Help determining specs?

[TechyMomX2]

I have printed out my system information. Can anyone help me break it down for my system specs in my profile? I am a CIS student and I am still trying to figure out what specs my PC has. I am interested in figuring out how to determine what kind of hardware I have (memory, graphics cards, etc) and how I can upgrade to make it better.

I am also interested in trying to do a backup to an external hard drive. I've never done this before.

Thanks in advance!!

 

[TechyMomX2]

Here's my system information.

 

[broe23]

You need to download and run Speccy, then post the URL that it gives you at the end. You can download it at Speccy - System Information - Free Download Since it is a OEM computer. HP.com would have the Spec info. As for RAM. You can go to Crucial.com and it will tell you compatible RAM.

As for upgrading there is not much you really can do. You can install a Larger sized hard drive, a Blu-Ray drive, and maybe a little better Graphics card. But that is about it.

 

[TechyMomX2]

You need to download and run Speccy, then post the URL that it gives you at the end. You can download it at Speccy - System Information - Free Download Since it is a OEM computer. HP.com would have the Spec info. As for RAM. You can go to Crucial.com and it will tell you compatible RAM.

As for upgrading there is not much you really can do. You can install a Larger sized hard drive, a Blu-Ray drive, and maybe a little better Graphics card. But that is about it.

did you see my post with the list of system information? Why do you say that's all I can upgrade? I would ultimately like to have a better graphics card, more memory, and possible have 2 HDs installed into my system. I am just curious where you got your information.

 

[Ztruker]

How about this:

How to fill out System Specs for eightforums.
See here: How to See Your System Specs with "System Info"

 

[broe23]

Again you need to download the program I stated. Your Spec's are available at HP.com. Also you are very limited in upgrade options on OEM machines. I also stated that yes you can add another drive. The only thing that would stop you, is if all SATA ports are in use. Then you would have to install a SATA PCIe Card.

I got my information from being around computers for over 35 years. Also HP/Compaq machines were what I used to purchase, until I changed over to Toshiba for laptops in our household.

 

[TechyMomX2]

Again you need to download the program I stated. Your Spec's are available at HP.com. Also you are very limited in upgrade options on OEM machines. I also stated that yes you can add another drive. The only thing that would stop you, is if all SATA ports are in use. Then you would have to install a SATA PCIe Card.

I got my information from being around computers for over 35 years. Also HP/Compaq machines were what I used to purchase, until I changed over to Toshiba for laptops in our household.

Thank you for your information Broe23! Please don't take my questioning in any form of disrespect. I was curious the reasoning because I am trying to figure all this out. I downloaded the program and figured out what CUP and memory I have. Remind me what an OEM machine is? I don't know how many SATA ports I have yet, or what is connected to them. I haven't opened my tower yet. I am pretty sure the warranty is over (if I even had one) so I may open it up and have a looksie.

 

[popeye]

TechyMomX2? May need to change the name.

Sorry, I couldn't resist.

What is a CIS student?

 

[TechyMomX2]

CIS is computer information systems..I'm currently in my second semester so I'm still learning so excuse me but I'm not changing name. No need to be a jerk.

Techy: because I've worked with computers since I was old enough to see the screen. I know a lot just don't always know the technical terms.
MomX2: because I am a mom of two beautiful boys!

 

[Cliff S]

If you're really interested in upgrading your existing system or even totally refurbishing it, I recommend, you take a look at Tom's Hardware: Hardware News, Tests and Reviews . They also have forums there about hardware. It helped me when I wanted to switch over to a solid state drive from a hard disk drive. It's informative to just browse through too, They have the newest hardware and comparative test's to help you find the balance of price, value and quality(not everyone can afford or even needs High End),

 

[Ztruker]

Good grief, chill out. It was said in jest, notice the smiley face.

 

[David Bailey]

I am also interested in trying to do a backup to an external hard drive.

You might want to check out Macrium Reflect Free

You can backup to a USB drive.

 

[popeye]

Good grief, chill out. It was said in jest, notice the smiley face.

Thanks, at least you understood. Never joke with a stranger as they say. :shock:
Jerk will shut-up now.

 

[broe23]

The only thing you can do to learn more about technology, is do like most of us, build a lab and get a couple of extra machines, so you can use them as a part of a lab. It would allow you to use one of those computers as a router running pfSense, and the other you could use as a Web Server, or unconnected to the network unit, to allow you to crash it, while experimenting.

I have been doing this stuff a long time. The way I have always taught myself, is by rolling up the shirt sleeves and diving in. The other is using search engines to try and find information out, that either the likes of Cisco.com is too in depth, or Microsoft's Technet side is not what you are looking for.

As for CIS. The top paying jobs right now are dealing with Computer Forensics (tablets, phones, laptops, desktops, servers), along with Network engineering & Information Systems Security. CIS is pretty much a generic term.

When dealing with OEM machines, there really is not much you can do in the form of upgrading items like the CPU or Motherboard. That is why you are better off in building your own like most of us have.