Code reader, and engine management software

[Ste]

I am getting more than a little tired of borrowing the works diagnostic kit to check friends cars etc.

I have a OBD socket to serial / USB port cable and was wondering if any software is available for my laptop to perform the diagnostic functions, and look at engine live data too?

Really want to have generic software, so I can plug into VX, Mazda, Ford, VAG etc etc cars to interrogate for fault codes, reset MIL, etc.

Anyone know what is out there for this, where available and what sort of cost? Christmas is around the corner, and it could make a good pressie for me.


Cheers.