4. Preparing For And Running MobileMark 2005

Laptop and notebook computers come with a dizzying number of pre-installed applications. Some of these help the computer save battery power and we like to use them when appropriate. Other pre-installed applications either mess up battery saving software or get in the way of some of our tests. A pre-installed copy of Microsoft Office is a no, no for both MobileMark 2005 and SYSmark 2004 SE testing. So, we prefer to install a pristine copy of Microsoft Windows XP on a test computer and then add only the drivers and "pre-installed" software that are compatible with our tests. However, sometimes we cannot get access to individual copies of certain software. That is why we request that manufacturers deliver all laptop and notebook evaluation units with Windows XP Professional Service Pack 2 installed or with Windows XP Home if that is what the manufacturer normally provides with the computer. Then, if we determine we cannot install a fresh copy of Windows XP, we create a "pristine" version by removing drivers, utilities and application software that conflict with our tests.

Next we standardize on a number of parameters to assure that all laptops and notebooks are tested with the same settings; the following table contains the details. All but three of these are required by BAPCo if results are to be published. The three extra settings we make are noted in the table.