A MEMO FROM IDEA-PROLADES MINISTRIES

Clifton L. Holland, Executive Director
P.O. Box 3533, Santa Cruz, CA 95063-3533
Telephone/FAX: 1-800-682-5832
prolades@racsa.co.cr

DATE: May 20, 2000 (update from July 26, 1996)

TO: Alan Young, AJTechnologies

FROM: Clifton Holland

SUBJECT: Re: Computer systems for ICDS & ATLAS users

I have received a number of requests recently from potential new clients regarding what computer system they should buy to get operational using our IDEA Church Directory Software (ICDS) and the ATLAS GIS software in a model workstation. We had produced a document like this a few years ago to help members of the Consortium for Urban Leadership Development (COULD) and other GLAMA-NET users in the planning and purchase of computer systems.

Now we need to update these system requirements in the light of new hardware available and current costs. Below is a list of my tentative recommendations. Is there anything on the list that needs revised/updated or anything that should be added?

BASIC COMPUTER SYSTEM: IBM PC compatable Pentium II or III as a minimum requirement

OPERATING SYSTEM: Windows 95 or Windows 98

CPU: 150MHz or higher (the higher the better!)

RAM: minimum of 32 MB

HARD DRIVE: 1.4 GB or larger

MONITOR: 15" Color VGA or SVGA, 256 colors at 640 X 480 minimum resolution

PRINTER: HP Color DeskJet or Epson Stylus Color Printer (latest models)

OTHER BASIC HARDWARE:

+ one 3.5" 1.44 MB floppy drive

+ one 101-key enhanced keyboard

+ one CD-ROM 24x drive

+ one 56.6 baud modem (data/fax)

+ one tape backup system (e.g., Colorado Systems) or external ZIP or EZ drive

+ one mouse

+ one color scanner (optional)

SOFTWARE: make sure that your system includes basic programs like Microsoft Works or Office95 or Lotus Smart Suite, plus anti-virus, communications (e-mail & Internet access), graphics, etc.

ESTIMATED COST: $1,500-2,500

NOTE: buy your equipment from a reputable dealer who offers a minimum one-year warranty with local technical support and service.