Determining your Computer's Configuration

Checking your Macintosh Machine's Configuration

Macintosh OS X Instructions
for finding, memory, processor and operating system version:

                                                    Fig. 1

1. Click on the apple that is circled in Fig. 1

 

                                                    Fig. 2

2. Click on "About This Mac" circled in Fig. 2

 

                                                       Fig. 3

3. You should see the Operating System type and version, Memory, and Processor listed in the "About This Mac" window in Fig. 3

 

Older Macintosh computers:

Memory

To check how much memory a Macintosh computer has you need to select the "About this Macintosh" option from the Apple menu. Make sure you are at the Finder (desktop) and then select the "About this Macintosh" option from the Apple menu.
 
 

The "About this Macintosh" screen shows you what version of the Operating System is being used, How much memory is in the machine and how much memory the Operating System and other running applications are using/reserving.

 Total Memory is the amount of memory physically located in the computer. Virtual memory (disk space used as memory), if on, will be displayed separately.

The Largest Unused Block is the amount of "Free" memory the computer has available and includes any Virtual Memory.

Screen Resolution

To determine screen resolution:
  1. From the Apple Menu select Control Panels.
  2. From Control Panels, double click on "Monitors".
  3. Click on Options from the Monitors window. A new window will appear with the current resolution highlighted.

Processor

If you have a Power Macintosh your computer will say either "Power Macintosh" or "Power PC" on the case.  If you do not have a Power Macintosh, refer to your owner's manual to determine your processor speed.

Checking your Windows 98/2000 Machine's Configuration

Memory and Processor

To check your memory and processor follow these procedures:
  1. Right click on My Computer.
  2. Select Properties.
  3. Select General.
You will see a window entitled System Properties. Near the bottom, underneath Computer: you will see two items. The first item is the number of the type of computer you have. The second item is the amount of memory you have.

Screen Resolution

To check your screen resolution follow these procedures:
  1. Right click on the desktop.
  2. Select Properties.
  3. Select Settings.
You will see a window entitled Display Properties. In the middle right underneath Desktop Area will be the resolution for your screen. To change the resolution, drag the slider.

Checking your Windows XP Machine's Configuration

1. Click on the Start Menu

2. Right Click on My Computer and choose Properties from the Menu.

3. Your Operating system is listed under "System", The CPU and Memory is listed under "Computer".

Screen Resolution

To check your screen resolution follow these procedures:

  1. Right click on the desktop.
  2. Select Properties.
  3. Select Settings.

You will see a window entitled Display Properties. In the middle right underneath Desktop Area will be the resolution for your screen. To change the resolution, drag the slider.