----------------------------Original message---------------------------- THE MESSAGE BELOW IS FROM ADMINISTRATIVE NOTES, VOL. 16, #2 (January 15, 1995). Recommended Minimum Technical Guidelines for Federal Depository Libraries Revised January 1995 In order to assist depository libraries in remaining current with advances in personal computer (PC) technology, the Library Programs Service (LPS) has once again revised the "Recommended Minimum Technical Guidelines." This revision emphasizes the Windows operating system and Internet capability, and is based in part on the findings of the Electronic Capabilities Survey which LPS conducted in 1994. Libraries having equipment which meets or exceeds these guidelines will be in a position to use the electronic products distributed through the Federal Depository Library Program. In addition, these guidelines support the use of the GPO Access online services, as well as other Federal online information resources. Although these are recommendations, rather than requirements, LPS strongly encourages depositories to install microcomputer work stations that meet at least these minimum standards. It is also recommended that these guidelines be applied to public work stations, as well as those intended for depository staff. Minimum Workstation Configuration Computer IBM-compatible 486DX2 computer operating at 66Mhz Memory 8 or more megabytes (Mb) of RAM; expandable to 16 Mb or more Floppy Disks Both 3.5" high density and 5.25" high density Hard Disk Drive 540 Mb capacity or higher; 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 and 1 parallel ports; consider an available ZIF (zero insertion force) CPU upgrade socket. Display Super VGA (SVGA) compatible, 15" monitor with at least 70Mhz vertical refresh rate at SVGA resolution (800X600) non-interlaced, 0.28 or smaller dot pitch; display card which supports 800X600 resolution at 70Mhz or faster. Consider a 19" high resolution monitor to display 8.5" x 11" full page images. 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 laser printers for high resolution graphics (HP compatible). Pointing Device Microsoft-compatible mouse or similar pointing device to support programs and Microsoft Windows. Modem 14.4 kbps, meeting V.32, V.42, V.42bis or MNP 5 standards and compatible with Hayes "AT" command set. Network Connection SLIP/PPP Internet connection, with FTP (File Transfer Protocol) capability. Software Operating System Microsoft Windows 3.1 or later (requires MS-DOS 3.3 or higher); Device driver for CD-ROM drive and MS-DOS CD-ROM extensions. Database dBASE file format compatible or dBASE and ASCII comma delimited file importing database management software; useful to have fixed field format (SDF) import ability. Spreadsheet Lotus .WK1 file format compatible software; support for other popular formats such as Excel and Quattro Pro. Word Processing Software capable of importing major text file formats (Ami Pro, WordPerfect, Microsoft Word, Multimate, etc.) and ASCII text files. Communications Software package which offers "script" files to automate log-on procedures; and supports XMODEM, YMODEM, ZMODEM, and Kermit file transfer protocols; several terminal emulations such as ANSI-BBS, TTY, VT-100; and capable of up to 19200 bps transfer speeds; supports Hayes "AT" compatible modems; manages telnet sessions. Client Software WAIS client (EINet WinWais customized for GPO Access recommended), and a World Wide Web browser. Viewers Adobe Acrobat PDF file viewer. Costs The cost section is being eliminated from this revision. Cost information is readily available, and subject to rapid change and local market conditions. The ranges offered in the previous "Guidelines" were too wide to support accurate planning and budgeting. Rationale The above configuration provides ample resources to handle multiple software and CD-ROM retrieval packages, yet is available at a reasonable cost. Current 486DX2 prices are only slightly higher than the 486SX. The ability to run 32 bit specific software in a graphical environment is desirable. Selection of the high end options mentioned in these guidelines 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. While this configuration should prove satisfactory, LPS encourages the purchase of a configuration superior to this 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. .