Compatibility is the capacity for two systems to work together without having to be altered to do so. For example, if word processor applications are compatible, the user should be able to open their document files in either product.
Specification (specs) is descriptive information about hardware or software products. For example, the technical specifications of a printer may list the printer’s size dimensions, ink, acceptable paper, etc. A set of requirements defining an exact description of an object or a process.
What is the importance of hardware specification to software installation?
Decisions on hardware specification are often driven by the minimum hardware required to run specific software. If the hardware specs can not support the software then the user will not be able to get that software to work on the computer.
The hardware specification depends on the user and the type of software that they need to install and use. One must be knowledgeable of both the hardware and software specifications that they are working with.
Finding the Hardware Specifications on your computer
Type “Control Panel” in the search bar next to the windows button (on the Task bar)
Click on Control Panel
Click on System and Security then click on System
Areas to look at:
- Memory Type
- RAM capacity
- Processing speed
- Processor Type
- Type of Operating System
- System Type (Word-Size)
- Manufacturer
- Model
System Requirement for Windows 10
If you want to upgrade to Windows 10 on your PC or tablet, here’s the minimum hardware you’ll need.
- Latest OS: Make sure you are running the latest version of either Windows 7 SP1 or Windows 8.1 Update.
- Processor:1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster processor
- RAM: New device: 2 gigabyte (GB) for 32-bit or 64-bit or Update: 1 gigabyte (GB) for 32-bit or 2 GB for 64-bit
- Hard disk space: 16 GB for 32-bit OS 20 GB for 64-bit OS
- Graphics card: DirectX 9 or later with WDDM 1.0 driver
- Display:800×600
If you do not have these minimum hardware then you can not upgrade to Windows 10.
System Requirements for Installing Microsoft Word 2007
- OS Required: Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Microsoft Windows XP SP2 or later
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Software Requirements: Internet Explorer 6.0
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OS Family: Windows
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Additional Requirements: CD-ROM, SVGA monitor
Installing a game
Activity
Identity the Specifications for the following systems.
- Memory Type
- RAM capacity
- Processing speed
- Processor Type
- Type of Operating System
- System Type (Word-Size)
- Manufacturer
- Model
SYSTEM 1
SYSTEM 2
Reference
SCHS Information Technology Blog 