About Your Machine
The following is a short list of commands I find useful for finding system information. They're all safe to use, but if you don't know what your doing (like changing the registry with regedit), don't change anything.
These commands work on most versions of Windows. Most can be executed by going to Start > Run and typing them, although a few may only flash on the screen and disappear. If so, open a DOS box and try that command.
| Command | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| cmd | Command Prompt | Open a DOS box (command prompt). |
| control userpasswords2 | User Accounts | Manage and secure your Windows XP passwords. |
| dxdiag | DirectX Diagnostic Tool | Info about your version of DirectX |
| gpedit.msc | Group Policy Editor | Allows you to change many settings in Windows. Not available on XP Home. See the PC Magazine article for some tips on gettings started. |
| ipconfig | Windows IP Configuration | Find out your IP address (internet address) and other related information. Use the /all switch (ipconfig /all) for more detailed information.
|
| msconfig | System Configuration Utility | This is a very useful program. It allows you to monitor and change which programs start when Windows starts. You can use the Startup tab in conjunction with the Startups List to disable unneccesary programs to speed up your computer.
Note: Win NT and 2000 users must download the msconfig.exe file to use this. |
| netsh firewall | This command provides more powerful management of Windows Firewall than its GUI. You can read more about it at PC Magazine. | |
| regedit | Registry Editor | Edit the System Registry. Be very careful. |
| tasklist /svc | Task List | Similar to the list you get with Ctrl+Alt+Del, but entered at a DOS prompt. The /svc switch tells you additional information in each process. Use tasklist /? for a list of all the available switches.
|
| winipcfg | IP Configuration | Find your IP address and other information. See also ipconfig. |
| winver | About Windows | Information concerning your version of windows. |