Can My Computer Handle Adobe Technical Suite and Adobe InDesign?
When considering whether your computer is capable of running Adobe's extensive suite of technical and design tools, it's important to ensure that your system meets the necessary criteria. This guide will help you understand the system requirements, specific recommendations, and common setups for working with Adobe Technical Communication Suite and Adobe InDesign. We also discuss the impact of external storage and explore alternative solutions for running Adobe on a Mac using a Windows operating system.
Understanding System Requirements
Adobe regularly publishes technical requirements for its software. If your computer meets these published requirements, you should have no issues with software performance. However, it's wise to check these requirements for the specific applications you plan to use, as the limitations can vary. The Adobe Technical Communication Suite 2017 release, for example, includes a suite of various applications, some of which can be run as a web-based service (SaaS).
External Storage Recommendations
When dealing with large projects, such as technical documents or multiformat designs, it's crucial to have reliable external storage. Unlike many modern hard drives that might enter sleep mode after a few seconds, it is recommended to use a drive that remains active to avoid potential loss of work. Adobe's technical documentation suggests using an external drive as a "scratch" folder for larger temporary files. This ensures that your project data is quickly accessible and reduces the load on your internal storage.
Performance Considerations
The phrase "strong enough" might not be the most accurate when discussing system capabilities. Instead, you should focus on whether your MacBook meets the optimal requirements to ensure smooth performance and responsiveness. The specifications of your current Mac model should be more than sufficient for running the Adobe Creative Cloud suite without significant lags or unresponsive software. I have personally tested running the Adobe Creative Cloud software on a 3-year-old MacBook Air, where the redraw process is slightly slower but the overall performance is still acceptable.
Alternative Solutions for Windows Applications
For some applications within the Adobe Technical Suite, you may need a Windows operating system. This is particularly relevant if you plan to use tools like FrameMaker or RoboHelp, which are primarily designed to run on Windows. One common approach is to use Bootcamp to install Windows directly on your Mac. This allows you to boot into Windows for those specific applications, while keeping your macOS installation for other tasks.
Alternatively, you can use virtualization software like Parallels Desktop or VMware Fusion to run a Windows virtual machine on your Mac. This setup is often seen as more efficient and less risky than using Bootcamp, especially if you intend to switch between applications frequently. Keep in mind that compatibility issues may arise, especially with newer versions of software. It's advisable to check the most recent version compatibility at dedicated forums for Windows on Mac users or developers working with Wine, a compatibility layer that can run some but not all Windows software on a Linux system.
Regardless of the approach you choose, combining a robust Mac with a well-chosen external drive can significantly enhance your workflow, especially when working with complex documents or projects that require substantial computational power.