Computer System Needs This page explores the hardware and software needs of running our simulations.

We design our simulations leanly so that they can be used on the widest range of Windows based microcomputer standalone or network platforms.

Operating System

Our simulations are designed to operate on computer's running Microsoft Windows and should run on all of their operating systems from Windows 98 onwards. The software may run on Windows 95 based microcomputers or on Apple microcomputers (running Window's emulators) but are not in a position to support this use.

Hardware

Processor

Any microcomputer running Windows 98 or above and to ensure this we test the software on 350 Meg Hz Pentium processor machines.

 

RAM Memory

Minimum Memory requirements are 64 megabytes.

Hard Disc Space

Typically 3 megabytes.

Screen

Minimum 800 by 640 but a larger screen size is recommended. No special screen memory sizes or processors.

 

Printer

All our simulations are designed to use a printer to allow teams to take printed results to their work area (and, if appropriate, photocopy or print extra results). A basic (ink jet) printer is generally more than adeqate. But where for a Tutor Mediated simulation more than four teams are interacting or where (for a Direct Use Simulation) several teams are sharing a printer, a fast laser printer is desirable.

Number of Computers

The number of computers that you require depends on whether the simulation is Tutor Mediated, Direct Use or a Computer Enhanced Negotiation.

 

Tutor Mediated Simulations

These are simulations where the trainer takes decisions on paper forms and processes them using his or her own computer. For these, for each group of up to eight teams (40 participants), you will need a single computer and printer. Tutor Mediated simulations include those in the Challenge & Extended Challenge Series, the Tactical and the Strategy series. They are identified in the simulation lists in the type column by the abbreviation TM.

Direct Use Simulations

These are simulations where each team enter their own decisions and processes them using their own computer and printer. So, you need a computer and printer for each team of up to five particiants. Direct Use simulations include those in the Concept, Planning and Analysis series. They are identified in the simulation lists in the type column by the abbreviation DU.

Computer Enhance Negotiations

These are simulations where buyers and ellers enter their decisions separately and processes them on their own computer and printer. So, you need a computer and printer for each team of up to five sellers and five buyers (ten in total). Computer Enhanced Negotiations are identified in the simulation lists in the type column by the abbreviation NE.

Practicalities

Testing

The microcomputers and printers should be fully tested before using with a group.

Networks

All our simulations are designed to run on standard, stand-alone microcomputers. However, they can be run on a computer network. If this is done, the software must be installed in a directory that allows read/write access. (For further information contact Jeremy Hall).

© 2003 Jeremy J. S. B. Hall

Most recent update: 03/06/04
Hall Marketing, Studio 11, Colman's Wharf, 45 Morris Road, London E14 6PA, ENGLAND
Phone & Fax +44 (0)20 7537 2982 E-mail jeremyhall@simulations.co.uk