[WEB4LIB] pc's for Web browser workstations

[Andrew Mutch]

Calvin,

Assuming that meets the needs of your CD-ROM applications, that sounds more than adequate for the web browsing components.  A couple things that you didn't mention are the audio/video capabilties of the workstations.  Did you plan on offering that to users?  If so, make sure that you have included a sound card into the specs.  Also, what OS are you planning to run this on? If these are going to be Windows machines, depending on when you actually place your order, they may come with WindowsXP, assuming you don't specify an
alternative.  You might want to check out the system requirements for XP.  I have heard that it is quite the RAM hog.

My experience with workstations dedicated for Internet use is that the 2 most important components of these machines is a fast connection and a lot of RAM.  The web browsers themselves don't really benefit from fast processors but the plug-ins really run better with more RAM.  So, if you have to choose between a faster processor or more RAM, go with the RAM.  Also, I think when you go to order your machines, you'll probably be hard pressed to find 700 Mhz machines.  I think the base these days is around 1 Ghz and moving
upward.

Andrew Mutch
Library Systems Technician
Waterford Township Public Library
Waterford, MI

Calvin Boyer wrote:

> We are beginning the process of replacing en mass the 30 assorted public workstations in our reference room area.
>
> These workstations are largely devoted to accessing information on the Web through Netscape Communicator and Internet Explorer available with a full range of plugins already loaded before the first user sits down.  In addition, each station will host necessary software to make use of some services (e.g., SCI FINDER from ACS) and each station will have security software to keep users from changing settings, etc.  Each will support CD ROM products (obtained from the reference desk which we can not load on the local net).
>
> Before we ask IT and campus administration for approval to purchase this equipment, I would like a second opinion that our benchmark pc capability is neither ludicrously low end or high end.
>
> 700mhz, 256 mb memory and a 10 gig hard drive
>
> Thanks in advance.
>
> Cal
>
> Calvin Boyer
> Library Director
> Longwood College
>
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