Specifications are dangerous territory
Something that works well in one environment may be inadequate in another. Our view is that it is better to set standards which we know are going to be acceptable, realistic and affordable.

• We also consider that it is preferable for you to purchase from your regular supplier as you or your I.T. staff will have a working relationship with them.

• If you have any doubts concerning PC specifications e-mail support@melissi.co.uk with your requirements, together with details of existing and/or potential equipment.

• In general, these are the required minimum standards:
  
  
  Minimum specifications for student computers:

Pentium 4 or equivalent 700 MHz processor
Modern PC sound system* or USB headset
Windows 2000 service pack 3 /XP Pro service pack 1 or 2
DirectX 9.0c
Windows Media Player 9 or above
At least 800x600 24-bit graphics
At least 20 Gb hard disk (7200 rpm minimum)
128 Mb fast RAM
Microphone headset with good output signal level
CD-ROM/DVD drive

Preferred additional specifications for student computers:

At least 1.2 MHz processor
40 GB hard drive
256 Mb fast RAM
1024x768 display or better

Minimum specifications for teachers' computer:

Pentium 4 or equivalent at least 1.7 MHz processor
Modern PC sound system* or USB headset
Windows 2000 Pro service pack 3 /XP Pro service pack 1 or 2
DirectX 9.0c
Windows Media Player 9 or above
At least 160Gb hard disk (7200rpm minimum)
At least 1025x768 display and 32Mb fast graphics card
256Mb fast RAM (512Mb preferred)
CD-ROM/DVD Drive
Hauppauge WinTV-PCI PVR350 video capture card or similar

Network:

100T minimum. Gigabit for best performance. We can advise. See "Networking"

Notes:
The ideal speed of the teachers' computer to a large extent depends on the number of student computers and whether you want a "live" classroom (come in, bring tape, record from VCR etc) or a pre-recorded environment.

If all materials will be on student computers or CD/DVD, a slower teachers' computer will be adequate.

If the Classroom is large, i.e. over 20 students, or if there is more than one Classroom in the building, then there advantages to having a separate archive server in order to reduce the load on the teachers' computer.

Also read our comments on PC noise fatigue.

* If using on-board sound PC sound system and non-USB headsets, rear mounted microphone inputs may be necessary.

Choosing your headsets
PCs vary widely in sensitivity and most modern PCs require you to use high-output microphones. We suggest that you try a sample headset using Windows Sound Recorder. If the playback is high level and high quality then it is likely to be excellent for use with Melissi. If the playback is low level or noisy then the results may be poor when compressed. USB headsets are consistently good and are recommended.