----------------------------Original message---------------------------- Well, I appear to be missing a substantial portion of the replies on this topic! The 486 is now the "standard" PC and there is no reason to buy a 386 except, perhaps, portability. I am sorry that I have lost the thread of this discussion, but it is really a simple question. The configuration proposed is about a year old. Also, you need to remember that CD-ROMs are SLOW and you must buy the drive with the fastest transfer available. Based upon personal experience, there is NO way I would run a CD-ROM on a 386 unless there was nothing else available. -- Duane F. Marble E-mail: [log in to unmask] Dept. of Geography The Ohio State University Telephone: (614) 292-2250 Columbus, OH 43220 Fax: (614) 292-6213