All computers are Internet enabled. Our scanner is a Hewlett-Packard ScanJet IIcx with an automatic document feeder. All machines have tape back-ups. The brutal fact is that law offices simply do not need the newest and the fastest machines available. Currently our fastest machine is the 200 mhz Pentium Pro server, although we budgeted an upgrade for the workstations for early 2000.
Security is maintained through a combination of software and hardware mechanisms.
We have a single 286 not connected to the network which runs PC Board 15.1 for DOS from an encrypted partition for clients with special security needs and communications requirements. Until recently, our law library was about one-half in treatises and specialized printed references, and half on CD ROMs accessible by all our office computers. We are phasing out many of the CD-ROMs in favor of WestLaw. Current software Hardware may be glamorous, but software gets the job done. Law practice, alas, is not as exciting as multimedia games, but the hardware and software requirements aren't as demanding, either.