Minimum system requirements for all of our software products.

• Pentium 4 or faster processor recommended.
• Microsoft Windows XP Professional, Vista, Windows 7, or Windows 8 operating systems are supported in 32-Bit or 64-Bit environments.
• Laser or ink jet printer for reports,
• Our software requires very little resources.  If you buy a current computer with Windows 7 or Windows 8 and have enough resources to properly run Windows 7 or Windows 8, you will have more than enough resources to run our applications.  We suggest you have 2GB of ram.  Not for the Martech Systems application, but for the operating system to perform to your specifications.

I'm buying a new computer system.  What do you recommend?
Its very difficult to make system recommendations without knowing what else you are planning to do with the computer system.  Computer specifications change very rapidly.  So if you are unsure of the exact requirements,  you may need to contact our support desk and we will be happy to help determine your needs.  You may also want to consider purchasing from a local vendor that can give you on site service and support for your equipment.

• Windows XP Tips Microsoft will stop providing support for Windows XP April 8, 2014. The March 2014 version of Fair Management will be the last that is supported on Windows XP.
• Windows 7 Tips If you have a way to purchase a system with Windows 7, it is a very good operating system, and the transition/training required would be minimal from XP.
• Windows 8 Tips Most new systems are coming with this, unless you can find another option. This is a very good operating system, and the transition/training required would be higher from XP.　 But, you would be set on a platform that will be around for many years. Microsoft has basically made all of their products from the Xbox, to phone and computers look and behave the same. Keep in mind, Windows 8 really needs an internet connect to use and enjoy all the features of Windows 8.

Networking
MarTech Systems applications are designed to work in a Microsoft TCP/IP peer-to-peer network, or client-server networking enviorment. Our systems are supported on Windows 2003 Server, Windows 2008 Server, and Windows 2008 Server R2. Though not directly supported, our systems also work on Novell Netware 4.x or 5.x Servers. If you plan on using Microsoft networking, please contact us for detailed networking information.

Backup Your Data 
We highly recommend that your insure your databases are backed up daily during your fair or business operations.  Modern technology like Flash Drives, CD Burners, and DVD Burners make the backup process reliable, and easy.

Uniterruptible Power Supplies
We highly recommend that you place an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) on all of your computers running our software products.  More than a power strip, a UPS provides standby battery power in the event of a black out or brown out.  Power events are the largest source of data loss on personal computers.  Power protection is inexpensive.  An approximate investment of $80.00, a UPS can save you countless hours of frustration and data entry.

Printers
Next to your computer, the printer will be one of the most used devices with our software products.  Our products will support just about any printer that has a Microsoft Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7, or WIndows 8 printer driver.  We recommend that you invest in a quality printer that will deliver years of trouble free service.  Some things to look for in a printer are capacity, duty cycle, and cost of supplies.  If you are purchasing an ink jet printer, get one that will print at least 8 pages per minute in black and white.  If you are planning on using our entry tag stock, make sure that the printer has the ability to print on at least 90lb paper.  Most ink jet printers in the $300-$500 range will satisfy this.  For laser printers, get one that has can also print at least 8 pages per minute, has a paper bypass option, and can feed 90lb stock. Those printers start at about $800.  During the fair you will be printing thousands of pages of reports in a very short time so you will want a printer that can meet the demand.