The MusicComputer Lab

1
The Music/Computer Lab
2
Hardware

• Windows, Mac, or both?
• Balancing RAM / Speed / HD capacity
• Video card, Monitor size
• Sound card
• CD-ROM / DVD / Zip drive?
• MIDI Keyboard
• Shared printer

3
Software

• Operating System
• Windows Windows 2000 vs. Windows ME
• Macintosh System 9 or System X
• Standard office suite
• Music notation (Finale vs. Sibelius)
• Music sequencing
• CAI

4
Operating Environment

• Delivery
• Server-based (network administration, locked
  down, one-size-fits-all)
• Standalone (must maintain machines individually)
• Furniture (important!)
• Lab layout (sight lines)
• Teaching station, projector?

5
Technical Support

• Know who will be responsible
• You?
• Someone you supervise?
• Institution?
• If institution, who supports music apps?

6
Funding

• Anticipate all costs in advance
• Hardware
• Initial purchase
• Peripherals MIDI cables, headphones, headphone
  amps, etc.)
• Maintenance and repair
• Project replacement costs
• Software (initial purchase, upgrades)
• Technical support

7
Funding Sources

• Institutional support
• Grants (avoid one-time funding without base
  budget commitment!)
• Commit to fixed replacement cycle
• 3 years hardware (warranty)
• 1-2 years software
• Consider leasing (for some components)