YOUR NEXT COMPUTER by Edwin P. Morrow, ChFC, CFP, RFC

A financial advisor must continuously reassess computer equipment since it has the capacity to multiply the operational efficiency and professional capacity of the practitioner. If a new computer were to be purchased now, what are the minimum specifications? While the recommendations of a broker/dealer or life insurance company might be helpful, they will normally be related just to the software currently offered or recommended by that company.

A group of financial software developers who are aware of the current and proposed hardware requirements of both current software and those programs under development for release within the next 12 months have participated in developing these specifications. Each of these firms are buying equipment for their own use and software testing, and are mindful that the financial advisor is a user, not a technocrat. While cost is an important consideration, the longevity of the equipment is critical.

A computer must be purchased for future tasks and software to perform them effectively, as well as for current jobs and software. Here is what these developers recommend that you purchase:

Processor (CPU): Pentium 166 MHz or faster, or a compatible chip
RAM Memory: 32 MB minimum (see comments)
Hard Disk: 2 GB (minimum 1.6 GB)
Video Card: 2 MB Video RAM
Modem: 33.6 baud (with fax capacity)
CD-ROM: At least 4 speed, with a Sound Card
Monitor: 17" recommended, 15" minimum
Cost Estimate: Approximately $2,000-$2,500
(plus tax and shipping)

Tape Backup: High Capacity, considering current larger hard drive sizes

Printers: Laser printer for text (HP compatible) 4 MB RAM suggested
Ink Jet with separate Black and Color Cartridges for graphics

Processor: CPU - Pentium 166 MHz or faster Central Processor Unit chip. While all your programs will not require this speed, some will, and some may even require more speed. As your use and skill with multi-tasking in Windows increases, the faster processor will perform noticeably better. Strongly consider a slightly faster chip (200 MHz, etc.) if the price differential is not too much. Some vendors have a small charge for the 200 MHz upgrade, while others don't. For a network file server, which can benefit several persons, be sure to select a faster speed. Note: Intel makes the Pentium, but AMD and Cyrix also manufacture compatible chips, generally sold at a lower price. We have found that these chips work just as well, if not slightly faster, than the Intel models.

The Pentium Pro CPU chip has been specially configured for 32 bit code and offers noticeable speed improvement. However, there isn't much 32 bit code available except the generic Win 95 versions of Microsoft Office and not all of that is fully operational. This chip performs slower in Windows 95, but faster in Windows NT. Traditional 16 bit code is not enhanced by this type of processor. Current cost; about $300-$500 extra.

The Pentium MMX CPU chip has been maximized for multi-media. That's how it gets its designation. So if you play exotic games a lot, get an MMX. If not, save your money.

RAM Memory: 32 MB. Many programs under development are now indicating a need for much more than 16 MB of RAM. Since you will be multi-tasking, the additional memory will accelerate performance of both foreground and background tasks. It is usually very expensive to upgrade RAM later, so we recommend you purchase the 32 MB initially. For example, if a system is ordered with 16 MB it may use two 8 MB SIMM (Single Inline Memory Module) chips. When you upgrade to 32 MB, you'll have to discard the first chips. Get 32 MB initially, especially since memory prices have dropped. Specify EDO RAM - its faster. See comments about Windows NT and 64 MB recommendation.

When Microsoft takes its demo programs on the road, they use a system with 80 MB. What does this tell you? Strongly consider getting 64 MB. One system designer for a major university, who supports over 2,000 PCs, says, "I'd gladly trade less CPU speed for more RAM. All of our users are swapping programs and the new ones use a lot of RAM. We are ordering all new systems with 64 MB."

Hard Disk: 2 GB. (absolute minimum) Many hardware vendors offer slightly larger drives (such as 2.5, 3 or 4.5 GB) at similar pricing. One concern is whether or not this computer will be connected to a network, and thus have some of the data files and programs stored there. Be certain that the desktop computer can support two drives should your storage needs increase dramatically. Check your current hard drive space use and purchase at least three to four times the space you are now using. If this computer is to be used as a network file server, then consider ordering an even larger hard drive. The current structure of Windows programs makes it a major problem to simply upgrade from a smaller drive to a larger one. For a few bucks, get the dealer's best buy.

