Summary
This chapter discussed multimedia technology and the required hardware and software. Some of the important concepts to retain from this chapter include the following:
  • Requirements and installation procedures for the specific hardware to produce multimedia using the PC
  • The characteristics of the computer display or monitor including the color capabilities, the sharpness and viewability, and projection technology
  • Video card types and installation, understanding RAMDAC and video memory
  • Sound card types and installation, the basic components of the sound card and the methods sound cards use to produce audio
  • How CD drives are categorized and speed ratings
  • Installing and recording using a CD-ROM drive and copyright issues
  • DVD technology and the advances in playback and recordings

The next chapter details the Windows NT, 2000, and XP operating systems. It covers the differences between these operating systems and the Windows 9x operating systems.