Program Requirements

Most of the HeavyMetal programs have similar hardware and operating system requirements, as outlined below.

Note: The following program requirements apply to all programs except HeavyMetal Map, which due to its highly graphical nature, has more advanced requirements, which you can read about here.

System Requirements:

Operating System (Windows version):

All of the HeavyMetal programs work on Windows 95, 98, Me, 2000, XP Home, XP Pro, Vista and Windows7 (all versions, but see some caveats with Vista and Win7 on the Running HeavyMetal on Vista and Windows7 page). While the programs should work on Windows NT 4.0, no testing has been done on that operating system; they will not work on Windows NT 3.5 or Windows 3.x. XP Home and XP Pro are by far the best, for HeavyMetal software as well as most other programs. I currently develop the programs on Vista Ultimate.

What about Macs?

Sorry, but the HeavyMetal series of programs do not support Apple's Mac series of personal computers, but rather are intended to run on Windows formats only. However, several Mac owners are successfully running HeavyMetal software on their computers using Windows emulation software, so you might consider that route. And before you ask, no, we will not be doing a Mac version of the HeavyMetal programs in the future; we just don't have the experience and expertise to consider such a venture. For more information, as well as a Mac alternative, please check out FAQ #17.

What about Linux, Unix, Whatever-ix?

Sorry, but the HeavyMetal series of programs do not support Linux or any system other than Windows. We just don't have the experience and expertise to consider rewriting the HeavyMetal series of programs to run on other operating systems.

Processor (CPU):

A Pentium Class processor or equivalent (AMDs work fine) is required. As with most programs, the faster the better, although speed is not very critical with the HeavyMetal programs except in sorting, searching or filtering thousands of files.

Memory (RAM):

Memory requirements vary more with the versions of Windows being used, than with the programs. Basically, the programs use up to about 20 MB of memory each, in addition to whatever your operating system is using. They are heavy on Windows resource usage, so you will find that Windows 2000 or XP, which provide for the most Windows resources, will work best, and will actually provide for running more than one HeavyMetal program at the same time.

Hard Drive Space:

The amount of hard drive space varies a lot, depending on the hard drive cluster size. But basically, you should allow 10-15 MB each for HeavyMetal Pro, Vee or Lite, 20-25 MB for HeavyMetal Aero, 15 MB for HeavyMetal Battle Armor and 60-120 MB for HeavyMetal Plus, which includes a bunch of data files and pictures.

Video Requirements:

You need 256 colors minimum, but will enjoy the screens more with more colors. As to resolution, HeavyMetal Pro, Vee and Lite can run on as little as 640 x 480, while Aero requires at least 800 x 600. In addition, a step up in resolution (1024 x 768 for Aero, 800 x 600 for the others) will allow you to use the "Veteran" screen modes, which provide much more information while designing. These resolutions assume Small Fonts, the standard Windows setting; increase the required resolution by one step if you use Large Fonts.

Note: Due to the increased amount of information required on the main screen, HeavyMetal Battle Armor requires at least 800 x 600 resolution with Small Fonts, 1024 x 768 with Large Fonts.

Other Hardware:

Naturally, you will want to have a printer for all the great record sheets that the programs print, as well as lots of other printouts. Most any Windows-compatible printer will work. A CD drive capable of reading CDRs is required to install the program, and a mouse is required for access to all the features.

Windows^® is a trademark of the Microsoft^® Corporation. Apple and Mac are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc.
Pentium is a trademark of Intel Corporation. AMD is a copyright of American Micro Devices, Inc.