Richard King wrote:

I need to be able to edit/record/encode audio, Real Audio and mp3 - preferably in real-time. It would also be nice if I could 'live' encode video at 15 fps in Real Video. So I'm guessing a twin-cpu 300mHz Intel P2 might fit the bill.

I'm also from ZA and AFAIK the only dual PII boards we were able to source about 3 months ago could only take 350mhz and up processors. Of course much could have changed in the last few months.

I'd be very interested to hear the comments of the list - should I stick with the above , or would I be better served with something a little more exotic like a DEC Alpha or whatever...?

Knowing the local market I would recommend you stick to Intel (compatible) machines, if only to keep the costs down.

Also - one hears comments that NT is so unreliable only because "you're using some 'chinese special' motherboard and bios", and that a genuine IBM or an HP or whatever, would work better. (I'm a little skeptical because my 'chinese special' runs so reliably with Linux - whatever the flavour....) Is it better to go with one of the 'name brands'?

If by 'name brands' you mean the entire PC then I would say that it depends on your own abilities to keep the machine in good shape. The only possible benefit to be gained from a 'name' machine (like a Compaq/IBM/Acer/etc.) would be on-site support. If you're talking about building from 'name brand' components then I would say yes, stick to the 'name brands'. Go for a genuine Intel motherboard rather than a Chinese cheapie. I've heard of too many people having problems and finding out they have no warranty because the component is grey market. If you're wanting to buy a complete machine you may want to consider a Mecer. Although they are fairly cheap I believe they have quite good support. You will however save money (or be able to afford bigger/more hardware for the same amount) if you buy components and assemble the machine yourself. Regards. Steve Crane stevec@netlane.com <A HREF="http://www.datapro.co.za/~stevec"><A HREF="http://www.datapro.co.za/~stevec</A">http://www.datapro.co.za/~stevec</A</A>> - To get out of this list, please send email to majordomo@suse.com with this text in its body: unsubscribe suse-linux-e Check out the SuSE-FAQ at <A HREF="http://www.suse.com/Support/Doku/FAQ/"><A HREF="http://www.suse.com/Support/Doku/FAQ/</A">http://www.suse.com/Support/Doku/FAQ/</A</A>> and the archiv at <A HREF="http://www.suse.com/Mailinglists/suse-linux-e/index.html"><A HREF="http://www.suse.com/Mailinglists/suse-linux-e/index.html</A">http://www.suse.com/Mailinglists/suse-linux-e/index.html</A</A>>