For discussion:
A lot of us are involved in making decisions about computer hardware.
The result of these decisions will be with a DSA student for 3 years.
In the light of the following information, should we up the current
specification?
Computer specifications:
Every year Microsoft, Intel and Compaq get together to define a
computer specification. A manufacturer can only claim a computer is
"Designed for Windows" if it meets or exceeds this specification. The
PC97 specification for a Windows PC is:
. Pentium 120
. 16MB RAM
. 800 x 600 screen resolution
The PC98 specification, announced earlier this month, has provoked a
lot of controversy.
Apart from the specification upgrade to:
. Pentium 200MMX
. 32 MB RAM
. 1024 x 768 screen resolution - (which, to me, implies a 17"
monitor)
it has redefined the specification for the serial & parallel ports;
introduced a new device bay; and banned the use of the old ISA bus.
The computer may ship with ISA slots incorporated into the motherboard
and with old style serial and parallel ports - but they must not be
used by the supplier. This means, for instance, an external modem
would have to have the new USB interface
The new serial port, called USB (Universal Serial Bus), can support up
to 127 daisy chained peripherals such as keyboard, mouse and joystick.
The specification calls for one USB port, but it is envisaged that two
will be fitted, one on the rear and one on the front of the computer.
The parallel port, called IEEE 1394, was originally developed by Apple
as FireWire. It is much faster than the existing parallel port. It is
only recommended at the moment, but will be required later.
Both USB and IEEE 1394 entice users by offering worry free
installation - they should not have to concern themselves about device
drivers, jumpers, switches etc.
The device bay size and shape is defined, as is the incorporation of a
USB and IEEE 1394 interface within it. This will allow users to plug
in all manner of devices which will be autosensed by the next
generation of operating system, Microsoft's Memphis (which may be
called Windows 98) and Windows NT 5 (the next version of NT).
Manufacturers can ignore this specification, if they want to. However,
from January 1999, only PC's which meet the guidelines can carry the
"Designed for Windows" logo. In addition, although different
specification machines will work with the current and next generation
versions of Windows, there is no guarantee after that.
Information gathered from www.microsoft.com/hwdev/pc98.htm & Guardian
Online 24/4/97.
Regards
Paul Dilley, Technical Manager
Computer Centre for People with Disabilities, University of Westminster
** The London & South East Regional Access Centre **
Tel: +44 171 911 5000 Fax: +44 171 911 5162 http://www.wmin.ac.uk/ccpd/
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