Computer Help

[nyskirat]

Does anyone know how to tell the specs on a laptop when it has no OS?

[StopMakingSense]

model# on the bottom then google ... BIOS as well will tell you that, depends on the motherboard but it's usually F10 ... easiest way is to just hit every F key as fast as possible the second you get the first flash screen to which the BIOS will open, you can find the specs in there

[nyskirat]

Its a custom computer from Spartan that my grandfather bought quite a few years ago so...Im not sure a model number will help. Will a BIOS screen show even if I am not running an OS?

[teletripper]

You could always download a older version of Linux ( I like Ubuntu or Linux Mint) create a live cd and pop it in the thing. Now you have a OS which you can use also ity will show you the specs.

[RShea]

Power on and see what the first couple of screens show- could have a model number there, then go into the bios and there should be system memory and hard drive size listed. If you have the model, then Google or a search of Ebay may help. The company was out of Mass. and I do not know if they are still in business. The unit probably was actually made by another company like Compal or the like.

Also you can do a Live Boot CD like UBCD which would have capabilities of starting up the system and diagnostics.

[stuckathuntermtn]

the BIOS

[MontuckyFried]

Will a BIOS screen show even if I am not running an OS?

Yes, as it's a program built into the BIOS rom chip on the motherboard. No OS necessary. It's pretty much the starting point for configuring a computer's components, and as everyone's said, it's a pretty good start to looking at the stats. Some are more basic than others, but every one I've seen will show you the amount of memory (ram), HD space, CPU, etc.