You can view a summary of important information about your computer by opening System in Control Panel. You can see basic hardware information, such as your computer's name, and which edition of Windows your computer is running. You can change important system settings by clicking the links in the left pane of System.
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Open System by clicking the Start button , clicking Control Panel, clicking System and Maintenance, and then clicking System.
System presents a summary view of basic details about your computer, including:
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Windows edition. Lists information about the version and edition of Windows running on your computer.
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System. Displays your computer's Windows Experience Index base score, which is a number that describes the overall capability of your computer. Your computer's processor type, speed, and quantity are listed, if your computer uses multiple processors. For example, if your computer has two processors, you will see (2 processors) displayed. Also displayed is how much random access memory (RAM) is installed. For more information about your computer's base score and what it means, see What is the Windows Experience Index?
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Computer name, domain, and workgroup settings. Displays your computer's name and workgroup or domain information. You can change this information and add user accounts by clicking Change settings.
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Windows activation. Activation verifies that your copy of Windows is genuine, which helps prevent software piracy. For more information, see Activating Windows: frequently asked questions.
The links in the left pane provide access to additional system settings. If you're looking for the information that you used to find in System in Control Panel when using earlier versions of Windows, you will find that same information by clicking the links in the left pane.
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Device Manager. Use Device Manager to change settings and update drivers.
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Remote settings. Change settings for Remote Desktop, which enables you to connect to a remote computer, and Remote Assistance, which enables you to invite someone to connect to your computer to help with a computer problem.
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System Protection. Manage settings that automatically create the restore points that System Restore uses to restore your computer's system settings. You can turn System Protection on or off for the disks on your computer, and you can create restore points manually. For more information, search Windows Help and Support for "System Restore."
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Advanced System Settings. Access advanced performance, user profile, and system startup settings, including Data Execution Prevention, which monitors programs and reports possible security attacks. You can also change your computer's virtual memory settings.
The main circuit chip in a computer. It performs most of the calculations necessary to run the computer.
Random access memory (RAM)
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Random access memory (RAM)
The main internal storage area the computer uses to run programs and store data. Information stored in RAM is temporary and is designed to clear when the computer is turned off.
Restore point
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Restore point
A representation of a stored state of your computer's system files. Restore points are created by System Restore at specific intervals and when System Restore detects the beginning of a change to your computer. Also, you can create a restore point manually at any time.
Domain
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Domain
A collection of computers on a network that share a common database and security policy. A domain is administered as a unit with common rules and procedures, and each domain has a unique name.
Workgroup
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Workgroup
A group of computers that are connected on a network and share resources, such as printers and files. When you set up a network, Windows automatically creates a workgroup and gives it a name.
User account
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User account
A collection of information that tells Windows which user rights and access permissions a person has on a computer. The user account records the user name, password, and a unique number that identifies that account.
Virtual memory
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Virtual memory
Temporary storage used by a computer to run programs that need more memory than the computer has.
Remote computer
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Remote computer
A computer located elsewhere that you can connect to from your computer by using remote access software (such as Remote Desktop Connection) and a modem or Internet connection.
Help and How-to
