CompuServe Messages

Valen — Your needs appear to be relatively modest, that is – you want access to data and large programs. Almost ANY CD-ROM should work well for you. Many of us here like the Mitsumi since it works well and is less than $200. Be sure that it – or any drive — will work with your Gateway. As you know, there have been reports of some difficulties installing some cards and drives in some models of Gateway computers. Sound cards are mostly useful for games and/or multimedia software (encyclopedias, etc.) I am not sure that the PAS would be your best choice — perhaps some others here can give you advice. Some of the sound cards include a SCSI interface that can work with some CD-ROM's. SBPro does, but the sound quality isn't all that wonderful. PC Mag had some good things to say about the newer SB 16 (or some such) — but ask around on CIS ( here and in Gamers, Midi and other fora) for the best advice. You will LOVE CD-ROMS — 600meg of a program,shareware or whatever can be pretty interesting. Craig