Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
application that professionals use is Adobe Dreamweaver; there are many
free and low-cost alternatives for the casual user, including tools found
on websites that will host your web page for free or very cheaply.
Quick Review
1
What is a codec?
2
What is groupware?
3
What is WYSIWYG?
Managing Your Applications
In the following sections, you'll learn some important information that will
help you choose the right software and manage your software collection.
Application System Requirements
Before you purchase an application, you should check its system require-
ments. The
system requirements
represent the minimum hardware
configuration required in order to successfully install and run the applica-
tion. You can find the system requirements printed on the software box
if you buy it at a retail store; if you buy it online, you can find them on
the application's website. System requirements usually include a mini-
mum CPU speed, a minimum amount of RAM, and certain standards
for sound and video support. They may also specify Internet access, a
particular type of input device (such as a joystick), and a certain amount
of free hard drive space. Figure 6.14 shows the system requirements for
the World of Warcraft video game under Windows, for example. It is
common for the system requirements for games to be more restrictive
than for business applications because of the intense graphic processing
needed for games that have complex motion graphics. As you can see in
Figure 6.13, this application has two sets of specs: one for the minimum
requirements, and one that is recommended for best performance.
system requirements
The minimum hardware
required to install and run an application.
Figure.6 14
The system requirements for World of Warcraft.