Determining DOS System Information

Version
In order to determine your DOS version, first go to a DOS prompt. Then key in ver and press ENTER.

CPU Manufacturer & Model
The CPU manufacturer and model is usually printed on the front of the system's case.

Speed
The CPU's processor speed (measured in megahertz) may be printed on the CPU case. Be sure not to confuse the processor speed with the system class which may be written in terms of X86. If the processor speed does not appear on the front of the CPU case, then you will have to reboot your system (be sure to quit all applications before doing this) . When the system is rebooted, the system's BIOS settings, including the processor speed, will be displayed.

RAM
The amount of RAM, or Random Access Memory, that your system has may be determined by keying in "mem" from a DOS prompt. The Extended (XMS) value given will be in kilobytes (K). However, we want to convert this value to megabytes, which may be done by simply dividing the given value by 1,000. Round this value to the nearest multiple of 4.

Hard Disk Size & Amount of Free Space
The hard disk size and the amount of available space on your hard drive may be found in the same manner. From a DOS prompt, key in "chkdsk" and press ENTER. The size of your hard drive may be found in the row labeled bytes total disk space. The amount of available space on your hard drive may be found in the row labeled bytes available on disk. The values given will be given in bytes, but once again we want to convert this to megabytes. This is done by dividing the given values by 1,000,000.

Tape Drive
If you are unsure of what size tape drive you have, the easiest method of determination is to look at one of your tapes. The capacity of the tape will be given on the tape label or printed on the metal backing. Often times a 60 MB tape will be stamped with a QD6 on the back. The other tape sizes may be prefixed with a 6.

Modem Information
Your modem's manufacturer, model and maximum transmission rate is usually found on the front of your modem.

Printer Brand & Model
The printer manufacturer and model number are usually labeled on the front of the printer.

Printer Interface
In order to determine your printer's interface, you may follow one of two options depending on which is easier for you. The first is to look at the connection on the printer. If the printer cable has screws holding it on then it is a serial interface. If the cable has clips holding it on, then it is a parallel interface. The second option is to disconnect the printer cable from the back of the computer and then look at the end of the cable. If the end of the cable has holes exposed, then it is a serial interface. If the end of the cable has pins exposed, then it is parallel interface.

Multiple Workstations
Multiple workstations are only offered with pc V--no entry should be made in these fields for pc I customers.