If your computer needs require a much larger hard drive, (6,10 GB, etc.), you will need to consider a SCSI drive. This will also require a SCSI type controller card (such as Adeptec 2940). Large SCSI hard drives with a fast controller card have faster seek times. This will make a major difference in some functions, such as searching through a large database on a network drive.

Video Card: 2 MB Video RAM. Both Internet use and many Windows programs place a substantial demand on video card performance. Having more memory on the video card will accelerate screen refreshing. Only if you are a heavy graphics user should you consider 4 MB special graphics card, which would increase cost substantially. However, consider a graphics accelerator card for any employee who is doing a lot of desktop publishing, newsletters, brochures, etc.

Modem: 33.6 baud. This is the fastest speed which most phone lines can currently accept. If you eventually can access and use an ISDN phone line, you will probably want to replace the modem, and a future model will probably be a better performer and at a more reasonable price than the faster models which are currently available. Many units now come with 28.8 baud modems, but for a small upgrade you can get the 33.6. There are some modems now on the market which operate at 56 baud. This standard has not yet been adopted, and you may be better off waiting. Most internet providers cannot transmit at the 56 baud modems at the present.

CD-ROM: Quad (4) speed. This is adequate for business use. If a 6, 8, 10 or 12 speed model is available at negligible price increase, then take it. Most financial advisors will use a CD in such a manner that speed is not a major factor, as it is with some games. But be sure to order one, since that is how most of the software will be distributed. After all, would you like to install an upgrade to Windows 97/98 if it required over 50 diskettes?

Tape Backup: a high capacity (700MB+) is recommended, considering hard drive size. Remember, all hard disks will eventually fail - either through mechanical flaw, user error, stray electronic signals, or a virus. You will need to be able to restore all the software you have laboriously loaded and configured, as well as the data files. If you have a network, it is essential that one system have a tape drive. However, a tape drive on one unit may not be able to back up any units other than itself or the file server.

There are some tape drives that can connect to your computer's parallel port, and thus one unit can be used to back up (and restore) several machines. This type of tape drive can be used to backup a laptop unit, which normally cannot be purchased with a tape unit. However, if you are networked, using the Cheyenne software, one tape unit can back up all the workstations.

Monitor: 17" recommended. The 15" monitor will normally have screen size controls and delivers about 12% more viewable space than a 14" model. Don't buy a 14" model. The 21 and 23 inch models are currently very expensive, unless you plan to use one as a selling or display tool with clients or you have a vision problem.

Laser Printer: A laser printer is required for text for reports and letters. Get an HP compatible model with at least 4 MB of RAM. The RAM will help speed printing, and is necessary for desktop publishing. If you find yourself waiting for printer output now, then consider a faster printer with a larger paper tray. If you plan to do a lot of mass mailings, consider an envelope feeder, or at least buy a model where one can be purchased and user-installed later. Single user, look for 12 ppm output speed. Small network, consider 16 ppm. For a larger network, consider a 24 ppm printer, unless you have several distributed printers.

Ink Jet printers: This type of printer is best for charts and graphs. Get one with separate Black and Color Cartridges for color graphics, which are far more versatile than those which attempt to derive black from 3 colors or which require you to switch ink cartridges. However, unless you purchase a better model, the low-end ink jet printer will not accept downloaded type fonts, and will not have the ability to perform high capacity desktop publishing. But, for color charts and graphs, they are great. Currently the color laser printers are far too expensive.

For brand selection, give strong consideration to Hewlett Packard (even at a slightly higher price) since user satisfaction surveys are high and service is readily available. Also, you'll find resale value is much higher. Many firms are still using their ten year old HP Series II models. Third party vendors often offer less expensive toner cartridges for HP units.

Portable Unit: Purchase an Active Matrix screen unless all your usage will be with a monitor, video panel display or video projector or just your personal use. Passive (dual scan) screens have very narrow viewing focus width.

