windows + R
then type msconfig
it has all info about your PC
and how to i check if the graphics card at the top of the page is compatible with my computer?
1. ask your local vendor
2. some VGA didn't compatible with well 'normal' motherboard, they need fatherboard bwahaha. I mean, it needs higher technology to operate GeForce 9900 XFX technology, and it means longer motherboard, you'll need bigger PC case.
3. there is a notice 'in checkbox mode' lol, in front of the motherboard box, if you buy 'normal' VGA, you don't have to care about this things, but if you buy 'ehm' VGA, you will need to check the compatibility.
well, why you buy your PC? for school, university, job?
basically, if you use it for daily task, 2Gb is more than enough. Don't play Mp3's and multitasking it with Photoshop or Word, your PC works hard if you have 1Gb RAM only. Ctrl+Alt+Del to check your PC tasks 'Task Manager'
If you use vista, after you Ctrl+Alt+Del, press 'task manager' button.
I think Vista is an epic fail, Windows7 is an XP with Vista touch bwahaha.
If you use your PC for Graphic designer like Photoshop or Coreldraw, PERHAPS you need 4Gb and better VGA, 512 ATI is enough no need 1Gb VGA.
For 3D maker, Maya and Video renderer, the higher the better, 4 or 8Gb RAM, why 8Gb? well, you will FEEL the difference when you do these stuff, also, when you copy files, downloading, installing, etc.
The most EXTREME PC motherboard i know is a 24Gb tri-channel DDR3 RAM. It costs around $350 just for the motherboard. It has all EXTREME capabilities bwahaha. Most motherboard we use now is only dual-channel DDR3 RAM.
If you have a server it's called GDDR RAM.
well, directX 9.c is the latest now, but some of the motherboard still can't install directX 10, your PC will 'Scream' if you try to install it, I mean, it still beta lol.
Actually, PC is a very useful tools we have, we can use it for almost everything, except for cooking, yes, PC can't cook haha!
You can use PC for study, play games, chat, rumble in the AG forum, become a troll or goblin, make friend, stolen money online Ooopss.
Don't use torrent, but if you have to, never buy, it always free, internet is for free, information is free, Windows is a past, Linux and FREE MASON community is the future, why not free?