Max Systems Inc. recommends the Dell line of computers. Max-Gold has both minimum and recommended hardware configurations. This section deals with recommended hardware based on current technology. We strongly recommend a business class computer. For example Dell has the Dimension series of computers that are geared more for home users, and then they have the Optiplex series geared at businesses. The business class computers are more robust, easier to maintain and run more silently. They are built for business use, that is, being used day in and day out on a regular basis. The components such as types of video cards and other peripherals are more limited in business class computers as the standards are higher.

Many no-name computer shops do not carry or don't distinguish between businesses and home users. As such these systems are geared for home buyers and are priced lower to appeal to that market. And in computers you DO get what you PAY for. Home class computers are not built to the same standards and often experience problems that can be frustrating for clinic operators.

Stand Alone Computers

• Intel Pentium D dual core processor class computers are recommended. The Intel Celeron has been used, however, the increased performance of a Pentium class computer more than outweighs the additional cost. A Pentium D 820 with 2.80 GHz or better is recommended. The faster the CPU, the faster the application runs.
• MS Windows XP Professional SP2 (service pack 2)
• 1 GB RAM. This varies greatly depending on the operating system that you are using. However new systems today usually have 512 MB as a bare minimum. The more RAM your computer has, the better the performance. Going to 1 GB or even 2 GB would be encouraged.
• 80 GB SATA Hard Drive. These days hard drives have come down in price. 80 GB is normally the smallest hard drive even available. Increasing to 160 GB or even 250 GB is not that expensive and will probably come in quite handy.
• Non-Integrated video cards. There have been issues with integrated video (that is built in video cards where the card shares system RAM). Go with a higher end video card with a 256 MB RAM. Dual monitor capable video cards should be considered.
• Floppy Drive. Still being used after all these years
• Readable/Writable CD ROM. Consider adding a readable/writable DVD drive as well
• Gb (NIC) network card.
• Optical Mouse (better than track ball mouse). Avoid wireless mouse devices.
• Keyboard. Avoid wireless keyboard.
• Flat panel monitor (at least 17", but there is better viewing with 19")
  
  

The above configuration will get you by in running the program as well as other applications that you may purchase. However, there are a few other peripherals that should be on your list to be complete.

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