----------------------------Original message---------------------------- This message is being cross-posted. Sorry for the duplication. The Library Programs Service recently received a request for the "Recommended Minimum Technical Guidelines for Federal Depository Libraries" for a computer workstation in electronic format. These also appear in the "Federal Depository Library Manual (1993 edition) pp. 44-45 and in Administrative Notes, volume 14 #19 (9/15/93) in paper format. Section 3 Hardware and Software Recommended minimum standards for depository library acquisition of computer hardware and software are given below. These standards were revised in August 1993 and published in Administrative Notes, vol. 14, no. 19 (9/15/93). Future revisions will also appear in Administrative Notes. Even though these are recommendations, rather than requirements, LPS strongly encourages depositories to install microcomputer workstations that meet at least these minimum standards. Meeting these standards will allow depositories to provide access to the electronic products distributed through the Federal Depository Library Program. A. Recommended Minimum Technical Guidelines for Federal Depository Libraries 1. Minimum Workstation Configuration Computer IBM compatible 486DX computer operating at 33Mhz Memory 8 or more megabytes of RAM; expandable to 16 Meg or more Floppy Disks Both 3.5" high density and 5.25" high density Hard Disk Drive 160 to 350 megabyte capacity; 15ms or less access time; IDE or SCSI interface Expansion Minimum of three free expansion bus board slots; 1 or more additional hard drive bay(s) desirable; 2 serial ports and 1 parallel port; consider an available ZIF (zero insertion force) CPU upgrade socket Display Super VGA compatible, 15" monitor with at least 70Mhz vertical refresh rate at super VGA resolution (800X600) non-interlaced, 0.32 or smaller Dot Pitch; display card which supports 800X600 resolution at 70Mhz or faster CD-ROM Drive Single or multiple platter drive compatible with ISO 9660 standard; consider the Multi-Media supporting standards [300 K/byte per second transfer rate, double speed support, CD-ROM XA support, include a 16 bit sound board for PC (Ad-Lib or Sound Blaster compatible)] Printer 24 pin dot matrix; Epson or IBM Proprinter emulation compatible. Consider purchase of low cost color dot matrix printers for Multi-Media output or low cost laser printers for high resolution graphics (HP compatible). Pointing Device Microsoft compatible mouse or similar pointing device to support programs and Microsoft Windows Modem 9600 Bps, meeting V.32, V.42, V.42bis or MNP 5 standards and compatible with Hayes "AT" command set 2. Software Operating System Software MS-DOS 5.0 or later; Device driver for CD-ROM drive and MS-DOS CD-ROM extensions. Consideration should be given to the purchase of Microsoft Windows 3.1 environment since many programs now require it. Database Software dBASE file format compatible or dBASE and ASCII comma delimited file importing Database Management Software; useful to have fixed field format (SDF) importation ability as well. Spreadsheet Software Lotus .WK1 file format compatible software; support for other popular formats such as Excel and Quatro Pro useful as well. Word Processing Software Software capable of importing major text file formats (Ami Pro, WordPerfect 5.1, Microsoft Word, Multimate etc.) and plain ASCII text files. Communications Software Software package which offers "script" files to automate log-on procedures; and supports XMODEM and YMODEM file transfer protocols (ZMODEM and Kermit also desirable); several terminal emulations such as ANSI-BBS, TTY, VT-100; and 19200 bps transfer speeds; supports Hayes "AT" compatible modems. 3. Costs Equipment Cost Range Computer $1,700 - $2,600 CD-ROM $300 - $800 Printer $200 - $1000 Modem $250 - $600 Software $900 - $1,500 4. Rationale The above configuration provides ample resources to handle multiple software and CD-ROM retrieval packages, yet is available at a reasonable cost. Current 486DX prices are only slightly higher than for the 486SX or 386DX computers. The ability to run 32 bit specific software in a graphical environment is desirable. Selection of the high end options mentioned in these specifications will help to delay the onset of obsolescence. The available system memory can be better utilized by a variety of software. The software recommendations should permit the use of most anticipated Government produced products. Microsoft Windows 3.1 software is also easily supported by this configuration. Availability of both common floppy disk formats would accommodate all distributed disk formats and prevent unnecessary disk-to-disk transfers. While this configuration should prove satisfactory, it in no way suggests that a configuration superior to this should not be considered if affordable. The speed at which the computer industry changes dictates that flexibility is a desirable quality in any hardware and software purchases. Systems which are more than adequate today are obsolete tomorrow. Sheila McGarr, Library Programs Service (SLLD), U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20401. Voice: 202-512-1119; fax: 202-512-1432; e-mail: [log in to unmask]