(one for which a binary version of WAVE is available). Virtually
any PC with a 386 or better CPU can run Linux, and such systems are
likely to be the least expensive choice. Ideally, a Linux PC to be
used as a WAVE host should have at least 8 Mb of RAM, at least 200
Mb of available disk space, a three-button mouse (or trackball), and a
graphics card and monitor (17-inch or larger, with a dot pitch of .26
mm or less) capable of non-interlaced display at 65 Hz or faster with
a resolution of at least 1024x768 with 256 colors. In most cases, you
will also want the system to be equipped with a CD-ROM drive (for
loading software and digitized signals) and an Ethernet adapter or a
modem. Check the Linux Hardware-HOWTO to be sure that your chosen
hardware is supported. Most graphics cards, including the popular
accelerated cards, are fully supported by the standard XFree86 X
server, but a few high-end models are supported only in SVGA
compatibility mode. Most PCs manufactured since 1995 will easily meet
these requirements; new PCs will exceed most of them by large factors.
In mid-2002, it was possible to assemble a suitable Linux PC for about
US$300 (not including the monitor). It is not unreasonable to budget
an equal or greater amount for a good monitor, since WAVE 's
usability depends to a significant extent on being able to see its
output clearly. If your budget permits, a flat-panel (LCD) monitor is
an excellent choice, particularly if you plan to do much annotation
editing, because these monitors typically present very stable images
that do not tire the eye.
Inexpensive three-button mice, trackballs, and touchpads manufactured
by Logitech and many others are widely available for PCs, and are
highly recommended if you do much annotation editing. Most are fully
compatible with Microsoft two-button mice. Some users prefer
trackballs for precision editing since there is no tendency for the
pointer to move when clicking the buttons, as with a mouse.
For those on a tight budget, suitable used PCs are often available for next to
nothing. If you use an older PC and can afford to upgrade components, get a
new three-button mouse or trackball first, a new monitor if the old one is
inadequate, more memory if you have less than 64 Mb, a new IDE disk drive
(around US$100) if yours is more than 3 years old, and only then consider
other performance upgrades such as a faster CPU. Although Linux does not
require large amounts of RAM, it can use additional RAM very effectively, and
you are likely to find that purchasing (say) 16 or 32 Mb of additional RAM
results in a bigger performance improvement than spending the same amount on a
faster CPU. Fully configured and supported Linux PCs are available from many
vendors if you prefer not to assemble your own; see the Linux Commercial-HOWTO
for further information.
SPARC-based systems tend to be considerably more expensive than comparable
or faster Linux PCs. Used SPARCstations may be worth considering.