How Do I Find Out What Is On My Computer?

For Windows 9.xx to Windows XP/Vista Tip #0009

When most of us buy a computer, it comes pre-loaded with various programmes and software titles. Some we like and use, some we never will use and some we simply don’t really bother with.
A question that arose out of my VISTA ALERT special column reminded me that many people have no idea what is on their computers. What kind of processor, video card etcetera? How much RAM memory? What programmes do I have installed?
These are questions most of us never wish to hear or feel the need to be able to answer. That is for the most part as it should be.
But what if you want to upgrade your RAM? What is RAM you ask? Random access memory (usually known by its acronym, RAM) is a type of computer data storage. It takes the form of integrated circuits that allow the stored data to be accessed in any order — that is, at random and without the physical movement of the storage medium or a physical reading head. RAM is a volatile memory as the information or instructions stored in it will be lost if the power is switched off.
Why would you care about RAM? Well, whether you are considering buying a new machine or have an old machine you would like to have run a bit faster, RAM is one of the most important considerations since it has a big effect on how fast your machine runs. This is important no matter what your connection speed (dial-up, DSL, Cable or Satellite) is. How fast your computer loads and runs software depends on how much RAM you have. The newer programs are RAM hungry and it will only get worse for the foreseeable future. So let’s say you have a decent computer and for the most part you are perfectly happy with it. From time to time, though you notice that is seems slow to load or run a programme. A reasonably inexpensive (less than $80) solution is to add RAM to your existing machine. You can never have too much RAM.
This is when knowing a bit more about your machine comes in handy. When you go to the local computer store and you want to buy RAM, the salesperson is bound to ask you what kind and how much RAM do you want? Some of my faithful Bulldog readers already know the answer to this question because they wrote and asked me. For most people how much RAM is on their machine and how much can, in fact, be added is one of the great mysteries of the Universe. Here is a simple way to discover everything (and more) you ever wanted to know about your computer.
It is a simple (and of course dear readers, free) programme. It is called the Belarc Advisor. You can find it by going to: http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html.
Download and install the Belarc Advisor.
When you run the programme, it will search your machine and provide you with every aspect of your machine, hardware, software and other useful features, in detail. It takes a minute or two to scan your machine. There will be a pop up that appears telling you of the progress. When it has finished, the Belarc Advisor will open a browser window and you will learn more about your machine than you ever thought possible. From your operating system to the specific information about the model and system serial number along with every piece of software and hardware on your machine, you will have information that can be helpful and useful, no matter how technically minded you might or might not be. The RAM information will be available under the ‘Memory Modules’ section. It will tell you what you have, but it will also tell you if you can add RAM memory to your current system.
Now, look down and you will see the type of antivirus software installed and if it is running properly. All your Microsoft installed ‘hotfixes’ (Windows Updates) are displayed and you will learn if they were installed properly.
Below this information is a list of all your software. It lists not only the name of your software but displays the licence and my favourite the all important key codes (what you must punch in to prove you paid for the licence). This can be helpful information if you ever need to reinstall software but do not have (or in my case) cannot find the original jewel box or CD sleeve with the required key code. A software showstopper.
I suggest you print out a copy of your Belarc Advisor report and keep it in a safe spot.
This information can also be helpful if you ever have to call technical support. It will give you the ability to answer questions about both your software and hardware that can speed the pain (and usually desperation) of calling a tech support 800 number. Should you want to know if your graphics card can be up-graded or how much memory you have, or how much you can add, simply print out a copy of the report and bring it with you to the computer store.
Take a look as well at some of the software you have installed. You will likely find you have software you have installed that you no longer need or use, as well as some software you probably never knew you had. You can uninstall this extra ‘stuff’ and you may find your machine runs a bit faster and it may speed up your ‘boot time’. This is one of those downloads that perhaps may not immediately need or use, but the information provided just may save you time and money in the future.
And the next time someone asks you what is on your computer, you can confidently say,
“How much do you want to know?”
As always dear Bulldog readers, let me know how you fared with this or if you have any questions or comments.