Section 17: Specifications
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RAM – Random Access Memory
512 MB is recommended. RAM is kind of like short-term memory. It’s fast, readily
available for the computer to access and makes time consuming tasks go much
quicker if you have lots of it. Most users won’t notice a difference if they add more
than 512 MB to their system, but almost all uses will notice the speed difference that
512 MB provides when compared to 256 MB (256 MB is kind of the next step down
from 512 MB).
CD-ROM /CD-RW
All new computers come with some sort of CD-ROM drive. Consider a computer
with CD-RW (Read/Write) capability. Many graphic files are very large and will not
fit on a floppy drive. Being able to copy a file to a CD-ROM is a big advantage for
filing purposes and moving the file from one computer to another. CD-RW drives are
becoming as indispensable today as floppy drives used to be.
DVD drives are more sophisticated versions of CD-ROMs with the advantage that
they will read both CD’s and DVD disks, but a standard DVD drive will not write to
either CD or DVD disk. In order to write to DVD disk you will need to buy the latest
technology and purchase a writeable DVD drive, and these are expensive and not
necessary for most laser users.
Floppy Drive
Many people still use floppy disks to save files, and move files around from computer
to computer. If your customer gives you a floppy disk, you need to be able to use it,
so don’t buy a computer without a floppy drive!!! Be aware!!!! Many computer
manufacturers today sell their systems without a floppy drive as standard equipment
and you might not notice that it’s missing until you get the computer. Floppy drives
are a $20.00 option that you probably can’t live without. Make sure you order one
with your new computer!!
Processor Speed
A faster processor will allow you to do more tasks in less time. While it’s not
necessary to purchase the fastest processor available, you’ll want either an AMD
Athalon processor or an Intel Pentium IV processor (do not purchase a computer that
is using an Intel Celeron processor – they’re too slow for graphics applications).
Processor speeds are always improving, but processor speeds of about 2.0 GHz or
faster are a good place to start.
10/100 Network Interface Card (NIC)
All new computers have a 10/100 network connection as standard equipment. As
well as allowing multiple computers to be linked together in a network, this
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