Inquire if a docking station is available and would it be compatible with your network? A docking station permits you to plug the laptop unit into it, and automatically connect with a large monitor, keyboard, mouse, phone line, printer and even a network card.

If you may eventually have more than 20 work stations - select Novell. If you expect to have from 5 to 20 stations, consider Novell or possibly Windows NT.

Novell has about 60% of the networks in the world. There are thousands of Novell certified network engineers (CNE) who can provide support should your current consultant no longer be able to serve your needs. This is a very compelling reason for selecting Novell.

Another reason is that Novell has a more rigidly defined structure for how a network should be constructed. While this loses some exotic opportunities, it means that if your network consultant disappears, it will be much easier for a replacement to assume the maintenance. Or you can do it yourself with a consultant on the phone.

Windows NT is more flexible. That is an advantage and a drawback. Because it can be configured many different ways, it will be more difficult for a new network consultant to pick up the electronic pieces. It might also be more difficult for a software vendor to support you since he or she will have to spend a lot of time figuring out how your unique network is configured.

To use the 32 bit code features of Windows NT you will need a Pentium Pro file server with 32 MB of RAM or more. Network consultants are now advising a Pentium Pro system with 128 MB of RAM for the file server and 64 MB for all work station computers in order to have satisfactory performance with Windows NT. Plan on 64MB.

Microsoft is offering Windows NT Server in competition with Novell. It is a true fully-featured network. However, because of the much bigger installed customer base, there are currently many more third party vendors of Novell-related software programs.

If you are just hooking your unit to a secretary to share a common database, you can use the Windows 95 networking features. However, this will have to be customized and supported by you, with the same potential problem as Windows NT. But it will work, and quite well once all the units and all your software have been re-configured. The major problem users seem to experience is printing on a remote printer on one of these Windows 95 networks.

Regardless of your network selection, consider a file server with 64 MB RAM and especially a SCSI caching controller with 16 MB cache RAM. It should have at least a 4 -10 GB hard drive, a CD-ROM unit and a 4 GB DAT tape drive. A Novell network, with Cheyenne software can back up the file server and also all the network workstations. You will want to use high rated twisted pair cables and ethernet cards. If you really need speed, consider 100 MB ethernet cards, provided you have PCI motherboards in all work stations. Even if you use the 10 MB ethernet cards, be sure to cable wire for the 100 MB standard, because you will want to move to that eventually.

Cost for a 10 unit Novell network (all components except the work stations) including the file server, hardware, software and installation - about $6-8,000.

Logical Choice Computers. Extremely good prices of high performance
business systems. Ask for Ernie. Voice: 800 699 6442 or website
www.atissystem.com

Micron Electronics Mellinia: Very high ratings for performance and reasonable price. Phone: 800 245 3709, Ext 4369.

Dell Computers: Good prices, support at times has been very slow. Phone: 800 964 5870

Gateway 2000: Good prices, good performance, very slow support response times. Phone: 800 846 2042, ext. 25627

Micron Laptop: Very solid performance, lots of options. Phone: 800 245 3709, Ext. 4369.

WinBook Laptop: Winner of many PC magazine awards. Serviced in Columbus Ohio. Phone: 800 468 7502


Special Note: Be sure all quotes include Sales Tax and Shipping Charges. Be sure if ordering mail order to get a shipping guarantee, and ask for their software bundle options and extended warranty offers.

Type	Model	PPM	RAM	Features & Capacity	Street	List
Laser	5L	4	1	100 sheet tray	429	599
Laser	5P	6	2	250 tray	829	1200
Laser	6P	8	2	250 tray, plus100 tray	799	1,109
Laser	6MP	8	3	Postscript	949	1,299
Laser	5	12	4	250 tray	1,299	1,629
Laser	5N	12	4	Network ready	1,549	1,929
Laser	5Si	24	4	two 500 trays	2,999	3,499
Laser	5SiMX	24	12	two 500 trays, net ready	4,299	4,899
			accs	2000 paper tray(s)	1100	1299
			accs	Power envelope feeder	500	549
Color	Color 5	12	6	250 paper tray	7,000	7,499
Inkjet	330Cse	2.5	?	1 ppm color, 1 ca