Computing advancements are coming at a fast and furious pace. Unless you've upgraded your unit, the computer (and software and hardware) you purchased just over a year ago may already be obsolete.

Multimedia and the Internet have raised the stakes for personal computing. Chances are, if you've recently purchased a high-end home computer, a CD-ROM drive, modern and a large hard drive (540 megabytes or more) were included as standard features. If not, you'll need to add these things in order to take full advantage of what home computing has become.

If you don't have a modem with a speed greater than 9,600 bps, you'll need one to send and receive e-mail and faxes, or to subscribe to any online services. A 14.4 kbps data/fax modem will probably serve your needs, but a 28.8 kbps data/fax modem is quickly becoming the standard.

Generally, multimedia programs and presentations require CD-ROM drives. CD-ROMs have a much higher data capacity than floppy disks, making them best for storing the huge full-motion video and stereo sound files needed for multimedia. A double-speed CD-ROM should satisfy most home computing needs.

If your PC does not come factory equipped for multimedia, you may need applications that support Moving Pictures Expert Group (MPEG) for full-motion video; devices such as a 16-bit sound card and speakers for stereo sound. If all of this sounds like a lot--and it is--you may well need to increase your computer's random access memory (RAM, from 8MB to 16MB, for example) or add an external hard drive to enable your system to handle the demands of a multimedia universe.

MULTIMEDIA COMPUTERS

For a fully equipped multimedia home computer system, you can expect to spend anywhere from $1,800 to $3,000. It's a sizable investment, but no more than upgrading your home system might be.

Any number of Macs and PCs are designed specifically for home use. It will take some investigating to find out which particular model fits your needs and budget. Here is a selected list of computers, software and other technology that can enhance the home computing experience:

Apple Performance 638CD

The 638CD is a mid-range model with most of the necessary multimedia capacities (like the $1,899 630CD). Its higher price ($2,175) is due to improvements including a latter, higher resolution 15-inch monitor; Apple Video/TV capabilities, which make it cable-ready and let you digitize and display video from camcorders and VCRs; Apple Presentation System for outputting digitized video and Mac graphics to tape or a standard video monitor; and a remote control that turns on the Mac or the TV and operates the CD-ROM player.

A host of home entertainment, productivity and education titles are bundled with the system. A small (350 MB) hard drive and a low-speed, 2400/9600 bps data/fax modem--not optimal for Internet connections, it allows you only to send faxes--are the 638CD's drawbacks.

Apple Computer; 800-776-2333

IBM Aptiva M51

The Aptiva M51 was created with the needs of home multimedia users in mind. Its full-motion, full-screen video and 3-D surround leaves most other systems wanting.

IBM's communication software manages fax, voice and data transmissions deftly, including answering machine and speakerphone functions. The system comes with a combination 16-bit sound board and a 28.8/14.4 kbps data/voice modem, as well as an adapter cord that allows your modem and phone to run from the same jack.

The Aptiva's 16MB of RAM will be all most family users need. The bundled software includes Compton's Interactive Encyclopedia and Quicken SE. At $2,649, the Aptiva M51--no bargain basement machine--provides multimedia to the max.

IBMPC Corp.; 800-426-2968

HARDWARE & PERIPHERALS

QuickCam/Connectix (Windows 3.1, Windows 95, Mac)

QuickCam is a low-cost, completely digital video and still camera for Windows-based and Mac computers. QuickCam plugs right into your PC, and gives you everything you need for instant black-and-white snapshot and videos with sound for $99. Pictures can be imported directly into desktop publishing documents and various other applications as well as sent over the Internet.

QuickCam can be used with Connectix videoconferencing software that can access LANs or the Internet.

Connectix; 800-950-5880

Snappy View Snapshot Play Inc.

Clay Inc.'s Snappy Video Snapshot is a full-color video capture device that allows you to take "snapshots" from any analog video source, such as a TV or VCR, with your PC. The Windows 95 and Windows 3.1 compatible unit is capable of producing 24-bit color images at resolutions of up to 1500 x 1125 pixels that rival many desktop scanners and video capture boards.

At a cost of $199, Snappy Video Snapshot is an inexpensive source of digital photography that can be used for desktop publishing, PC photo albums, presentations and more. Snappy can also capture moving images--though not as well as still subjects.

Play Inc., Rancho Cordova, Calif; 800-306-7529

Big 5: Five disc Quad-Speed autochanger/Panasonic

Panasonic's SQ-TC500N Big 5 is a five-disc quad-speed autochanger that lets you load and access up to five CD-ROMs. It comes with software that switches CD-ROMs in a matter of seconds with a simple point and click.

The SQ-TC500N also gets good marks for its compact size. The autochanger installs in a 5.25-inch half-height drive bay and weighs just 2.9 lbs. Suggested retail price is $399.

Panasonic Communications & Systems Co., Secaucus, N.J.; 201-348-7000

DeskJet 660Cse/Hewlett-Packard

The DeskJet 660Cse is a family-targeted version of the 660 model. The high quality color and monochrome output of this printer make it one of the best in its class with resolutions of up to 600 x 600 dpi.

The Cse comes with Print Shop Deluxe (for creating greeting cards, signs, etc.) and a special Kodak Photo CD offer which makes it easy for families to add pictures to their projects. Additional family-friendly features such as two-sided printing for greeting cards and its $399 price tag make it a good choice for family printing needs.

Hewlett-Packard Co., Palo Alto, Calif; 800-752-0900

SOFTWARE

Kiplinger's Home Legal Advisor/Block Financial Software

Kiplinger's Home Legal Advisor provides the home user with over 65 documents and contracts--from living wills to prenuptial agreements--that help iron out complicated legal issues.

This program incorporates a word processor that allows you to edit and alter the wording of any document to suit your personal needs. The online help system and digitized version of Kiplinger's Handbook of Personal Law help the user gain a better understanding of personal legal issues, which will save time and legal fees. Suggested retail price is $39.95.

Block Financial Software, Kansas City, Mo.; 800-529-5669

FolderBolt/FolderBolt Pro, Kent March

FolderBolt allows you to lock entire directories and configure various levels of user-access for those of us who have computers with multiple users. The Windows and Mac-compatible programs let you secure an entire directory as locked, read-only protected, or as a private drop box that also makes secure data communication possible.

FolderBolt is an easy way to keep your private files secure and limit access to shared programs. For $55 you can get the Windows version; Mac costs $89.

Kent March Ltd., Houston; 800-325-3587