Hardware Considerations
HARDWARE CONSIDERATIONS
Hardware & Operating System Recommendations:
Current versions of Total Eclipse will run efficiently on any 100% IBM-compatible computer with a 500-Mhz Pentium III processor or above; at least 256 megabytes of RAM; a USB port; Windows 2000 or above; Internet access; a CD, CDRW, or DVD drive; and a hard disk. Although Total Eclipse supports most parallel printers, not all printers will support all of Total Eclipse's advanced functions.
CLICK HERE for Advantage Software Recommendations.
As a practical matter, we recommend computers running at 1 Ghz or above with at least 512 megabytes of RAM. The faster the processor, the better. The more RAM, the better. Multiple USB ports are recommended. A DB9 serial port is usually required for realtime connection to client computers or a stenographic writer. A serial adapter (PC card or USB) is typically installed for this purpose, and PC cards tend to be more reliable. For this reason, we highly recommend that, if you plan to do realtime, you purchase a computer with an express or pcmcia slot. We recommend DVD/RW or combination CDRW/DVD drives.
Eclipse Software will run on Macintosh computers, however it will not currently run under MacOS. It must be run under Windows XP or Windows Vista, which must be purchased separately. You can boot these operating systems using the Mac “Bootcamp” program, which comes free with all new Macintosh purchases.
So-called “bargain” computers, which often contain low-quality or mismatched components, should be avoided. Some inexpensive notebook computers have missing or low-quality ports, which may create problems with printing, audio recording and playback, serial communications, and/or software protection devices.
Should you choose to provide your own hardware, it is important that you choose a reputable, full-service computer dealer, since you and your hardware vendor will be responsible for properly configuring your system.
Windows XP Professional is the recommended operating system for use with modern software like Total Eclipse. Windows Vista is also acceptable, but there is nothing to be gained by installing it onto a computer that is already running Windows XP. New versions of Total Eclipse will no longer run on Windows 95, Windows 98, or Windows ME.
If you will be using Total Eclipse Vox speech-recognition interface, we recommend a modern processor running at 2 Ghz or above, at least two gigabyte of RAM, and configuration by an expert. Processes should be kept to a minimum.
Many manufacturers are deploying desktop processors in notebook computers. If you will be using a notebook computer with the Total Eclipse Vox speech-recognition interface, we strongly recommend using a processor that has been designed specifically for mobile computing. When notebook computers with desktop processors are used for resource-intensive applications like speech recognition, the processor can overheat and become unstable. They should therefore be avoided.
If you will be using eclipsecat, an external 2400-baud modem is strongly recommended. Captioning equipment manufacturers are still following old communications standards, and some modern modems (internal and external) may encounter compatibility problems with captioning hardware.
ASI Hardware
When you purchase hardware from Advantage Software, Inc. (ASI), you are assured of top-quality, business-class equipment at competitive prices. All our computers come loaded with high-capacity hard disks; integrated digital audio processing (for the included audio-sync software); DVD/RW or CDRW/DVD drives; modems; serial adaptors; and USB ports.
At Advantage Software, we give you the kind of personal attention you deserve. Computers are delivered with your software already installed. Before your system goes out the door, it is rigorously tested and optimized for maximum performance with Total Eclipse. In the unlikely event you experience problems with hardware purchased through Advantage Software, we will intervene with the manufacturer on your behalf to the best of our ability.
CLICK HERE for Advantage Software Recommendations.