��-����-�-�����������������������������Proprietary��������������������������Ŀ
���-��������������������������������������������������������������������������
��-�> Here's What You Said��.
� > PS/1 BIOS's.  As for riser cards...any slimline desktop is giong to have a
� > proprietary MB and a riser card....which means about every single computer
� > bought in a comercial store.  IBM changed the name PS/1 to Aptiva...and the
� I've always wondered what proprietary meant...  please enlighten me...  
� L8r!  GD
�� -��-��������������������������������������������������������������������Ŀ
���> Now Here is what I Say��.                                              �
                      ��-�����������������������Reply�Requested���������������

Proprietary means any computer or any part of a computer which is not a
"standard" part.

For example, if a motherboard has it's video chips built on to the
motherboard, instead of on a seperate video card (as is normal) then the
video is said to be proprietary.  Proprietary items are said to be bad,
because they are all custom.  For example:  I am considering upgrading my
video card.  I have a standard (non-proprietary) video card, and all I have
to do to uprade it is go to the store and buy a new one, and then install it.
If I had a proprietary system, I would have to either buy some kind of
upgrade from my computer company (at a premium price) or just leave it
un-upgraded.  Basically a proprietary computer or design is very
difficult/expensive to upgrade.

In specific, these guys are talking about an IBM aptiva computer, which,
instead of having a motherboad with slots on the motherboard, carries all of
it's slots on a seperate card, attached to the motherbaord at a right angle.
Accessory cards then attach to either side of this card.  In addition, the
video is built onto the motherboard.  That computer is not all that bad, but
would be difficult to upgrade.  The proprietary motherboard would not fit
into a standard case and likewise a standard motherboard would not fit into
this case.  Being proprietary does not necessarily affect performance or
price, but instead locks you in to what you buy, preventing easy upgrades.

-=Nevarre=-