>I have an old (1997 era) laptop computer with a 200 Mhz Pentium and 
>Windows 98, and hope to load MPLAB onto it, but am concerned as to its 
>suitability having regard to its small memory size by modern standards and 
>some of its 1.3 GBhard disk capacity is already taken up with other 
>programs.  I realise that it will run much slower, but I don't have a 
>problem with that

There are a lot of choices that will affect the outcome, so you'll probably 
just have to try it.

I see about 65 MB being used by the current installation here (7.42) but 
this will depend on which parts you choose to install.  If it fits, then it 
fits.

My "experience" is with a Dell 333 MHz with 128 MB of RAM, and Win98.  The 
hardware is adequate to the task; the problem is that (1) MPLAB wants you 
to upgrade MS Internet Explorer (so that the help files will work) or it 
will not install; (2) They will not support the original Windows 98.  The 
SE version is apparently OK.  You get off with a warning, meaning the 
program still runs, but every time something doesn't work you have to 
wonder if it's your fault.

Another choice: The programmer you will use.   I use the ICD2, which is a 
good way to program the chips.  I personally think that MPLAB is overkill 
for the privilege of programming a part (a command line utility would be so 
much handier) but that's how it is done.

When I bought my ICD2 I went around installing MPLAB on everything and 
trying it.  I don't recall if the laptop install actually worked. If 
knowing yes or no would help you, I can try it.

The Microchip forum is a link off the main Microchip site.  I don't know 
what kind of reception you'll get with old hardware, but it may be worth a 
try.  You'll see some familiar names there anyway.

Barry


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