System Requirements

[JDSAmy]

I am having a debate with our IT guy about the system recommendations about my computer and I need some help in order to settle the issue. I currently have an old computer with an Intel Celeron CPU 2.66GHz processor and 512 MB RAM. I am running Captivate 3, RoboHelp 5, Outlook, AS400 sessions, and the internet normally at one time. Is my current system sufficient for running all of these programs? I have had several problems with Captivate not responding and RoboHelp being extremely slow.

I appreciate any feedback!

[jojolina]

Hi JDSAmy

Rule #1 for debating tech stuff with a tech: Use the facts.
Rule #2: See above.

Seriously though, the best way is to check the original software specs for what machine is required and then, in my opinion, to match your machine to at LEAST the recommended hardware requirements (minimum spec is a "will barely run" scenario). Anything over and above recommended spec is a bonus.

My primary reason for the above is that minimum spec for software does not take into account any other packages you might be running simultaneously on teh said machine, thus having a greater impact on available system resources.

You said you are running Cap3 on "an Intel Celeron CPU 2.66GHz processor and 512 MB RAM" and JUST Cap 3 requires "Intel® Pentium 4, Intel Centrino®, Intel Xeon®, or Intel Core™ Duo (or compatible) processor with MINIMUM of 512 KB RAM and recommended 1GB RAM". Bearing in mind that Captivate is used in conjunction with other software (usually the "big stuff" and not small mickey mouse packages) it would seem as though your system is under spec for the application. I can't speak for the other applications you are running as I have no experience with them, but get the facts and go back to your IT person for a discussion.

Lastly, remember that a negotiation is not a battle to be won, but a means to achieving an acceptable solution for all parties involved i.e. smile and say please and thank you.

Hope this helps and GOOD LUCK!!!!!!

Andrew

[keithroby]

JDSAmy,

If your IT guy is actually saying this, I would, after consulting your own manager, get him to stipulate this in writing.

When you inevitably run into issues down the line, you can refer him back to his own words.

Somehow I think the IT guy recommends (all of a sudden) the upgrade once you ask him to put it in writing.

It could conceivably come down to 'he said/she said'. Getting it in writing eliminates any confusion as to who said what.

[Newsgroup_User]

IMO, A Celeron has no place in a workplace environment unless you are
just doing word processing. They're fine chips, but not meant for any
type of 'heavy duty'. With Captivate's requirements for editing, much
less capturing, I would say that falls into 'heavy duty'.

As Andrew mentions, if CP3 specs a minimum of 512mb RAM, then you're
just *barely* there, and that doesn't include your other program
requirements.

Yes, you need a new machine. At least a P4, a Core Duo would be better.
1gb of RAM at least, 2gb would be better.

Heck, Outlook itself is a hog that I'm surprised works on your machine
without any hangups!

Andrew makes a good point about software specs. Gather the min and
recommended specs for each program you regularly run and show how EACH
requires that minimum for itself. To handle all that the same time, you
need to hit a recommended spec, at least.
Erik

JDSAmy wrote:
> I am having a debate with our IT guy about the system recommendations about my
> computer and I need some help in order to settle the issue. I currently have
> an old computer with an Intel Celeron CPU 2.66GHz processor and 512 MB RAM. I
> am running Captivate 3, RoboHelp 5, Outlook, AS400 sessions, and the internet
> normally at one time. Is my current system sufficient for running all of these
> programs? I have had several problems with Captivate not responding and
> RoboHelp being extremely slow.
>
> I appreciate any feedback!
>

--
Erik Lord
http://www.capemedia.net
Adobe Community Expert - Authorware
http://www.adobe.com/communities/experts/
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