                                 TPMonitor FAQ File

                         (C) Copyright 2008 TraceMouse(TM).

    Catalog:
    ==========
    1.  Why prepare TPMonitor?
    2.  If TPMonitor do not support my models,how to do?
    3.  Why TPMonitor run error?
    4.  Why not add the fan control function?
    5.  In a future version will add fan control function?
    6.  Why use C # to write TPMonitor?
    7.  Will be open source?
    8.  Is there danger?
    9.  Can I develop Gadget by myself?
    10. What is the use of log?
    11. Why TPMonitor will occupy a lot of memory?
    12. Why do some of the temperature sensor shown as 0 or negative?


    1. Why prepare TPMonitor?
    -----------------------------
    Since I upgraded my old ThinkPad T42 to a T61p last year, I noticed the temperature of the keyboard was a bit warmer.  I was curious to know the exact increase in temperature, so I tried a tool that every DIYer would use, which is 'Everest'. However, it was not as helpful as I expected; it could not even detect the CPU temperature. Instead, the TPFanControl that had gained a very good review by all ThinkPad lovers is certainly a perfect match tool for ThinkPad. Nonetheless, I do not want to control the ThinkPad fans by using software and not to mention its unpleasant UI which is really driving me a little crazy.  After doing some research on the early source code of TPFanControl and the How-To of ThinkPad Sensors provided freely in the web, I decided to write my own temperature monitoring software. 
    
    When I successfully installed WinIo.dll and correctly read the temperature retrieved from ThinkPad Sensors, I was very sure that this project could be easily accomplished.  In the following month, I dedicated my spare time to developing TPMonitor. I recalled that there was a moment that a colleague of mine questioned me because I was in a state of daze having fully focusing on this project. In fact, I was thinking hard on how to display ThinkPad components temperature in chart form as showed in Task Manager by utilizing programming codes.


    2. If TPMonitor do not support my models,how to do?
    ----------------------------------------------
    No way.


    3. Why TPMonitor run error?
    ----------------------------------------------
    If you are using the operating system is Vista, please run the program as an administrator mode; If you are using the old (such as XP) than Windows Vista, please check if .NET Framework has been already installed, if not, then please download the latest version of the .NET Framework from the official Microsoft website.
    

    4. Why not add the fan control function?
    ----------------------------------------------
    There is a certain degree of risk on the fan control, and the authors believe that the fan is controlled by the BIOS will be more appropriate, because BIOS is produced by professional engineers.


    5. In a future version will add fan control function?
    ---------------------------------------------
    Maybe.
    

    6. Why use C # to write TPMonitor?
    ---------------------------------------------
    Because VC++ is very hard.


    7. Will be open source?
    ---------------------------------------------
    Maybe.


    8. Is there danger?
    ---------------------------------------------
    TPMonitor only to read sensor data, does not attempt to control the sensors, so there should be no danger. The author use a ThinkPad T61p for program development, if there is danger, the author's T61p should be destoryed first. Of course, the author is not completely assuring to use it without any risk, and if this procedure cause any lost, the author do not bear any responsibility (see readme.txt in the Disclaimer).


    9. Can I develop Gadget by myself?
    ---------------------------------------------
    Certainly. First of all, you need to know Vista Sidebar and know how to develop Gadget, you can go to Microsoft's official website or look for information on Google. In fact, if you are familiar with dhtml and Javascript, the development will be very easy. Once aware of how to develop the Gadget, please refer to the source code "TPMonitor.Gadget". If you developed a very cool Gadget for TPMonitor, must remember to share with us.


    10. What is the use of log?
    ---------------------------------------------
    Log records the temperature of Change over a continuous period of time, so you can know if your laptop is overheating. Log is saved by CSV format(comma partition files), so you can use Excel to directly open, if you are very familiar with Excel, then in Excel you can generate charts and other advanced features.


    11. Why TPMonitor will occupy a lot of memory?
    ---------------------------------------------
    It's normal for the .NET programs, no need to worry.


    12. Why do some of the temperature sensor shown as 0 or negative?
    ---------------------------------------------
    This is because your model has no this sensor, please ignore it.

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    THE END    