Based on software requirements presented in Table 2, we determined that the minimum requirements for our computers would be a 66 MHz 486 with 16 MB of RAM and a 200 MB hard drive. We started off with one computer, a 120 MHz 486 with 8 MB of RAM and a 1 GB hard drive, donated by Literacy Parksville/Qualicum. We tested this computer with the software we intended to use and found that 8 MB of RAM was indeed inadequate for the web browsers. The computer ran very slowly and was frustrating to use. We subsequently added 32 MB of RAM and found that all of the software ran quite satisfactorily. In addition to this computer, we added a 166 MHz Pentium with a 2.1 GB hard drive and 32 MB of RAM. Both computers were also equipped with sound cards and speakers, and 28.8 KB or better modems.

There is a tendency among computer enthusiasts to choose the latest, fastest, and therefore, most expensive, computers. While the Pentium is faster to use than the 486, we would like to stress that the 486 is fully adequate. It is not necessary to purchase equipment that greatly exceeds the requirements of the software chosen. Analysing your software needs carefully before purchasing computer equipment can save a considerable amount of money.

4. Choosing an Internet service provider

This section only applies if you are planning to offer Internet access. Depending on where you are, there may be many Internet service providers to choose from. Considerations in choosing an Internet service provider are:

1. Local access. Make sure that the Internet Service Provider has local dial up access. If long distance charges apply when you dial into your provider, your costs will escalate greatly.
   
   
2. User/phone line ratio. Internet Service Providers allow many users to connect to the Internet simultaneously. This is accomplished by having many phone lines that can be used at the same time. If an Internet Service Provider does not have enough phone lines for the number of users, it can be difficult to log on. A good ratio is not more than 15 users per phone line.
   
   
3. Hours provided. The number of hours provided with a given account will vary with the account type and the Internet Service Provider. We chose an account that provided 150 hours of connected time per month.
   
   
4. Connection speed. Most Internet Service Providers now provide connection to 56.6-kb modems. Make sure that the Internet Service Provider you choose supports your modem.
   
   
5. Number of users. Most Internet Service Providers have accounts that allow multiple users. Each user can log on with his or her own user name and can access a private e-mail account. Make sure that all of the users can log on at the same time.
   
   
6. Storage space: if you plan to publish a web page, you will need to have some disk space on the Internet Service Provider's hard drive.