Hardware: What do I have?

This page looks at how to find out the type of Hardware you have

Some freeware software
Warning:: Many free software sites have lots of Download distractions. Double check you are downloading what you actually want not one of the advertisers products. Also, some Freeware programs want to install additional software (e.g. Browser plugins) read the installation carefully and only install the addins if you really want them.

Recommended

 * Speccy (Piriform Products, 2011)
 * Speccy is a System Information tool for your PC. Need to find out what's inside your computer? No problem! Speccy will give you all the information you need.
 * HWiNFO (HWiNFO, n.d.)
 * professional hardware information and diagnostic tools supporting latest components, industry technologies and standards. Both tools are designed to collect and present the maximum amount of information possible about computer's hardware which makes them suitable for users searching for driver updates, computer manufacturers, system integrators and technical experts. Really good if you are upgrading parts like the RAM.(Portable version means you can run without installing)

Others

 * System Spec(Nolan, n.d.).
 * A utility to produce a specification of your system's hardware and software. With System Spec you can see, save and print a complete spec of your PC. This standalone, system information utility can also perform various windows functions. Additional advanced info includes CPU, drives, applications, display, memory, networking, internet, CD / DVD drives and more
 * Does run in Vista but does not show all specifications.
 * CPU-Z (CPUID, 2009)
 * Freeware software that gathers information on some of the main devices of your system (CPU, Mainboard, Memory, System).I wanted to check how many memory modules I had installed without opening the case. (Portable version means you can run without installing). This software is also good for getting the information required to upgrade your computer.


 * FreeRAM XP Pro (YourWare, 2009)
 * optimizes computer RAM (Random Access Memory). File size:606 KB (.zip format). Platforms: Windows 95, 98, ME, 2000, 2003 Server, XP (NT4.x is unsupported)


 * PowerDesk (Softonic, 2009)
 * PowerDesk 6 is an advanced file manager providing more features and functionality than the limited file manager offered in Windows or other file management software. It completely replaces Windows Explorer, giving users a wide array of tools to search, edit, delete, move, sort, view and copy files.

Windows XP

 * Use Control Panel > System >
 * General .. write down System & Computer information
 * Hardware > Device Manager .. write down what it found
 * Use Control Panel > System > General .. write down System & Computer information
 * To find he screen resolution, right click on the Desktop > Properties, then the settings tab (This is also how you set up multiple monitors)

Windows Vista
You can get basic system information from Vista using the Control Panel


 * Start > Control Panel >System and Maintenance > System
 * Gives Processor, Memory (And a Windows Experience Rating - based on your hardware)
 * Device manager (on task bar) will give you lots of technical information (and is very useful when you have a device that stops working)

Windows 7
Probably the easiest way to get system information from Windows 7 is to use the search feature on the start button, and type in sys, then select System Information



Microsoft Applications. e.g. Internet Explorer, Word

 * Use the menu option Help > About > System Info .. write down
 * System Summary: Physical Memory, Virtual Memory
 * Storage > Drives .. write down Drive, Size
 * Printing .. write down the printers attached.
 * Multimedia .. write down Description and Name.

Feature list example
Other Peripherals that may be included: Output (Plotter), Input (Digital Camera, Digital Video Camera, Digital Scanner, Tablet, Video Capture Card, Joy-stick, Game controller), Communications (TV Tuner Card)