Knowing the answer to the last question is increasingly important these days, as you can’t run 64-bit software on a 32-bit OS. Likewise, if you do have 64-bit Windows (often referred to as “x64″), you should always opt for 64-bit versions of your favorite applications (when available).

Windows doesn’t paste this information anywhere in plain sight, but it’s easy enough to find. In Vista and 7, right-click your Computer icon and choose Properties. Presto: all the information you need in one handy box.

You can also click the Start button, type version, and then click Show which operating system your computer is running.