Just like there is a range of main processors (CPUs) computers can have a second processor that helps draw the graphics - a graphics processor (GPU). These can have a vast range of features and speeds but until Microsoft Vista's Aero they were not essential.
The speed, features and cost of these GPUs vary greatly. Some are arguably more powerful than the CPU others have minimal features, there are times when a lower specified chip simply can not do a feature.
SuperView uses the GPU to improve the speed of the on screen 3D manipulation. However SuperView is aimed at 'standard' GPUs.
Some of the latest features (e.g. Reflections) do require more than the basic non-accelerated OpenGL driver provides. Similarly a few old OpenGL driver/chip combinations can not support these features. SuperView 25 should work but not all features will be available.
There are a range of GPU manufacturers who supply a variety of chips. The two main suppliers are AMD/ATI and nVidia. They both provide powerful system within their ranges. Other suppliers chips tend to be less powerful but the market is always changing
If going for ATI or nVidia their low to mid range offerings are usually fine. Their top end systems are aimed at Gamesters and are superfluous!
(NB ATI and nVidia make the chip, the actual card is often made by someone else - similar to Intel and AMD who make the main processor and someone else the computer itself. AMD now own ATI )
When buying a new computer it is worth ensuring a reasonable chip is used from the start or at the very least that you can upgrade the card later. Please keep in mind that a laptop's graphics chip can rarely if ever be upgraded. With desktops you will need a suitable expansion slot and a reasonable PSU (power supply unit)
Netbooks and many less expensive portables come with an Intel GPU - although not the best these are usually capable of running the program.
Intel's range of Core and related processors usually include an integrated GPU called HD (eg HD 2500, HD 4400 etc). Early versions (often just called HD) are not good - the more recent of these (eg Haswell) are reasonable but discrete chips are usually better. Intel Processors with graphics processors prior to the HD range should be avoided - although a second discrete graphics processor may be suitable.
Some laptops come with both a low power integrated chip and a high power discrete graphics chip. We recommend you use the discrete graphics chip at all times when running SuperView. We do not recommended switching back and forth.
Different laptops have different methods of switching - please refer to your hardware supplier for details.
We use a system called OpenGL to talk to the GPU. This link is provided by a driver. There is a generic version that talks to any chip but can make little use of its features (ie. is unaccelerated) and SuperView25R and later need more features than this drivers supplies to be fully functional.
GPUs are usually supplied with a driver specific to that chip but unfortunately the driver shipped with the card is rarely the most up to date
Many machines have been updated to Windows 10 from previous versions of Windows unfortunately the graphics driver is not always updated. Please ensure you have a Windows 10 driver for your graphics processor. In some cases there is no Windows 10 driver - this can cause problems.
The drivers supplied with the hardware can be early versions that need updating.
The Aero interface available in Microsoft's Windows 7 and Vista OS had special requirements. more details...