Stoelting ANY-maze : Computer

Introduction

Mazes and test apparatus

Cameras

Computers

Connecting external devices

Equipment wizard

Computer

ANY-maze has been designed to work with modern computers running Windows XP. However, that doesn't mean you can't use it with older equipment or other versions of Windows - check out the details below.

Running ANY-maze on a desktop computer

ANY-maze will track well on most computers built in the last three years and will work excellently with almost any new Pentium based computer you purchase today.
For example, the Dell Dimension E520 shown here is equipped with a 3GHz Dual Core Pentium Processor and 1GB of RAM and would be an excellent choice.

Running ANY-maze on a portable computer

If you plan to use a USB, DV or FireWire camera, then you can use a portable computer to track with ANY-maze. This creates an elegant solution, particularly as you can take the computer back to your desk when an experiment's finished.

Recommended specification for a new computer

Windows XP Professional (ANY-maze does also work with Windows Vista)
Intel Core 2 Duo
2GB RAM
SXGA or WXGA display - ANY-maze benefits from widescreen displays.
FireWire\i.LINK\IEEE-1394 port - useful for connecting FireWire cameras.
160GB hard disk - ANY-maze requires just 20MB to install
DVD+/-RW - useful for backups. A CD drive is required to install the software which comes with capture cards.
Optical mouse - doesn't get clogged by saw-dust!

Recommended specification for an existing computer

Windows XP, 2000 or NT 4 (SP6). We don't recommend using Windows 98 or ME for tracking, but it does work.
Pentium IV 2.0GHz or above
512MB RAM
XGA display (1024 x 768), 24 bit colour
CD-ROM - required to install the software which comes with capture cards
1GB hard disk space. ANY-maze needs just 20MB to install but you will need additional space for experiment files

Minimum specification for ANY-maze to run

Windows 98
Pentium III 600MHz or above
128MB RAM - exact amount will depend on the operating system
SVGA display (800 x 600) 16 bit colour
20MB hard disk space, ANY-maze requires this to install

The easiest way to get the exact specifications for a computer to automate your apparatus is to use the ANY-maze Equipment Wizard - it can even check the specification of an existing computer and recommend any upgrades which might be necessary.