Via:      UK.AC.ASTON; 28 AUG 92  8:37:12 BST
Newsgroups: bit.listserv.cdromlan
Date:         Fri, 28 Aug 1992 08:34:20 +0000
              <CDROMLAN@IDBSU.BITNET>
From:         e.j.craft@ASTON.AC.UK
Subject:      Re: Menus vs Windows

Hi,

Just to address some of the points Arne J. Almquist made :

>
>Edward J. Craft recently made some comments concerning workstation
selection

>1.  In a LAN environment, CPU speed/technology is vitally important.
Remember
>that applications (such as CD-ROM search software) is running at the
> WORKSTATIONnot at the server.

I agree, the speed of the workstation DOES make a difference - I am saying
that it does not make AS MUCH of a difference. I was comparing networked
CDs + a menu with networked CDs + windows. A slower processor with the
latter makes much more difference.

>
>2.  Certain capabilities inherent in 386 and better chips (such as
advanced
>memory management, etc.) are becoming ever more important due to
performance
>enhancing features of the search software programs themselves, the large
>required free memory space and the increasing use of Windows compatible
>search software.
>
>3.  Graphics capabilities (including color) can be very valuable at the
>CD-ROM workstation.  Information is highlighted and delineated through
>color.

Again, I agree wholeheartedly. I don't think anyone on campus is running a
CGA system. (see later though) There are, however, a lot that are still
running older machines 8088/286 with EGA screens alongside their 386/486
machines. As a support department it is better if we give them a service
that CAN BE accessed using their older machines. This is not to say we
reccommend their configuration - just that the option is there.

In the autumn we're putting out an on-line service in the library using an
old (antique ? :-)) XT with full height 360k, 10Mb hard drive and CGA
screen. The reason is that we are using all the new machines for CD,
Windows etc. and this service would otherwise not be available. ( The speed
of the on-line service is so slow that a 486 wouldn't do it any faster, we
aren't letting people download and there are no access charges.)

>
>All of the above is not to say that IF YOU REALLY HAVE TO, that you cannot
>make do with slow equipment.  If you cannot afford better, you do what you
>have to do.  However, if you have any choice in the matter, the
WORKSTATION
>IS NOT THE PLACE TO ECONOMIZE.
>

This is the point I was trying to make. With the cutting of budgets at the
moment, departments sometimes CAN'T afford a new 386. A CD service is an
example of where they can dust off an older machine and use it until they
can get a better one.

>
>Arne J. Almquist
>Assistant to the Director, Networking and Microcomputer Resources
>University of N. Texas--Libraries
>P.O. Box 5188
>Denton, TX  76203-0188
>
>ph. 817/565-3024
>Bitnet: FB23@UNTVAX
>
>



        	       	       	       	+------------------------------------+
        	       	       	       	!                                    !+
        	       	       	       	!   Edward J Craft.                  !!
        	       	       	       	!   Computer Officer,                !!
        	       	       	       	!   Library and Information Services !!
        	       	       	       	!   Aston University                 !!
        	       	       	       	!   Aston Triangle                   !!
        	       	       	       	!   Birmingham B4 7ET.               !!
        	       	       	       	!                                    !!
        	       	       	       	!   Tel : 021-359-3611  ext. 4446    !!
        	       	       	       	!   E-mail : e.j.craft@aston.ac.uk   !!
        	       	       	       	!                                    !!
        	       	       	       	+------------------------------------+!
        	       	       	       	 +------------------------------------+