🚀 go-pugleaf

William K. Templeton wrote:
> 
> 1.  I'm looking at a new system and have the option of "EDO" ram.
> Could someone explain what this entails for me? Is it parity?

Don't know much about the ram but it does give a very reliable speed
boost over DRAM.  EDO has quickly become the base ram used in new
systems.

> 2. Does anyone have any experience with voltrix 28,800 modems...Good
> or bad?
Customer of mine had one. Told him if he didn't get rid of it (i had to
handle the setup and support for our communications package loaded on
his system) "I would personally rip it out of his computer and buy him a
good modem".  Get a US Robotics modem.  I've used 4 different USR
Sportster modems over the last few years and I've never had a problem.
Most of the BBS systems around use the USR Courier(high end line) to
handle the calls.  Best bet is a USR 33.6 sportster(the new "voice" line
if you can). Current Calgary, Alberta Canada pricing is $270cdn for the
external version.
 
> 3.  I've the option of a 32 bit soundblaster card over the 16 bit.  I
> tend to think the 16 bit will be sufficient for the cd and internet
> use I will require.  Any advantages that I'm missing? I'll operate
> with win 95.

The 16 bit cards are fine.  Try to stick to the SoundBlaster 16 or 32AWE
line; your more likely to have support(i.e. driver updates) in the next
couple of years.  The soundblaster line isn't the greatest for sound but
if you have the Wavetable upgradable connectors you can add a Yamaha or
Roland Daughter board.  Keep in mind that if you play games, EVERY games
mfg'er will support the Soundblaster line(even go so far as to fix any
problems that may occur under the Win95 interface).

clinth wrote:
> 
> William K. Templeton wrote:
> >
> > 1.  I'm looking at a new system and have the option of "EDO" ram.
> > Could someone explain what this entails for me? Is it parity?
> 
> Don't know much about the ram but it does give a very reliable speed
> boost over DRAM.  EDO has quickly become the base ram used in new
> systems.

To get an introduction to the types of RAM and their
advantages/disadvantages, look at 
	http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/toms_r/hardware.htm

.> 
> > 3.  I've the option of a 32 bit soundblaster card over the 16 bit.  I
> > tend to think the 16 bit will be sufficient for the cd and internet
> > use I will require.  Any advantages that I'm missing? I'll operate
> > with win 95.
>
> The 16 bit cards are fine.  Try to stick to the SoundBlaster 16 or 32AWE
> line; your more likely to have support(i.e. driver updates) in the next
> couple of years.  The soundblaster line isn't the greatest for sound but
> if you have the Wavetable upgradable connectors you can add a Yamaha or
> Roland Daughter board.  Keep in mind that if you play games, EVERY games
> mfg'er will support the Soundblaster line(even go so far as to fix any
> problems that may occur under the Win95 interface).

Agree about sticking with SB - maybe not the best sounding card, but who
cares about the sound quality of games won't support the card you have
<g>.
By the way, no such thing as a consumer 32-bit card. The SB 32/AWE32 is
a 
16-bit sound card. The 32 refers to the music, and isn't related to bit
size.
 
Dave
Humongous Entertainment

clinth wrote:

> > 3.  I've the option of a 32 bit soundblaster card over the 16 bit.  I
> > tend to think the 16 bit will be sufficient for the cd and internet
> > use I will require.  Any advantages that I'm missing? I'll operate
> > with win 95.
> 
> The 16 bit cards are fine.  Try to stick to the SoundBlaster 16 or 32AWE
> line; your more likely to have support(i.e. driver updates) in the next
> couple of years.  The soundblaster line isn't the greatest for sound but
> if you have the Wavetable upgradable connectors you can add a Yamaha or
> Roland Daughter board.  Keep in mind that if you play games, EVERY games
> mfg'er will support the Soundblaster line(even go so far as to fix any
> problems that may occur under the Win95 interface).

There _is_ no such thing as a 32 bit soundcard. The difference between
SB16 and 32 is that the 32 has way better midi sound, since it uses
sampled real instruments instead of an FM synthesizer.

BTW, does anyone have information about daughterboards for the SB16?
I'm thinking of upgrading, but I only know about Creative's own
Waveblaster II (which costs almost as a SB32).

/Weiman