If you are planning to upgrade your computer in the future, you should consider these factors preferably at the time of purchasing. Planning ahead will save you money and avoiding headaches. Inspect the front and back of the computer and take notes. Ask the sale person if necessary.
1. In the back, check for type and number of expansion Slots available.
2. In the front, check case (enclosure) for Slots or Openings available.
3. Slots for memory (RAM), video/graphics.
4. Hard Drive standard (SATA, ATA, EIDE, IDE, USB, etc.)
You should make note of what items or cards have already been integrated (glued) into the motherboards. The motherboard is the main item inside your computer that usually includes the CPU, RAMs, Video and sound cards, connectors for network, modem, mouse and keyboard.
Standards of expansion slots:
AGP (video/graphics)
ISA (older standard)
PCI (old standard)
PCI-E (PCI-Express, newer standard)
When you buy any components for your computer, you need these above info to determine what will work with your computer. Newer computers usually use newer standard components (PCI-E).
If you do not have these info, go online and entering your computer brand and model number in the Yahoo or Google search box. You will eventually find needed details inside your computer. You can also go to vendor web sites (Dell, HP, Sony, Toshiba, etc.) and search from there.
Note: You must buy component with compatible standard for your upgrade to work.
Inside Your PC - Motherboard and Case
Inside Your PC - Upgrade RAM
Inside Your PC - Slots For Upgrading