FAQ: What hardware does Starlight run on?
The core of the Starlight Information Visualization System is a collection of Windows applications and services configured in a client-server architecture. Consequently, the various components of the system can be deployed in a variety of configurations in a networked Windows environment. While all of the components will run on more-or-less "stock" Windows platforms, certain items can benefit from more advanced hardware. For example, for optimal performance, the Starlight Client requires high-performance OpenGL graphics acceleration hardware. Both the Starlight Client and Server are heavily multithreaded, so can take advantage of multiprocessor PC hardware. Following is a list of recommended hardware for a variety of Starlight configurations.
Starlight 3.0 Software Requirements
Supported Operating Systems:
- Windows 2000 Workstation
- Windows 2000 Server
- Windows 2003 Server
- Windows XP Home/Professional
Additional Software Requirements:
- Internet Explorer 6.0 (or greater)
Starlight 3.0 Hardware Specifications
Laptop†:
Minimum- Pentium 4 1.0GHz CPU
- 2 GB RAM
- 5 GB free HD space
- 64 MB 3D Graphics
- Windows 2000 SP4 or later
- Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.5 installed
- Pentium 4 2.0GHz CPU
- 3 GB RAM
- 20 GB free HD space
- 256 MB PCI Express 3D Graphics
- Windows XP SP2 or later
- Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.5 installed
Combined Client/Server Workstation*:
Minimum- Pentium 4 2.0 GHz CPU
- 2 GB RAM
- 10 GB free HD space
- 64MB 3D Graphics
- Windows 2000 SP4 or later
- Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.5 installed
- Dual Pentium 4 HT 3.0 GHz CPU
- 3 GB RAM
- 20 GB free HD space
- 256MB PCI Express 3D Graphics
- Windows XP SP2 or later
- Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.5 installed
Dedicated Server*:
Minimum- Dual Pentium 4 3.0 GHz CPU
- 1 GB RAM
- 5 GB free HD space
- Windows 2000 SP4 or later
- Quad Pentium 4 3.0 GHz
- 4 GB RAM
- 20 GB free HD space
- Windows XP SP2 or later
Minimum specification is the lowest level machine on which Starlight is considered to be usable.
Recommended specification is minimal level machine for optimal performance. Starlight is fully threaded, so processors and memory beyond this specification will increase performance.
† Laptop platform recommended only for demonstrations. Workstations highly recommended for intensive use.