The first part of securing your computer is knowing what operating system you are running, including version numbers and service packs. Knowing what versions and service packs you have installed may save you time and effort in installing software you don't require.

NOTE ON WINDOWS® 95/98/ME:
Microsoft no longer supports Windows 95 and plans to discontinue support for Windows 98 in March 2004, and Windows Me, late in 2004 . To be able to continue supporting your computer, we urge you to upgrade to Windows XP. Please note, if you are using the Enterprise Accounting System (EASe), Windows XP is not an option for you at this time

You may jump to Windows or Mac OS X

1.1 Right-click the My Computer icon on your desktop and from the pop-up menu, select Properties as shown

This will display the System Properties window.

A typical System Properties window for a Windows 2000 machine appears below. The Operating System is Windows 2000, the Version is 5.00.2195 and the Service Pack installed in Service Pack 4. Please make a note of your Service Pack. We recommend that you have Service Pack 4 for Windows 2000.

The equivalent Windows XP System Properties window looks like:

Here, the Operating System is Windows XP Professional, the Version is 2002, and the latest installed Service Pack is Service Pack 1. Please make a note of your Service Pack. We recommend that you have Service Pack 1 for Windows XP installed.

NOTE ON Mac OS 9.x and Earlier: Apple will soon stop support for its versions of Mac OS other than OS X. We recommend our customers upgrade to Mac OS X.

2.1 Click on the Blue Apple icon in the top left corner of your screen and select About This Mac.