Computer and Automation

Here are some thoughts.

If your computer is only going to run automation, and nothing else, then a laptop is fine.  But if you're going to do other things on it, I'd really recommend going with a desktop (and UPS, if necessary, if you want some battery backup).

I've found that desktops are far more stable, more powerful, and certainly much more expandable than laptops.  Laptops are intended for portability and, if you really need it, the ability to fit into a small space.

I don't have much experience in running Windows 11 with automation software, so I can't help you there.  I stuck with Windows 7 long after Windows 10 came out, and have only switched to 10 because application support is dwindling for 7.  Windows 10 is a pain because it forces you to upgrade, sometimes when you don't want to, but that isn't necessarily bad.  Rebooting cleans up a lot of piled up ills on a computer.

I usually purchase refurbished/used computers several years old relatively cheaply, and then add lots of memory, an SSD drive if it doesn't already have one, and various other bits like fast wifi cards (with bluetooth).  Some come with Windows 11 but most have 10, which is perfect for my wants.

My 2 cents.

@artisan-radio Yes it would be a desktop for the automation. It also connects to the internet to take live programming from the Pacifica KU satellite feed. The one I'm using now is becoming unreliable will just freeze up whenever it wants and making constant buzz in audio when it freezes, doesn't sound good on air. Also use it to download prerecorded programming to schedule for later playback. Ideally would like to have one for on air automation and another for the downloading and production/Voicetracks. Link the two together to transfer files to the automation.

Yes Zara will work with windows 11.
To do multiple things get a computer with I series processors like i5 or i7. For just automation, nothing else, all pre programmed, no live shows, as mentioned, as I did with Zara and now Salamandra an entry level small laptop with a celeron processor in the 4000 series and 4 gigs RAM works fine without a glitch.

@mark That's good to hear about Zara will work with Win 11.

I may keep the on air computer I have now and use it for production and voicetracking.

And figure out how to link them together to transfer files to the automation computer.

@wefr If you figure out how to transfer directly from one computer to another not first putting on a back up like a USB SSD drive or something and then doing it let us know!
I didn't think that could be done....directly from one computer to another.

Controlling and transferring between one computer and another is done very nicely with TightVNC.

The easiest way to transfer files between computers, if you have a wifi network with a router, is to use shared folders on your windows computers.  You can then easily connect to the folders using file explorer, and transfer files back and forth just like the folder was on your computer.

Yes all you need to do is learn how to do basic networking. There are plenty of videos on Youtube about it. Here at RAG-FM every pc is networked to each other. Files can be moved or copied to and from any pc. Even my smart tv's are on the network.