Check the Processor (CPU)
Here's how to check your processor information in Windows XP:
| 1. | Open the Start menu and click on Control Panel. |
| 2. | When in Category View, click the Performance and Maintenance category. If in Classic View, simply double-click on the System icon and proceed to step 4. |
| 3. | Click on the System icon. |
| 4. |
The central processor unit (CPU) is the component that's responsible for processing the information and commands between the different components that make up your PC, which basically makes it the brain of your PC. Therefore, the speed of the processor greatly influences your PC's performance. When considering the upgrade to Windows Vista, you need to ensure your CPU can process quickly enough to support the new features of Vista.
Tip
| You can get to the System (and processor) details even quicker if you have the My Computer icon displayed on your desktop: Simply right-click the icon and select Properties. |
Verify Hard Drive Space
As you probably know, all the files and software on your PC take up space on the hard drive, which is the main data storage component in a PC. Hard drives store your email, pictures, movies, music files, letters, work files, and everything else you create, along with thousands of files that comprise the operating system. With each version of the OS, Windows has gotten larger and larger. Vista needs about 10 times more space than Windows XP.
Follow these steps in Windows XP to manually check your available disk space:
| 1. | Open My Computer or Windows Explorer. |
| 2. | Right-click on the main hard drive and select Properties; |
| 3. | Refer to the Free Space amount, |
If you're low (or going to run low after the Vista installation) on disk space, here are a few things you can do to make more room:
- Organize your personal files and documents and delete any unwanted files.
- Run the Disk Cleanup utility (which can be found by navigating to Start, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools) to clear the Recycle Bin and temporary files.
- Uninstall unused or unwanted software applications or games.
- Consider moving or archiving items that take up a great deal of space to another location, such as a USB flash drive, CDs, DVDs, or a secondary hard drive.
If you find that you can't free up enough space, you might have to add another hard drive. Here are some tips to get you started:
- It might be easier to free up room on your existing main hard drive by moving personal files and large applications to the additional hard drive you're installing.
- Consider getting an external hard drive for easier installation and mobility.
- Investigate your PC's connection types, such as if you have USB (and if it's version 1.1 or 2.0) for external drives or whether you have EIDE or SATA for internal drives. USB 2.0 is the best bet. SATA drives are faster.
Check Memory (RAM)
Along with the processor, the amount of random access memory (RAM), or simply memory for short, greatly influences your PC's performance. Rather than a shortage component like a hard drive, RAM is used when the information needs to be quickly read or written, such as temporarily storing information when running software applications.
You need to make sure your PC is loaded with adequate memory because Windows Vista requires much more memory than Windows XP. You're probably good to go if you've purchased your system within the last few years; however, if more memory is required or recommended, you can easily add more, which is actually just about the easiest hardware system upgrade you can perform while providing a great enhancement.
To determine how much RAM you have in your system, follow the same steps outlined in, "Check the Processor (CPU)." The amount of RAM is shown in the same dialog box showing CPU type and speed.
Here are a few tips if you want to add more memory:
- Check how many untaken and total memory slots are in your PC by peeking inside your computer.
- Most PCs have two or three memory slots located on the motherboard in plain sight.
- Check the maximum amount of memory supported for your system by referring to your PC's product documentation or manuals.
- Find memory that's compatible with your specific system, which is also likely found in your PC's documentation or manuals.
- You can use online tools, such as the System Scanner , which will scan your system and let you know exactly what memory is compatible with your particular system; using this method eliminates manually inspecting your PC and figuring out all the specifics of your system.
Verify Graphics Card Specs
If your PC is a few years old (or newer), the graphics card ( will most likely be compatible with all the Windows Vista editions; however, you should check just to make sure. The only item you should be worried about looking up (from the Graphics section of Table 1.1, shown earlier) is the amount of graphics memory, as the other items should be up to spec if the memory requirement is satisfied.
Here's how to check the graphics memory in Windows XP:
| 1. | Right-click on the desktop and select Properties. |
| 2. | Select the Settings tab. |
| 3. | Click the Advanced button. |
| 4. | Select the Adapter tab. |
| 5. | Refer to the Memory Size, |
If the graphics card isn't up to spec, you can upgrade:
- Along with the specifications mentioned earlier in Table 1.1, consider other optional features, such as High-Definition (HD) capabilities, TV in/out, and S-video outputs.
- Investigate your PC's connection types, such as if you have AGP, PCI, or PCI Express.
- You can use online tools, which will scan your system and give hardware recommendations that are compatible with your particular system; using this method eliminates manually inspecting your PC and figuring out all the specifics of your system.
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