System Requirements

This section covers that basic system requirements for running DELPHI32 smoothly.  In a nutshell, any computer system purchased within the last few years which runs Microsoft Windows XP will work perfectly.

If you are purchasing a new computer, then we recommend that you follow the guidelines set out below when making a decision.  Please note that our advice is designed to make sure that your computer will be useful for several more years as new versions of Microsoft Windows appear.  We want to make sure you have enough power be happy with your computer purchase for at least another few years .

Another important point is that you should plan on spending an extra few hundred dollars up front on increasing the speed, memory, and monitor (screen) of your computer.  Almost all bargain computers have too little memory, are relatively slow, and have the cheapest monitor available.  

• Where to purchase your computer?  We recommend one of the two following choices:  First, companies like Dell offer fantastic deals by mail and/or the Internet.  A decent desktop can be purchased for as little as 500 dollars (with a monitor) and as much as 1200 dollars for a state of the art power-house.  You can spend more than that, but we never recommend you but the absolute most powerful computer available.  Companies like Dell are very responsive in dealing with defective parts, but that requires shipping time.  Second, you can buy a computer locally at a super store such as Costco, Compusa, Fry's, or any other location.  We do not recommend office supply stores because their salespeople are generally uninformed.  Make sure that the local store has a good return policy in case you buy a lemon.   Buying locally also allows you to get your hands on the computer.

• How fast should it be?  The speed of a computer is affected by several factors, but one primary factor is the gigahertz that the processor runs at.  You should buy a computer that runs at 2 to 3 or more gigahertz.  This is where a few extra dollars will make a huge difference.  You don't need to buy the absolute fastest computer available because it will cost an extra 500-1000 dollars more than something that is a notch or two lower.

• How much memory does it need?  The minimum amount of memory for any decent computer system is 512 Megabytes.  We highly recommend that you purchase 1 gigabyte or more.  This is where a few extra dollars will make a huge difference.

• How big of a hard drive?  This item is becoming irrelevant in recent years as hard drives are typically 100 gigabytes or more in size.  In most cases, just take the hard drive that is provided with any given system.  If you are really hard core and need a ton of space for videos, pictures, etc., then you can get larger hard drives for just a few dollars more.

• What operating system should I buy?  Buy Windows XP Home or Pro.  DELPHI32 will actually work on older versions of Windows such as 98 or Millennium, but we do not recommend this as they are "sluggish" by today's standards.

• USB 2 Flash Drive - Almost all computers come with several USB ports for connecting additional devices such as cameras, joysticks, external hard drives, etc.  A flash drive can also go by other names such as a thumb drive, pen drive, memory stick, etc.  We recommend you purchase a 1 gigabyte flash drive for an extra 30 or so dollars.  This is the ultimate method for performing backups of your DELPHI32 data.

• Monitor - We consider the monitor to be the most important feature of any computer system.  Today, you can get back some of your desk space by purchasing a LCD monitor which is usually less than 1 inch thick instead of the older CRT boxes that are heavy and use much more electricity.  We highly recommend that you spend a little bit more money for a larger monitor rather than just taking the default monitor that is provided with most computers.

• Internet Connection - It is difficult to imagine a computer system in today's world that is not connected to the internet.  You will need to have an internet connection if you would like to receive updates to DELPHI32.  

• Keyboard - If you have ever felt hand, wrist, back, or neck pain when using a computer, it is because you were using a straight keyboard.  Take our advice and buy an ergonomic keyboard.  These keyboards have a raised wrist position and split the keys down the center into a slight 'V' shape.  They will make an immediate difference in your comfort with your computer and will also force you to become a better typist.

• Laptop vs. Desktop - If you think you might be interested in a laptop, you should go to a local store and actually place your hands on it.  Good laptops can now be purchased for 1000 dollars or less.  You will save several hundred dollars if you buy an desktop, but a laptop allows you to work at home, office, or anywhere else you choose.

Lastly, you can call us if you would like help in determining which computer system is right for you or simply need help understanding your options.