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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]
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