Upgrading and Fixing Computers: Do-it-Yourself For Dummies®

Chapter 1. Start Here First

Topics in this chapter

• Determining when to upgrade

• Determining when not to upgrade

• Upgrading do's and don'ts

• Turning on Windows Update

• Making sure System Restore works

• Identifying your Windows version and your computer's parts

You picked up this book for any of several reasons. You may be eyeing Windows 7, Microsoft's newest version of Windows, and want to upgrade your computer to meet Windows 7's needs. Perhaps one of your computer's parts died, and you're looking for a replacement. Or maybe your computer simply needs some fine-tuning. Either way, start with this chapter.

This chapter starts with the easy stuff by letting you know when it's time to upgrade, and when it's time to simply throw in the towel and buy a new computer.

You discover how to find out what version of Windows lives on your computer, as well as how to identify the CPU and amount of memory hiding inside your computer's case.

This chapter also explains how to identify every part inside your computer's case, so you can see if your computer meets those fine-print system requirements listed on the side of many software boxes.

To keep your work as light as possible, this chapter explains where Windows 7 has the power to repair itself — if those powers are turned on and running correctly, that is. You find complete instructions on making sure the self-healing abilities of Windows Update and System Restore are up and running.

Remember, anytime you're not sure what plugs in where, check out this book's ...