How much speed? 1

[Freckles]

I finally have the opportunity (and money) to purchase a computer that is configured for MS Office Professional 2000. I am not a games player or a graphics pro or a professional programmer or a musician, so I don't want to "overbuy". Just a heavy user.

My question: Just howmuch speed can MS Office 2000 really utilize as a stand-alone?? Especially, how much speed can Access utilize? Processor vs Memory?

And finally, what would be the one thing that you would really want to make a computer optimally configured for Office if you had the opportunity that I have? : Deb Koplen
deb.koplen@verizon.com

A person can stand almost anything except a succession of ordinary days.

 

[Dreamboat]

I've got a 667 P3 128MB with Office 2000. I'm happy. I think you'll be happy with anything over 500. Make sure you get the 128MB RAM tho, more if you can.

Here's the deal. Office will be fine with just about anything. Now, if you intend on large Powerpoint presentations with extensive graphics, Word docs w/same, you need more RAM. But then, too, you have to consider that the person you're sending those files to will require the RAM as well.

Access will be fine. Particularly if it's not on a network. And probably even if it is. Access doesn't open it's stuff up all at once, that's why it doesn't get bogged down like a similar-size presentation or document does. The most important thing you can do for Access is to repair and compact your database VERY OFTEN. People keep sending me DBs and they're 4 and 5 MB and I repair/compact them to 300KB....

Hey, have fun. Good luck. Spend the money on a huge monitor!
techsupportgirl@home.com
Brainbench MVP for Microsoft Word

http://www.brainbench.com

 

[Freckles]

Thanks so much for the advice from a "PRO". The game plan is for at least 256MB with, hopefully, space for more. What was concerning me was speed as most of the sales people are saying 1000 MHz when I say Access and the price really boggled my mind. My memory kept saying "its not speed -- its RAM" but I thought I missed the point somewhere.

Somethi ng that caught my eye instantly was your comment "Particularly if it's not on a network." At work, I am using an HP Vectra on a network and am constantly getting hangups and/or freezes when I open another Office 97 program. Our tech people are lost. But they also say that they do not have much experience with heavy Access users. Can you possibly point me to a white paper that might address this problem and that I can pass on to them. : Deb Koplen
deb.koplen@verizon.com

A person can stand almost anything except a succession of ordinary days.

 

[Dreamboat]

I've replied via email, Deb. I've told Deb that she should ask the salesman what the 5 major components of Access are. I figure he won't be able to answer.

Also sent Deb a document I've got made up that outlines periodic hard drive maintenance and how to keep it clean. Anybody listening in that wants a copy of that document, feel free to email me and ask for "periodic hard drive maintenance" or something similar...

Hope it helps, Deb.
techsupportgirl@home.com
Brainbench MVP for Microsoft Word

http://www.brainbench.com

 

[SimonDavis]

I would thouroughly agree with the tip dreamboat gave - I changed my monitor and card when I had a bit of pocket money and it was worth every penny.

Working on a large spreadsheet / database at 1024 x 768 on a big screen is a different world. Even if you're developing for users with 800 x 600.

I wouldn't cut the RAM to buy it, but if you're going nuts anyway, it would be the next priority on my list.

 

[Zelandakh]

Processor: irrelevant - almost anything is quick enough these days.
RAM: dumb prices at the moment. Get 3 x 128MB of RAM. More than enough for years to come and it probably won't get any cheaper.
HD: Buy something quick and reputable. 10GB is more than enough.
Graphics card: Don't go cheap. Go for a fast 2D card from a reputable company.
OS: Get 2000 if you can. Make sure the motherboard is flashed to cope with it though. This can make a big speed diff.

Office 2000 full version seems to run better than an upgrade but I'm not sure why...

Once running, there are a lot of tweaks to optimise your set up which are more than worth doing - they can make a 100% difference (or they can crash your OS!!!).

 

[Freckles]

-- Cross posted on Microsoft Access General Discussion --

First, I wanted everyone one to know how much I appreciate all of your information. It is great! I know that I will end up with just the right machine.

The sales types at both Dell and Gateway are saying that they do not have a platform for MS 2000 Professional that is any slower than 1000MHz. Am I wrong in thinking that, since I am getting a new machine, that I should go ahead and get 2000 Pro installed? Or should I stick with plain 2000 or even 98? : Deb Koplen
deb.koplen@verizon.com

A person can stand almost anything except a succession of ordinary days.