For testing ram -> boot from the cd/usb and hold down a key (it will load and give option for testing memory) Memtest with Ubuntu 12.04 live CD  For hard drive boot all the way to the ubuntu and in programs there will be a program called disks #(in disks click on the drive then the cog symbol and choose SMART) data or gparted. (help withv live cd: https://help.ubuntu.com/community/LiveCD) 

Can I use Ubuntu to diagnose hard drive or RAM problems in Windows?
I need to choose a GIS system for a small university research centre. We are handling a broad range of data, (for example, numerical tidal analyses, weather data, poverty, isolated economic activity, skills availability and renewable energy resource availability) and operate primarily in countries with relatively poor existing data sets. 

We interact with other groups, some of which use ARCGIS. Do I have to wade through every GIS software descriptor on the web, or can someone please give an indication of likely candidates? 
