Hardware Requirements

The server must be a robust computer capable of storing all of your data (for example, a server should have built-in redundancy, multiple hard-drives, cooling fans, and a better power-supply). To this end, the server is the most expensive single hardware investment, costing around $4000.

• Windows 2003 or 2008 operating system. A regular server is preferred, but a SBS (small business server) will work on the condition that Terminal Services are not available for SBS. You may also use a Linux operating system. Linux has the same hardware requirements (below)
• 2GHz+ processor (dual core or quad core)
• Minimum of 2GB of RAM (random access memory); 3GB preferred 
• Mirrored RAID 1 (2 drives) or RAID 5 (3 drives) hard drives
• 250GB - 1TB hard drive (if SATA interface: 7200RPM, 16 or 32 MB cache)
• 1-gig NIC card

Many clients are concerned that a desktop PC will be an intrusion in the exam room, or may get damaged by curious children. However, the desktop PC is the most popular choice among our clients. With a sleek, flat-screen monitor, the computer can easily be tucked away, with the screen turned aside to avoid distraction, and the keyboard and screen can both be locked for privacy and protection against little hands. Typically, a desktop fulfilling the following specs would cost about $1,000.

• Windows XP Professional is preferred, but Windows Vista is also supported. Windows 7 support is pending
• 2.0 GHZ Celeron processor (or better)
• Minimum of 1GB of RAM (random access memory); 3GB preferred (especially for Windows Vista and scanning workstations) 
• 120GB hard drive or better
• 15" flat-screen monitor (17" preferred) for exam rooms
• 19" flat-screen monitor for front-desk
• Another workstation should be used as an 'emergency server' to store historical backups in the unlikely event that something happens to the main server (see below)

If the workstation is to be configured as an emergency server, it should have 3GB RAM and at least a 250GB hard drive (500GB - 1TB is preferred for backups)

Tablet PCs are a popular consideration among our clients, but most opt for a desktop PC and use a lightweight laptop for working from home, or out of the office. The tablet PC is a more expensive option than the desktop, and its setup also requires the additional expense of a wireless access point (to allow the tablet to communicate with the network). The price for a tablet PC should start around $2,500. The wireless access point should start around $450.

• Windows XP Pro or Vista Business (there is a version available for the tablet PC)
• Minimum of 1GB of RAM (random access memory); 3GB preferred
• 12" screen recommended
• Light weight recommended (for easy mobility)
• Recommend purchasing a second battery

The network links all the computers throughout the office so that they can communicate. Setting up the network will require the work of a hardware technician; this is an expense amount set by the technician.

• Standard Ethernet network: 100 Mbps switch minimum, category 5x or 6x wiring
• DSL/T1 or cable internet connection (also required for training). Price varies regionally

The router is usually supplied by your ISP.

• Firewall: Depending on size and product options, we recommend a Cisco ASA 5000 series firewall. Price: $600 to $1000

If you are opting to use wireless computers (laptops and/or tablet PCs), you must have a wireless router in your office. This will transmit a signal to the wireless computers and enable them to connect to the server and network. As with reception on a cell phone, it is very important that the wireless signal is strong and dependable, so that you can maintain a signal throughout your day and work uninterrupted. If the wireless router is inadequate and the signal is weak or intermittent, you will lose connection with the server and network, and this will interrupt your use of the system, leading to delays and frustrations. Because a strong, stable wireless connection is important, we recommend only commercial and business-grade wireless routers.

• Cisco and 3Com make business grade routers (for example, the Cisco 800 series router)
• It is important to have an experienced technician install the proper access points

This workstation needs to be a little more robust, as scanning requires a lot of memory. It should cost around $1200.

• 2GHz processor (dual core preferred)
• 3GB RAM
• 250GB SATA hard drive (7200RPM, 16 or 32MB cache

We usually recommend HP printers. The medium/heavy duty printers should run around $1000.

• Laser
• 15 pages-per-minute or better
• Black and white. Color is preferential
• Built-in Ethernet connection
• Duty cycle of 20k per month
• Multiple paper-trays (3) are recommended (for ease of use with the different kinds of forms and paper requirements in the office)

• All scanners must be TWAIN compliant. We recommend the following brands, ranging in price around $1,000 often starting at $800
• We recommend the Xerox Documate 252 Duplex. It includes very good TWAIN interface software, which is necessary for Office Practicum. Kodak, Fujistsu and Canon also make competing products
• We recommend that any scanners have a KOFAX VRS (virtual re-scan) option included
• A business card scanner is often helpful for scanning and saving copies of patient's insurance cards and IDs. www.edti.com sells various small scanners around $200. They have been modified to take the thickness of an insurance card
• Duplex card scanners are recommended -- they can scan both sides of the card at the same time
• Flat-bed scanners require you to lay the card flat on the service of the scanner (similar to a copier). While they can not scan both sides of the card at the same time, the flat-bed allows you to scan thicker or larger size items

• Small, tethered 480 DPI Internet camera with a TWAIN interface
• There are many camera options available, and "cheap" cameras can last a long time if they are taken care of. Prices can vary, but we recommend spending around $50. Dell has cameras available in this price range
• Webcams will work if TWAIN drivers are supplied with them; however, most do not have TWAIN drivers, and will need to be used outside of Office Practicum to take pictures, The pictures can then be imported into Office Practicum.

• Good Internet security is a necessity. We recommend purchasing Norton Antivirus and Internet security software, available through Dell
• You will need a UPS (uninterruptible power supply) for the server, the emergency server, and the router. This is a security precaution in the event that you lose power in a storm or experience electrical failure -- it will protect the computers and prevent you from losing any data.