seems near impossible to pinpoint an exact cause to errors.
An easy way to tell is to see if it happens in Windows (if you are dual booting with that). 99% of the time whether it whether it happens in windows will distinguish a hardware problem froma software error.
In my experience the main difference that will best distinguish a hardware error from a software error is that software errors are more predictable, and happen after specific events as compared to hardware errors which are more random and it seems near impossible to pinpoint an exact cause to errors.
That's very true. Hardware problems can be some of the most frustrating issues that can crop up. I have experienced a few and I know the feeling.
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