(Computer Preparing (Installing Windows)

How do I make my computer start from the Windows installation disc, rather than the computer s hard disk?
You might need to specify that your computer use its CD or DVD drive as the first startup device in the computer s basic input/output system (BIOS).
Be careful when changing BIOS settings. The BIOS interface is designed for advanced users, and it s possible to change a setting that could prevent your computer from starting correctly.
To open BIOS settings, turn on your computer, insert the Windows installation disc, and then restart your computer. Procedures vary depending on the BIOS manufacturer. Usually, you must press a key (such as F2, F12, Delete, Esc). On the BIOS setup screen, select the option called "Boot order," or something similar. Select your CD or DVD drive as the first startup device. Restart your computer, and then start Windows from the installation CD or DVD.
? Upgrading to Windows .
Choose Upgrade to keep your files, settings, and programs from your current version of Windows.
? Installing a custom version of Windows.
Choose Custom to * completely replace your current operating system, * if your computer does not have an operating system, or * if you want to set up a multiboot system on your computer.
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When you choose Custom, you install a new copy of Windows on the partition you select. This erases your programs, files, and settings, so be sure to back up any user files you want to keep. Back up any files and settings you want to keep so that you can restore them after the installation.
During the installation process, you need:
? The Windows installation disc.
? Your product key. You can find your product key on your computer or on the installation disc holder inside the Windows package. A product key sticker looks similar to this:
PRODUCT KEY: XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX
? Your computer name, if your computer is currently connected to a network.
? You also need to decide whether to install a 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows.
Usefulness of installing updates to Windows?
If you d like Windows to install important updates as they become available, turn on automatic updating. Use automatic updating to ensure that Windows * stays up-to-date with the latest information from Microsoft, including driver updates. Important updates provide significant benefits, such as * improved security and reliability.
Turn automatic updating on or off
To have Windows install important updates as they become available, turn on automatic updating.
1. open Windows Update.
2. In the left pane, click Change settings.
3. Under Important updates, choose the option that you want.
4. Under Recommended updates, select the Give me recommended updates the same way I receive important updates check box, and then click OK. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
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There are types of updates, you can set Windows to automatically install important and recommended updates or to install important updates only.
? Important updates provide significant benefits, such as improved security and reliability.
? Recommended updates can address noncritical problems and it may also introduce new optional Office programs and Microsoft, they will not automatically be installed.
? Optional updates are not downloaded or installed automatically. Windows Update will notify you if security and other important updates cannot be installed.
What is the difference between 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows?
The terms 32-bit and 64-bit refer to the way a computer s processor (also called a CPU) handles information. The 64-bit version of Windows handles large amounts of random access memory (RAM) more effectively than a 32-bit system.
RAM :
You can see if your computer is running 32-bit or 64-bit Windows, by opening System and viewing the system type.
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Can I upgrade from a 32-bit version of Windows to a 64-bit version of Windows?
No. If you are currently running a 32-bit version of Windows, you can only perform an upgrade to another 32-bit version of Windows. Similarly, if you are running a 64-bit version of Windows, you can only perform an upgrade to another 64-bit version of Windows.
If you want to move from a 32-bit version of Windows to a 64-bit version of Windows, you ll need to back up your files and then perform a custom installation of the 64-bit version of Windows.
Can I run 32-bit programs on a 64-bit computer?
Most programs designed for a computer running a 32-bit version of Windows will work on a computer running 64-bit versions of Windows. Notable exceptions are many antivirus programs, and some hardware drivers.
Drivers designed for 32-bit versions of Windows do not work on computers running a 64-bit version of Windows. If you re trying to install a printer or other device that only has 32-bit drivers available, it won t work correctly on a 64-bit version of Windows.
Would I benefit from using a 64-bit computer?
The benefits are most apparent when you have a large amount of random access memory (RAM) installed on your computer, typically 4 GB of RAM or more. In such cases, because a 64-bit operating system can handle large amounts of memory more efficiently than a 32-bit operating system can, a 64-bit system can be more responsive when running several programs at the same time and switching between them frequently.
If I m running a 64-bit version of Windows, do I need 64-bit drivers for my devices?
Yes. All hardware devices need 64-bit drivers to work on a 64-bit version of Windows. Drivers designed for 32-bit versions of Windows don t work on computers running 64-bit versions of Windows.