Calling all Computer Whizzes... Video Card?

Hi,
First, THANK YOU ALL for taking time to help with my questions. I learn so much from your posts every day.... I don't know what I'd do without the support I receive here.

Now for my latest question.... I just received my Monaco XR Pro in the mail today. I was reading the box before opening it and found that it has a video card requirement and I don't even know if I have a video card.... DUH... I know.. I have a LOT to learn. So anyway...

The program requirement:
Color monitor with 24 bit or greater video card (with LUT support).

My Computer is nothing fancy...
HP a1130n 100 Gig RAM, 250 Gig Hard Drive
I learned it has a basic card called "integrated" that can handle 300 watts of power.

*Do you think I can run this software with what I have, or will I need to buy some kind of card?

*If I need to buy a card, how does that work? Can I install it myself or is it somthing that is going to cost me?

*And are there different cards to choose from...??

*Which is what I need without spending another $200-$300??

(This photography is a money pit... alwalys something else I need.... and I'd really like to start saving my pennies for a 550EX , bracket, and hotshoe cable ---That's another $500 I'm sure... Where is that old chubby guy with the red suit and beard? )

Anyone know a computer person in Arizona? (haha)

You HP has "ATi RADEON XPRESS 200" motherboard with integrated Radeon X300 equivalent display adapter, see http://www.ati.com …ts/radeonxpress​200series/ . You have to set your desktop to 24 or 32 bit colors, then you can use the calibrator. There is no mention is specs about LUT (LookUp Table) but I'm sure it's a feature in every modern display adapter.

I would install the program and see how it works first.
Some of the older lower end machines don't have an AGP video slot for an additional video card but have a couple of PCI slots so you could use an older PCI graphics card.
i'll look up the specs on your machine to see exactly what it has available.

Also, installing a video card isn't that hard, but you do have to be careful when installing it and sometimes you may have to go into the computers BIOS and activate the video card by changing the order of the default display device.

EDIT: Pekka beat me to it. (I type slow)

Thanks guys...

Pekka was right about my specs and I think the monitor is set to 32 bit colors.

So you think I should just install it then... I'll give it a try. How will I know if it's not working properly? I'm thinking the color will not be true to print if there is a problem? So I will not know until I print, right?

I am totally CLULESS when it comes to these computer type of issues. I know how to use it, and can do the things I need to do. I learn what I need to know... but video cards, and PCI slots, and. LUT???... AHHHHH

I admire your knowledge and ability to share with others.

Display profile is only a part of full color management. Getting it right means you see colors more accurately, but how they print is handled by printing program and printer profiles.

Thanks Pekka.... I do want to see colors more acurately, but more importantly, I want to see them the way my printing company sees them. That way I know what I will be getting. I struggle with taking time to edit things to my liking only to have the prints arrive looking less than what I had hoped for.

The printing company I use recommended this software for calibration, and also the Greg....Eye-One Program. I got the Monaco because they had the free upgrade to PRO edition for a nice price.

I don't print my own photos because my printer is worthless... with the prices of prints being so cheap, I think it's less expensive to send them out because otherwise I would be replacing my ink cartridge all the time.

I'm going to install this later tonight (hopefully)..... so I'll post the results if you are interested in having a read of it.

HAPPY DAY and THANKS again!!