How can I find out what operating system is on my computer?

Hello everyone,


My sister gave me her old computer. It is in really good shape. I went out and bought a flashdrive and on the back of the packaging it says that it will only work with Windows xp or windows vista. How can I find out? What else should I know about the computer? any thoughts?


thanks so much.


ruthie|||To my knowledge flash drives, pen drives and what ever they may be called, are not Operating system specific. I use all mine with Windows XP, Windows Vista and even Linux with no problems.





You can open the control panel, then the system icon and the first menu screen tells you what Windows and what service pack is installed. You can also open menus, accessories, system tools and click on system information which will display all the information about the computer and what software is installed. Belarc Advisor is free and when you run it, it will create an .html file and open your browser and display this information, including the product key code number of the windows and other programs also.





If you set it up for a printer, you can print all this information out and keep it handy when you need to find something like hardware drivers.|||Flash drives are universal. That flash drive will work just as well under Windows, Linux, Mac OS X, as well as many other obscure operating systems. Manufacturers often give bogus requirements due to software bundling on retail flash drives. Just ignore it - your flash drive will work on any computer.





As for finding out the operating system, you can usually tell on boot up by the splash screen - it should say "Windows XP Home Edition." Vista and Windows 7 aren't so obvious. To check the version, click Start, right click "Computer" and choose "Properties" from the drop down. It should list your Windows version in the box popping up.|||have you tried it by plunging in you USB drive of your pc if it wont work then you need a driver CD for the same if it come with the flash drive,mostly latest flash drives are plug and play compatible and if you want to know the version of windows type "winver" in Run, you will get Run option in "start"menu, and if it is a old version like "windows 95" or "ME"get the latest windows like "xp" or "windows7" by calling a technician, thank you|||It should still be able to work regardless.





But, simple way would be to go to the "Control Panel", and then look for something named "System".





But seriously, connect the flashdrive, and then open up "My Computer", and it should show up.|||As long as you use Windows, you can find out using the following method on ALL versions.





Right click the My Computer icon (or item on start menu labeled the same) and then select Properties.|||hi if you go to, belarc advisor download it ,it will tell you EVERYTHING that is in that computer good luck|||i agree with first ...flash drive works on all Operating systems......


and here is useful site for you:


http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000鈥?/a>