STEPS TO KNOW YOUR COMPUTER SYSTEM CONFIGURATION

Although most computer users are aware of the importance of basic PC components like the RAM and hard drive, other components -- like the graphics and sound cards, network adapter and central processing unit -- are also critical to a PC's operation. You need this information to troubleshoot or upgrade your computer and when downloading drivers. For the best performance, business owners should keep up-to-date with their computer equipment; to determine whether or not you should upgrade a workstation, review the PC's configuration in Windows.

Step 1Click the Start button and then enter "system" into the search field. Select "System Information" from under Programs.

Step 2Click "System Summary" to see details about the operating system installed to the computer, the processor, basic input/output system and RAM.

Step 3Double-click "Components." Select a hardware device from the list to see its name, manufacturer, driver location and other details.

Tips

• You can also type "msinfo32.exe" into the Start menu's search box and press "Enter" to view the same information.
• You can also click the Start button, right-click "Computer" and then click "Properties" to see your operating system, processor model, computer make and model, processor type and RAM specifications.
• Although it's not possible to see the motherboard make and model in Windows, you can use third-party applications such as CPU-Z and SiSoftware Sandra to see details about the board.
• To search for specific details about your computer, type a search term into the Find What field in System Information and then click "Find.