In order to achieve best results with modern ir spectrometers, users must take considerable care to optimize the setting of the slit program, response time, gain, and scan time. In this paper, explicit recommendations are given for carrying out such adjustments in a logical and self-consistent manner. First, a set of conditions is derived for the recording of general purpose spectra. From this starting point, settings may be modified to record spectra under the following special conditions: low noise level, limited optical energy, high resolution, and rapid scanning. Proper use of the scan speed suppression control is discussed.