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OBSOLETE TECHNOLOGY AND THE WRITER

© Roxianne Moore

I have to laugh when I read magazine articles recommending computer hardware, software and web sites for writers. My first chuckle is usually around the end of the first paragraph or beginning of the second, when the author suggests that a dedicated word-processor or a 386 system is perfectly adequate for writers. All fine and well if you can get decent software with the system and don't plan to take advantage of features in software upgrades. And if you have no plans to use the Internet for anything more than e-mail.

It's even more ridiculous because I'm certain the author (and I'm not picking on anyone in particular) is probably using a Pentium with many of the latest bells and whistles. Sure, most part-time writers can't afford to buy the latest and greatest. But there's no point in buying a system you can't repair or upgrade. And, in my opinion, there's no point in getting a system that's too slow for Internet access.

Since you're reading this, I assume you've ignored these well-meant suggestions and bought a system that's capable of reasonably fast Internet access. You probably have a good-sized hard drive, and a CD-ROM drive. If you don't, skip the rest of this article and start searching the on-line vendors for a newer machine.

For the rest of you, the world is not limited to plain text and simple graphics. You can view the full version of most pages, if you're willing to wait for the graphics to load. And you can take advantage of some great software that complements your on-line access. While I've elected to subscribe to the Encyclopedia Brittannica Online version, you might want to look up quick facts without having to go on-line first. The on-line version costs only $8.50 a month, and contains all 32 volumes of the print version, with frequent updates. With the included links, you can find in-depth information on just about any subject. You can try it free for seven days, so it's worth a look.

The last time I checked prices on the Britannica CD, it ran about $299, though it's probably come down since then. While you don't get the frequent updates and the links, you do get near-instantaneous access. I do have Grolier's CD-ROM encyclopedia, but have found it's really sparse in the areas I need (medieval and renaissance history, especially). You might also want to explore CD-ROM dictionaries. Random House Webster's is a good one, also available on-line.

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