Community Memories Program – Hardware Requirements

There are certain hardware requirements and recommended accessories for participants in the Community Memories Program.

Required Hardware
Recommended Accessories

Required Hardware

Laptop Computer

A laptop is a portable computer small enough to sit on your lap. Your laptop requires the following components in order to use the Community Memories software:

• A processor of 1.0 GHz or more.
• 512 Mb of RAM.
• A hard drive space with at least 5 GB free space
• A display screen of 14.1" or greater. (For demonstration purposes, a 15" screen may be more suitable. With a 15" screen laptop, you would not need to add an external monitor.)
• A CD-RW drive. (This may come in combination with a DVD drive. The CD-RW drive is used to create back-ups and discs for distribution. The drive should come with back-up creating software. However, most laptops now come with a DVD-RW drive which is recommended.)
• LAN Card (Ethernet Adapter).
• Windows XP (Home Edition or Professional) operating system or higher.
• Microsoft Office Small Business Edition-OEM version. (This must be purchased at the same time as the laptop to receive it at a reduced cost. This is required for word processing.)
• At least two USB ports, preferably three. (The USB, or Universal Serial Bus, port is an external connection on your computer for attaching peripheral devices. Peripherals that may need a USB connection are the external mouse, external keyboard, printer and scanner. The price of a USB hub may be less than purchasing additional USB ports on the laptop. See section Recommended Accessories.)

Scanner

Note: Many scanners and printers are now combined as one unit. Please ensure that it is capable of accepting or comes with a slide adapter.

A scanner is a device for copying text or images printed on paper into a digital form that the computer can use. While a number of different scanners will function with the Community Memories software, the software manufacture has found Epson scanners to work best.

• It must be 100% Twain-compatible.
• It must be compatible with your laptop and Windows XP operating system.
• It should have a minimum resolution of 300 dpi.
• It should have free image editing and browsing software.
• It should come with or be able to accept a slide adapter.

Please ensure that you have enough connection ports (USB or other) on your laptop to attach the scanner. Also make sure that you have all the necessary cables. These may have to be purchased separately. If your laptop does not have enough connection ports, you may have to consider acquiring a USB hub (listed below) or using different cables.

Microphone

A microphone is necessary for donors to record audio with their images. As many people may be reluctant to put on a headset, a built-in or a stand-alone microphone, which rests on a table or attaches to the computer, may be more appropriate. A clip-on microphone that attaches to a tie or collar also works well. You may wish to ask if a built-in microphone is available with the laptop you select. We were unable to find any when this manual was produced; however, changes in hardware availability are frequent.

Speakers

The laptop will come with built-in speakers, but these will not be adequate for a group of listeners to clearly hear sounds played. A pair of external speakers is required for group work and presentations.

Mouse

Since the built-in mouse on a laptop can be awkward to use, an external mouse with a scroll wheel should be purchased for easier navigation. Ensure that your laptop has enough connection ports (USB or other) to attach an external mouse. If not, you may have to consider purchasing a USB hub (see section Recommended Accessories) or choosing a different cable configuration.

Surge Protector

A surge protector will prevent damage to the laptop and peripheral devices, and quite possibly the loss of records in the event of a power surge.

Carrying Case

A carrying case or bag for your laptop is necessary since you will more than likely be travelling with it while gathering information for your Community Memories exhibit. More expensive cases will be on wheels and have extra space for transporting the scanner and most other accessories.

Ports and Cables

Verify that your laptop has the appropriate number of ports available to connect all of the accessories/peripheral devices you select, and that you have the appropriate cables to make these connections.

Drivers and Software

If possible, have your computer vendor pre-install your Windows operating system, Microsoft Office, the drivers for your scanner, printer, microphone, mouse, and surge protector where necessary, as well as any other software that comes with these components (for example, image editing software bundled with the scanner).

Recommended Accessories

Printer

A printer is a device that prints computer text or images on paper.

• It must be compatible with both the scanner and the laptop selected, as well as Windows operating system.
• It should have a minimum resolution of 600 dpi.

Ensure that you have all the necessary cables to attach the printer to your computer. These may have to be purchased separately. The number of USB ports on your laptop may be a factor in your printer and cable selection.

Lock

Laptops are one of the most easily stolen computer items. They do not weigh much and are easily concealed. Unless the laptop is always kept in a safe place, you should consider purchasing a lock and securing the laptop to a desk or other immovable object.

USB Hub

(likely necessary, depending on the number of ports required)

If you do not have enough USB ports on your laptop to connect the scanner, printer, and other peripherals (such as an external keyboard, external mouse, microphone, etc.), you may want to consider purchasing a USB hub.

External Keyboard

A separate keyboard can make using a laptop much easier, as laptop keyboards can be awkward and uncomfortable to use. If you do decide on an external keyboard, ensure that you have an adequate number of ports available to attach the keyboard to the laptop.

External Monitor

If your budget allows, consider purchasing an external monitor that is considerably larger than the built-in monitor on your laptop. This facilitates the viewing of records during presentations or when working with a group.

Anti-Virus Software

The installation of an anti-virus program is strongly recommended in order to protect your files from viruses.

USB Key

While a USB Key is not required in order to use the Community Memories software, it can be useful for transferring files between your laptop and other computers.