Processor Speed

Current computers range in processor speed from 1.2 to 1.8 GHz on the Windows side and from 800 MHz to 1 GHz for a Macintosh. That doesn't necessarily mean a Windows machine processes an image file faster than a Mac. The clock speed of a processor refers to how often the processor does one computation. Windows-based systems break down computations into a lot of little pieces; Macs work with larger pieces of information. Think of it like a small child walking with an adult. The child will take several steps for each of the adult steps, but both move at about the same overall speed.

As with just about any application, a faster processor is going to make things run smoother. That's really true when you start manipulating large image files. Applying special effects to a multi-megabyte photo can take several minutes to process. Don't feel obligated to get a computer with the fastest processor. You may well invest in a moderate-speed machine and instead look toward increasing the system's RAM and hard drive capacity, as this has a more significant impact on your digital darkroom.

RAM

Whichever system you choose, the next thing to look at is RAM—Random Access Memory. This is the amount of memory the computer has to work with when doing tasks. For the purpose of editing photographs, particularly large digital files, the more RAM your system has, the faster and more efficiently it handles your editing of the image files.

With most current software applications, we recommend starting off with no less than 256 MB of RAM. Running short on RAM slows your system's overall efficiency and can cause unexpected shutdowns. The price of memory has dropped so low that if you're using an older machine, it should be no problem to fill up the memory slots. If your computer is so old that it won't hold at least 128 MB, it might be time to shop for a new computer.

Display

Your monitor is your window into the workings of your computer. Seventeen- to 19-inch monitors are the norm these days, and should be fine for most applications. But if you can afford to go with a bigger one, you won't be sorry. More screen real estate means you can have more things going on at one time. It's the same as working on a big desk rather than a little one; there's more space to spread out the photos, tools and documents that relate to your images.

Another decision is whether to go with a traditional CRT (cathode-ray tube) or a flat LCD (liquid-crystal display) screen. CRT monitors have been the standard since the introduction of the PC. Today's monitors provide excellent color, contrast and resolution. Monitors as large as 21 inches can be purchased at a very affordable price. The primary disadvantage is their size and weight. These monitors can take up a significant amount of space on your desk.

Flat panels, though more expensive than a CRT, can weigh one-third less than a comparable CRT and take up much less desk space. LCD screens keep the same inch or two thickness no matter how big the screen size. Plus, LCD screens use less energy to deliver a much crisper image of text and graphics. Though CRT monitors have traditionally delivered greater color accuracy, the latest models of LCD monitors deliver excellent color rendition.

Hard Drive

You need hard drive space not only to hold software, but also to store all digital photographs. Go for at least a 40 gig hard drive if you're looking at a new system. As with all things digital, hard drive prices are dropping fast, so you can probably afford more. It's also fairly easy to add additional hard drives inside your desktop tower.

Alternatively, you can add external hard drives to your system. They're more expensive than internal drives, but if you have tool-phobia, you won't have to worry about digging inside your computer to attach it. You do need to have an open port that accepts the drive, be it USB or FireWire. If you need to move data between locations, an external hard drive is one way to carry a lot of gigabytes around. But be careful—a hard bump can permanently damage a hard drive.

Card Reader

Though most digital cameras allow you to download your pictures using a USB or serial cable, we recommend the purchase of a card reader. Eliminating the need to have the camera tethered to the computer, a card reader allows you to download images directly from the media card and onto your computer's hard drive.

Simply pop the memory card out of the camera and into the reader, and it acts just like a mini-floppy drive. Again, be sure your computer has the right kind of port available for your camera. If you have an older computer, you may be able to add a USB and/or FireWire card to get additional ports.

Recordable Media

Because hard drives can fail, it's important to back up all your image files. One of the best ways to do this is by copying your images to a CD-R or CD-RW. Most new computers come with a recordable CD drive, and again, you can easily add one to an older machine, either internal or external. A CD can hold up to several hundred images, depending on resolution file size. Make sure that you purchase archival or photo-quality CDs to ensure the maximum longevity of the stored data.

Scanners

If you have a lot of old pictures around, you may want to add a scanner to your computer setup. Any flatbed scanner works for prints, but if you also have lots of slides, consider a film scanner that accepts negatives or transparencies. Film scanners provide much greater quality since you're scanning from the original medium. Although they give you top-quality results, they're more expensive than flatbed scanners.

Modems

Do you want to show off your digital creations to other folks? Then you need to get them out of your computer. Lots of people want to share pictures over the Internet, and to do that, you need a modem for your computer. These days, most models come with a 56k modem built in. Just plug it into your phone line and sign up with an Internet provider. If you use the Internet a lot, you may want to get a faster service, such as DSL or a cable modem (if available where you live).

Printers

Of course, the traditional way to share a photo is with a print. There are a number of photo-quality inkjet printers available at very reasonable prices. Try to spring for a six-ink color printer instead of a four-color unit—it will give you more subtle tones and colors. If longevity is a concern, look for a printer that uses archival-quality inks and papers.