Barnard Residential Computing: Not Sure Which Operating System You're Running?

Not Sure Which Operating System You are Running?

If you are not sure what operating system you are running, first determine whether you are using a PC (IBM Compatible) or Macintosh. Macintosh computers usually have an apple logo on them, as well as an apple key on the keyboard.

If your computer is a Macintosh, you can easily find what system you're running. Bring your mouse over to the apple in the upper-left corner of the screen. Click on it once and drag the mouse to About This Mac. A screen will pop up with several pieces of information. Under the big apple logo it will say the operating system and version number. This number is the version of your operating system. If it says, "Mac OS X, Version 10.5.3", your operating system is Mac OS (Macintosh Operating System) 10.5.3.

If you have a PC which you are connecting to the network, your computer must be running Windows XP Personal, Windows XP Professional or Windows Vista.

Signs you are using Windows 9x/ME/NT/2000:

You have a Start Menu which is either visible on the bottom of your screen or pops up when you move your mouse into the area. If you click on the Start button, it will pop up a menu. Along the left-hand side it will specify what version of Windows you are using.
Alternately, right click on My Computer, then click on Properties. The System Properties dialogue box should pop up. Details on your operating system will be under the General tab. You should also take note of which Service Pack has been installed on your computer. The Service Pack is a good indication of how up-to-date your computer is for its Windows Updates.

Signs you're using Windows Vista: Similar to the signs above, except your start menu opens with a Windows logo instead of the word "Start".

Alternatively, right click on My Computer, then click on View Basic Information about your Computer. At the current time, there are no Service Packs for Windows Vista.