Keep in mind that this is a minimum standard and that mulimedia software vendors are creating increasingly complex products which demand more and more of a computer system. Also like modems, CD-Rom drives can be either internal or external. An internal CD-Rom drive is recommended. A CD-Rom drive either external or internal can be also added to a system without one. For inside your computer, you will need a sound board or card to take full advantage of the multimedia capabilities of CD-Rom software.
Speakers are also necessary.
Choosing these speakers is much like selecting them for home audio equipment. Speakers are probably less than ideal for a library setting. As an option you may want to use headphones instead. These will actually plug into the sound board not the CD-Rom drive, so be sure your sound board has a jack for headphones. Workstations are also now sold complete with these capabilites pre-installed at attractive prices.