Operating System

Windows 10

Windows 11

NOTE: Windows 10 will reach its End of Support on October 14, 2025 and will no longer be receiving updates from Microsoft. This can leave your Windows 10 computer vulnerable to security attacks. Stenograph cannot guarantee the compatibility of CATalyst on Windows 10 after that date. We encourage customers to update their computers to a supported version of Windows like Windows 11 to maintain compatibility.

For information about CATalyst on Mac computers, click here.

Computer Processor

An Intel i5, i7, or i9 processor or AMD Ryzen 5, 7, or 9 processor.

NOTE:  There is a processor type called an ARM Processor. This processor is commonly found on Microsoft Surface Pro (Snapdragon processor) and newer MacBook (M processor) computers. This processor is not compatible with CATalyst due to driver incompatibility. Please be aware of what processor is on the computer before purchasing.

RAM

8 GB of RAM or more.

If using CATalyst VP with Dragon Naturally Speaking, 16 GB of RAM or more is recommended.

Hard Drive

256 GB hard drive or larger.

Audio files, including Direct Audio files (.sgmca), take up the most space in CATalyst. Having enough storage on your computer is essential in keeping CATalyst and other programs running efficiently.

Ports

A USB port for the writer to write realtime, update the writer dictionary, and update the writer software.

USB-C ports are compatible but require a USB-C to USB adapter. A Luminex II and NexGen writer can use a USB-C to USB-C cable.

Internet Connection

A stable, high speed internet connection is essential for many of CATalyst's advanced features like Cloud Backup, RealTeam, and CaseViewNet. It is recommended that your internet connection have a minimum download speed of 10/Mb and a minimum upload speed of 5/Mb.

Using Direct Audio and the Stenograph Virtual Audio Cables for web conferencing platforms (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, WebX) can also affect your internet connection due to video and audio streaming from the platform. If using the Stenograph Virtual Audio Cables for Direct Audio, it is recommended your internet connection exceed the above minimum internet connection requirements.

Other Information

Many CATalyst editing commands rely on the Function Keys (F1 - F12), especially the F4 key when inserting format symbols. Computer manufacturers haved changed the default Function Keys to Activity Keys (increase/decrease volume, increase/decrease screen brightness, etc.) and this can cause these editing commands to not function. If your computer’s Function Keys are Activity keys, consult your computer’s documentation or contact the manufacturer for assistance on changing the Activity Keys to Function Keys.

Laptop and Desktop computers are beginning to use higher definition displays which can cause applications like CATalyst to appear blurry. If CATalyst appears blurry, the following article can help resolve this issue.

While these are the minimum requirements for CATalyst, Stenograph cannot guarantee compatibility with all makes and models of computers. We recommend asking the store or manufacturer about their return policy just in case an issue arises.