Chapter 4, Installation (Windows NT) - describes how to install the Compaq PowerStorm 300 AGP or 300/350 PCI graphics controller in your Compaq Professional Workstation running the Windows NT operating system.

Preface

Purpose of This Guide

This guide describes the Compaq PowerStorm 300 AGP and 300/350 PCI graphics controllers, and how to install the graphics controller hardware and software in your workstation. It includes installation and operation information for the PowerStorm display drivers for Windows NT version 4.0 and Compaq Tru64 UNIX™ 4.0E/F.

Who Should Use This Guide

This guide is intended for anyone who has purchased a Compaq PowerStorm 300 AGP or 300/350 PCI graphics controller. Users should have a basic understanding of Windows NT or Tru64 UNIX before installing PowerStorm 300/350 software.

Structure of This Guide

This guide is organized as follows:

Chapter 1, PowerStorm 300 AGP Graphics Controller Overview - provides an overview of the Compaq PowerStorm 300 AGP graphics controller hardware.

Chapter 2, PowerStorm 300 PCI Graphics Controller Overview - provides an overview of the Compaq PowerStorm 300 PCI graphics controller hardware.

Chapter 3, PowerStorm 350 PCI Graphics Controller Overview - provides an overview of the Compaq PowerStorm 350 PCI graphics controller hardware.

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Compaq 300 manual Preface, Purpose of This Guide, Who Should Use This Guide, Structure of This Guide, Vii

300 specifications

The Compaq 300, introduced in the early 1990s, marked a pivotal moment in personal computing, combining cutting-edge technology with user-centric design. This desktop system was targeted at both business professionals and home users, reflecting the growing demand for powerful yet affordable computing solutions.

One of the main features of the Compaq 300 was its robust Intel processor. It originally shipped with various configurations of Intel's 80486 microprocessor, which provided a significant performance boost over its predecessors. The 486 architecture enabled users to run more complex applications, enhancing productivity and making it suitable for tasks ranging from word processing to graphics editing.

In terms of memory, the Compaq 300 supported up to 16MB of RAM, which was substantial for its time, allowing seamless multitasking of programs. The system typically included a 120MB IDE hard drive, which facilitated ample storage for documents and software, a critical aspect for users who needed to manage large volumes of data.

The Compaq 300 featured an integrated graphics card based on the popular VGA standard, enabling clear display quality for applications and gaming. Notably, its 14-inch CRT monitor that accompanied the system offered crisp visuals and an optimal viewing experience for users.

Another characteristic of the Compaq 300 was its expandability. The desktop came equipped with several expansion slots, allowing users to easily add components such as sound cards, network cards, or additional storage drives. This feature provided users with the flexibility to upgrade their systems as technology evolved, ensuring longevity in a rapidly changing landscape.

The Compaq 300 also showcased advanced connectivity options for its time. It included multiple serial and parallel ports, providing versatile connectivity with peripherals like printers, scanners, and modems. This adaptability was crucial, especially as businesses began to integrate more technology into their operations.

Durability and reliability were hallmarks of Compaq's design philosophy, and the Compaq 300 was no exception. Its solid construction and dependable components appealed to users who required a trustworthy system for daily tasks.

Overall, the Compaq 300 epitomized the intersection of performance, expandability, and reliability in desktop computing. Its innovative features and thoughtful design paved the way for future developments in the personal computer industry, making it a noteworthy entry in the history of computing technology.