installing a dvd writer

Your machine might not work fast enough to provide data to the dvd writer, and you would end up with buffer underruns and unusable discs.

agree with callandor, writing a dvd uses a lot of resources so you'll need a pc with sufficient processor speed and sufficient memory, otherwise like Mr Callandor says, you'll end up with faulty dvd discs, error messages while writing the dvd, angry kids because you still haven't put that damned downloaded Pocahontas movie on DVD, etc etc....

i have 256mb total physical memory
available physical memory 80.77mb
total virual memory 874.21mb
available virtual memory 486.19mb
the dvd writer recommends 256

well i tink u cud at leat giv it a try
but make sure u dnt run anytin else  on the computer and close any running programs expect for the dvd software while burning

if uve purcahsed the dvd writer tho and its still packaged u should probaly return it and put the cash towards a new comp :)

Before you start free up as much memory as possible, click on start - run and type msconfig, remove all entries under the start tab
which aren't necesary, do not use any other program while burning, if the first run isn't succesfull, do not waste your time or money on discs, uprade your comp or buy another one.

oh yeah, after unchecking the unneccessaRY ENTRIES UNDER THE START-TAB IN MSCONFIG YOU FIRST NEED TO REBOOT. AND SORRY FOR THE CAPS.

The system requirements are not about the DVD-writer, but the software following it.

You can find any other software that has no problems running on your computer burning DVD's like magic.
Check out http://www.tucows.com/cdrutil95_default.html

No problem installing the actual DVD-writer.

As said before it'll work.  You may burn a lot of coasters though.  The bus speed of your computer along with the memory technology just isn't enough to handle that kind of data transfer.   It's gonna be hit and miss.  You'll probably have to slow down your burn speeds and you won't be able to do anything while your burning.

What kind of hard drive do you have?  If it's an older hard drive, like a 6gb 5400rpm drive you'll want to upgrade that as well.  Modern hard drives with large caches and faster spindle speeds will definitely help speed up your transfers. Which will help ensure successful burns.  This will be pretty important as you will probably not be able to copy things on the fly.  You'll have to use the hard drive as a buffer for the burner.

I personally think it should work ok...It will just take longer.  

The 3 gallon pump analogy was a very good visual but, it's not the processor... it's the motherboard that'll slow you down.

Minimum Requirements can be broken as long as 2 out of 3 meet or exceed.  (Usually...but, not always)  If you feel your computer is sluggish already though you may consider formatting and reloading. This will ensure a quick running machine. Definitely as said before several times, at least reduce the number of running programs by using msconfig and the startup tab.

<<<<The 3 gallon pump analogy was a very good visual but, it's not the processor... it's the motherboard that'll slow you down. >>>>

I understand, but if they buy a new processor with a faster bus speed, then they will need a new MOBO to run it, thats why I used the funnel analogy this time, sorry for the confusion.

No confusion, That was a good analogy.  I'm going to use that one from time to time in real life when people need to upgrade.  Case and point if they made pIII mobos like they do now it could breathe new life into those older procs.

The DVD-writers of today all has buffer underrun, and no dvd's will be lost.

If this was a question of wether your computer would be slow, and if you should buy a new one, I would say yes. But your question was, will this work, and the answer is yes. But you'll not be able to use your computer when you burn dvd's. It may respond, but not very well. And the burning most likely will take longer because the buffer underrun will keep starting and stopping the burnn process all the time. But it will work.