Here are two messages on the request for info on the best computer platform for CD-ROM applications for maps. -----------------Johnnie ---------------------------------- Mon, 03 May 93 10:09:38 EST David Cobb <DCOBB@HARVARDA> Re: CD-ROM Atlas Platform I would agree with Prof. Marble that a 386 would be inadequate for your applications. Many of the commercial "popular" mapping atlas programs require little space (3-5MB) but do add up and your Windows and DOS software will also take up space. The 486 with a 200+ hard disk costs out much more efficiently when you consider possible future applications and expandibility than almost any 386 configuratio nAs for the printer, I would remind you that users are very unimpressed when you view and color map on a color monitor and then offer them a black and white copy from your printer. We are using a very basic HP 500C color printer which has proved to be satisfactory for our current applications. David A. Cobb Harvard Map Collection ----------------------------------------------------- Mon, 3 May 1993 08:06 MST DEBBIE LORDS <[log in to unmask]> (806E2800: 80AD03155E) Re: CD-ROM Atlas Platform I second the statement about the machine type posed in the first reply to you. Certainly the 2MB RAM limit would be begging for problems. We have a 386 in our work area with 2MB RAM and we can't run our CD software AND the mouse simultaneously. For a geographic atlas, with features any mouse user can imagine, to not plan on mouse support is insuring obsolesence and dissatisfaction. As far as RAM is concerned, I'd strongly urge you not to consider anything below 8 meg. I know memory is expensive, the most expensive part of the machine, but so is upgrading that memory. If you go with the machine you have described, I can make you one guarantee. You will spend a lot of more money upgrading to what you really need than what you would have spent in the first place. My experience has shown that is it a too frequent mistake that librarians get hardware which meets only "current need". For the sake of your patrons, consider your ability to meet "future need" if you get a "current need" machine. With computers, future needs can hit in just a few months. Go with a: 486 (33 or 50 megahertz) DOS 5.0 (DOS 6 is not as grand as promos pretend and 3.0 limits you too much) mouse support option for Windows 3.1 (for which you need 2 meg of RAM to BEGIN, forget any other application's needs) no less than 8 meg of memory and preferrably 16. COLOR printer Also, if you are running stand-alone as you say, get enough disk space that you can load the CD's information on the hard disk, if that is supported by the CD provider. As the other fellow said, CD access is far, far to slow if other options are possible. Bluntly, friend, it sounds like you are maybe being offered a gift computer. Watch out against a Trojan horse. Never downplay hardware needs. Rather, be honest about them. Do you need the above? Well, maybe you could fudge on the color printer and possibly a 386 at 25 megahurtz won't cause too many complaints. But your patrons WILL notice the speed difference even if computer gurus say they won't. You will get complaints with a 386 pulling directly from a CD. Don't fudge on memory or disk space on a stand alone machine. Not ever. You'll regret it if you do. Advice is easy for those who don't have to pay the bill. Debra Lords [log in to unmask] Marriott Library University of Utah Salt Lake City, Utah 84112