Computer Requirements 

The 'server' is the computer that runs the MySQL server program and stores the files. It is usually the same computer as the office server but does not have to be. See the section on networks for information on different types of networks.

The speed of the computer, the memory, the video capability, and the hard drive capacity all affect the performance of the program. An older computer slower than 700MHz will probably not be able to run Windows. Also a computer that old will probably be deficient in memory, video, and hard drive. Memory for older computers is significantly more expensive, and it is usually more cost effective to buy a new $700 computer than to put a few hundred dollars into an older computer to upgrade it. Any midrange computer sold within the last few years will meet the minimum requirements.

Internet:
You should be connected to a highspeed internet connection for the best access to service and updates. Consider it a requirement.

Monitor:
Flat LCD monitor. All flat LCD monitors support our minimun resolution of 1024 x 768. We recommend 19" LCD monitors set to a resolution of 1280x1024 so that you can see more information on the screen. These are available at online stores such as www.tigerdirect.com for under $200. Get one with speakers built in.

Memory:
256 MB memory is the absolute minimum. 1 GB is best. Open Dental uses approximately 50 MB of memory. If you run more programs than you have memory, then your system will run very slow because it is transferring memory back and forth to the hard drive.

Operating system:
Recommend Windows XP Pro for all workstations and the server. Minimum is Windows 2000. Windows XP comes in a Pro edition and a Home edition. WinXP-Home is acceptable, but be aware that it will only work for up to 5 computers. As an alternative to Windows, the server can run Linux (tested) or MacOS-X (not tested). The server needs to be able to host the MySQL server and the image files, but does not need to be able to run Open Dental itself. We no longer support Win98 or WinMe, although there is still a chance that WinMe might work as a workstation.

Processor:
The newer and faster, the better. Recommended Intel.

Video Card:
Now that monitors are bigger, a video card can help. Not required, but recommend NVIDIA. Does not need to be high end.

Hard Drive:
Open Dental has very minimal hard drive requirements. It takes up far less than 1 GB, so any hard drive will work.

Notebook Computers:
Any fairly new notebook or tablet PC will work because they all support our minimum screen resolution of 1024x768. But because of the large LCD monitors now available for desktop computers, notebooks are not the best choice. If you get a desktop computer instead of a notebook, you will get a more powerful computer with a larger screen at a lower price .