Some programs have special features you can use only with an IntelliMouse. Although most computer games let you use your keyboard, games usually are more fun if you have a joystick. Digital joysticks are the current trend. This simplifies the program installation, and the CD-ROM version might come with a few extras. Check for the required speed of the drive, as well.
Most new applications require sound cards.
If you plan to run any cool games, use a multimedia encyclopedia, or even explore the Internet, you'll need a sound card. Before you go shopping for programs, tear out the Savvy Software Shopper's Form at the front of this book and make some copies of it. Use the forms to record each program's minimum hardware requirements. You can find out most of what you need to know from the System Properties dialog box. My Computer to display the System Properties dialog box, as shown in Figure 10.1.