Chapter 2. Hardware Information and System Requirements Tables

This chapter provides instructions for learning about your hardware and a system requirements table which will help you keep a record of your current system settings and requirements.

Learning About Your Hardware with Windows

If your computer is already running Windows 9x, you can use the following steps to get additional configuration information:

Figure 2-1. Windows 9x System Properties

At this point, you can either double-click on the icons or single-click on the plus sign + to look at each entry in more detail. Look under the following icons for more information:

Figure 2-2. Windows 9x System Properties

This method is not a complete substitute for opening your computer's case and physically examining each component. However, in many cases it can provide sufficient information to continue with the installation.

NoteNote
 

This information can also be printed by clicking on the Print button. A second window will appear, allowing you to choose the printer, as well as the type of report. The All Devices and System Summary report type is the most complete.

If your computer is already running Windows 2000, you can use the following steps to get additional configuration information:

Figure 2-3. Windows 2000 System Properties

At this point, you can either double-click on the icons or single-click on the plus sign + to look at each entry in more detail. Look under the following icons for more information:

Figure 2-5. Windows 2000 System Properties

This method is not a complete substitute for opening your computer's case and physically examining each component. However, in many cases it can provide sufficient information to continue with the installation.