Illustration: Gordon McAlpin

So you’d like to know what kind of PC you have, what it’s got in it, how fast it is, and so on? Here’s how to find that information!

On Windows XP:

• Click Start
• Click Run…
• Type msinfo32.exe and press Enter

On Windows Vista & Windows 7:

• Click Start
• Click Control Panel
• Click System

You’ll see your Windows version, the type of CPU you have and how fast it is, how much RAM you have, whether you have 32-bit or 64-bit Windows, and your PC’s manufacturer and model (if any). This information can help you if you’re getting your PC serviced; if you’re planning an upgrade; if you’d like to know if you meet the minimum system requirements for software, or if you need a different version of Windows than the one you have.

Note that if your specs seem inadequate, you may just need to keep up on your PC maintenance. Check out our nine steps for making your PC run like new!