Obviously, it is not possible to have the latest and greatest hardware at all times. Here are some guidelines for those who are upgrading to PC-Topp.NET, or who want to install PC-Topp.NET on existing hardware.
PC-Topp Service PC
As the Service PC is the core of the system and PC-Topp's performance depends largely on its being well equipped we strongly recommend using PCs that meet the criteria for newly purchased hardware.
Workstations, Machine Terminals
There are two considerations that should guide you when deciding whether an existing PC is okay to use for PC-Topp:
On one hand, the PC's processing speed should match user expectations (which tend to vary but will keep going up). On the other hand, using a PC that is too slow for conversion machine planning or as Machine Terminal may not allow conversion machine planning to function properly.
In practice, a Pentium IV machine (2.8 GHz or higher) with no less than 512 MByte of RAM is adequate for most purposes.
15" monitors are acceptable as long as the image quality is adequate at XGA resolution, but users may complain that everything appears too small. For on-screen CAD graphics, the monitors should be at least 17".
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Operating System
Care must be taken when using PCs that have been in use for a long time, as Windows tends to become slow and unstable with time. Windows 95, Windows ME, Windows 98 and Windows NT are not supported. In general, all PCs used to run PC-Topp should have NTFS formatted hard drives.
• Service PC
The PC-Topp Service PC requires Windows 2003 Server. Additionally, Internet Information Services, Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 and SQL Server 2005 Express or Standard have to be installed on the PC-Topp Service PC.
• Workstations
For the PC-Topp Workstations and the PC-Topp Machine Terminal, Windows XP is required.
Printers
All printers need to be Hewlett-Packard or models of other suppliers that are at least compatible with HP LaserJet 4.
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