System Information

[Tonnelier]

I went to <http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/editions/systemrequirements.mspx> to see if I have the right stuff for Vista. I found the "System Information" program in "Accessories," and had no trouble finding my disk space. I know I have DVD, audio, and internet. The problem is I don't know whether my processor is 32 or 64 bit; my system memory; whether or not I have Direct X; or how much graphics memory I have. I don't understand most of what "System Information" is telling me. Is there anywhere else I can look that explains this stuff in layman's terms? I'm currently running XP on an HP Pavilion zd7000 laptop with an Intel Pentium 4. Thank you.

P.S. - I'd just like to say that as far as internet forums go--and not just those about computers--MSFN has been the most helpful to me. I've only asked a few questions, but I always get clear, concise, and friendly answers. So thanks everyone!

[ripken204]

start, run, dxdiag

that will tell you alot

http://www.cpuid.com/cpuz.php

this give you tons of info on cpu+ram

the device manager will also tell you plenty of things

[nebivedu]

Try Everest. It is one of the best, or try aida32.

http://www.lavalys.com/products.php?lang=en

[Tonnelier]

Thanks so much. I found all the info I need. Sadly, I fall 2MB short of the 512MB RAM needed for Vista. I don't know if that's written in stone or what. I might just go on and install it anyway. If it totally messes up my laptop, it will be an excuse to buy a newer, thinner model! And in the long run, that could save my shoulder from lugging this one around. I love rationalizations. Thanks a lot!

Edited February 28, 2007 by Tonnelier

[bluescreens]

Thanks so much. I found all the info I need. Sadly, I fall 2MB short of the 512MB RAM needed for Vista. I don't know if that's written in stone or what. I might just go on and install it anyway. If it totally messes up my laptop, it will be an excuse to buy a newer, thinner model! And in the long run, that could save my shoulder from lugging this one around. I love rationalizations. Thanks a lot!

Your video card or other hardware is using that 2MB of RAM - you actually do have 512MB. However, since another 512MB or 1GB stick of RAM is so cheap at BestBuy, Circuit City, Fry's, or other retail stores, it would be wise to just grab a stick and plug it into your laptop - lug it to the store one day and grab the RAM you need, and install it at the store to ensure it all works. More RAM is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to get a huge upgrade in performance these days.

[jcarle]

I would NOT recommend installing Vista on your system if you have only 512MB of ram AND onboard video. You'll quickly regret it as your system will fall to a crawl. A dedicated video card (no matter how small) and a minimum of 1GB of memory is HIGHLY recommended.

Edited April 28, 2007 by jcarle

[waruikoohii]

I would NOT recommend installing Vista on your system if you have only 512MB of ram AND onboard video. You'll quickly regret it as your system will fall to a crawl. A dedicated video card (no matter how small) and a minimum of 1GB of memory is HIGHLY recommended.

He won't get Aero with that GPU (even if it's DX9 compliant, he has too little RAM...Vista needs 1GB for computers with IGP's to display Aero). But performance with an IGP won't be any worse than a DX8.1 dedicated GPU. It'll be just like XP (GDI acceleration and all).