Download Herdict PC

Herdict PC is one of two Herdict applications (the other is Herdict Web). Herdict PC is a program which tracks information about your PC's health then allows you to compare the performance of your PC to that of others on the network.

Herdict PC works like this: You download and run the program. The program collects a variety of information about your computer, including programs you are running, your processor type and speed, and your operating system (full list below); that information is then sent to a centralized server at The Berkman Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University. Finally, Herdict PC, supported by Berkman, presents the aggregated data back to you and other users.

What's the point?

You might be wondering, "What's the purpose of Herdict PC?" By comparing the performance of your computer with that of others on the network, Herdict PC can help you determine if your computer is running poorly, which could indicate the presence of malware/badware. Or, if Herdict PC discovers that all computers running a certain piece of software are operating poorly, it could be an indication that the particular software is causing the problem.

What is it really?

Herdict PC runs as a service on your computer. Once it is downloaded, you can access it via an icon in the system tray on the bottom right hand corner of your screen. You can choose to record and view the data being sent to the Herdict server from your machine. You can also choose to stop the service anytime if you so choose. Best of all, you can view the aggregated data on the Herdometer

What information does Herdict PC collect?

Right now, Herdict PC collects the following information. As Herdict is still in its alpha stage, this list is subject to change, so please check back for regular updates:

Processor Type and Speed
RAM
Hard Disk Space
Machine Make and Model
Operating System Type and Version
Patches and Updates Applied
IP Address
Installed Software Applications
Crash and Error History
Startup "Run" Keys
Processes running on machine
Firewall type and status
Time zone
Network Stack Performance Data
Anti-Virus Software and Updates Applied
Processor Load
CPU Utilization
Disk I/O
Hard disk space utilization

Last updated on September 18, 2008

What about that privacy policy?

We've had a few questions about our privacy policy, and we understand your concern. The Berkman Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University is a research center. Although we do collect information that is personally identifiable, we will not use it for anything other than research purposes, and we will never sell your information to third parties.

If you have any questions or concerns about our privacy policy (or anything else), please let us know by e-mailing info@herdict.org.

Please enter your email address below so you can be notified when new versions of Herdict for PC Health are released. We will not use your information for anything else.

By downloading, you agree to our
Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy

System Requirements
Operating System: Windows Vista, XP or 2000

If you have any questions, please contact us at info@herdict.org
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