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Although architecture-independent operating systems and
applications exist, most need to be recompiled to run on a new
architecture.
Processing power
The power of the central processing unit (CPU) is a
fundamental system requirement for any software. Most software
running on x86 architecture define processing power as the model
and the clock speed of the CPU. Many other features of a CPU that
influence its speed and power, like bus speed, cache, and MIPS are
often ignored. This definition of power is often erroneous, as AMD
Athlon and Intel Pentium CPUs at similar clock speed often have
different throughput speeds. Intel Pentium CPUs have enjoyed a
considerable degree of popularity, and are often mentioned in this
category.
Memory - All software, when run, resides in the random access
memory (RAM) of a computer. Memory requirements are defined
after considering demands of the application, operating system,
supporting software and files, and other running processes. Optimal
performance of other unrelated software running on a multi-tasking
computer system is also considered when defining this requirement.
Secondary storage - Hard-disk requirements vary, depending on the
size of software installation, temporary files created and maintained
while installing or running the software, and possible use of swap
space (if RAM is insufficient).
Display adapter
Software requiring a better than average computer graphics
display, like graphics editors and high-end games, often define high-
end display adapters in the system requirements.
Peripherals
Some software applications need to make extensive and/or
special use of some peripherals, demanding the higher performance
or functionality of such peripherals. Such peripherals include CD-
ROM drives, keyboards, pointing devices, network devices, etc.

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