SiSoft Sandra, like many programs, has a Tip of the Day service and unless you disable it, it will pop up every time you run the program.

Using SiSoft Sandra Lite to find out about your PC's hardware configuration is simple. From the Home tab (pictured above) double click on the green man with the magnifying glass next to "Hardware" or click on the Hardware tab.

Double click on the Mainboard option.

SiSoft Sandra will pause for a few moments while it scans your computer and retrieves the information.

When it's finished, it will list as much information that it is able to ascertain. Scroll down until you see the "Mainboard" section. Take note of the Manufacturer and Model.

Then scroll down to the Chipset list and take note of the Model.

These items that you have just taken note of will allow you to find the correct chipset or platform driver. Close that window and, back at the SiSoft Sandra Hardware tab, double click on the Displays and Display Adapters icon.

Take note of the Video Adapter Model and the Chipset Model. This information will allow you to find the correct driver for your video card or integrated graphics solution.

Close that window and back at the SiSoftware Sandra Hardware tab, double click on Processors.

Take note of the Processor Model (right at the top). Be sure to take hold of the right edge of the window and drag it to the right to make the window wider so that you can see the whole processor model name (they can be rather long).

Knowing what hardware is in your PC is not only useful to ensure that you download and install the correct drivers, it's also useful if and when you upgrade your PC, or deal with a technical issue concerning software, or consider buying a game, or consider installing a new modem - in all cases you may need to be able to tell the sales or technical support person what hardware you have so that they can recommend compatible solutions and so that you can check that your PC meets minimum requirements.

Having followed this guide, you should now have a list of all of the major components in your PC. With some extra exploration of SiSoft Sandra, you will be able to easily find out other details as well.