Selecting The Station and Remote Computers
There is no requirement for an expensive or high-performance computers. In fact a newer and more expensive computer may less suited to the task. Reasonable speed is useful however. Look for the following in your choice for the Station Computer:
- Pentuim-type processor 500 MHz or faster, 1.5 GHz or greater preferred
- Windows operating system, Windows 98SE or later, Windows XP preferred
- Built-in Serial (COM) Port
- Sound Card
- Relatively high-speed internet connection
The Station Computer should have a "real" serial port. You may try to use the USB port along with a USB/Serial converter, but it is doubtful that you will be pleased with its performance. I have tried several of these but have found only one that works to some extent, but is still not satisfactory. If you select a desktop computer which does not have a serial port, you may purchase and install a serial port card. These are usually very inexpensive and can be purchased on Ebay. If you select a laptop for the Station Computer, it will have to be an older one since recent ones have only USB ports.
Now for the remote computer. A laptop is the logical choice for the remote computer simply because it is more portable. For those who visit a location where the is an existing desktop computer, it would be easy to use it. There are only two important requirements:
- A relatively high-speed internet connection
- An installed sound card