Small Business Considerations for a new PC
We’ve all been there before. You decide you need a new PC and, like most of us, probably haven’t kept up with the technology curve. As a result, you either procrastinate, or put your trust in the hands of a salesperson. Well, here are the areas to focus on when purchasing a new PC for your small business.
How Much Processing Power?
Dual-core processors are highly recommended. A dual-core processor is essentially two processors in one. Dual-core processors, whether AMD or Intel, are a must for multi-tasking PC users. Quad-core (4 processors in one) is an option for graphic artists, hard-core number crunchers, and other techies who need the extra power of their PCs, but dual-core should be enough for non-technical and non-graphics based users.
Look for at least 2 gigabytes (GB) of RAM. More memory allows you to do two things: run more applications and windows at once and perform multimedia processes (like editing photos) faster. A 2GB Kingston memory stick runs about $65.
Storage Options
Business PCs require less storage than consumer PCs, since you are less likely to sync your iPod or download videos to your work PC. A storage capacity of 160GB to 250GB is a good balance between economy and space. 50GB of available storage should be enough for all the PowerPoint, Word, and Excel documents you use on a day-to-day basis. Anything beyond that should be stored on an external hard drive or server. A Toshiba USB 2.0 portable external hard drive with 500 GB of storage is around $100.
High-Powered Graphics Aren’t Always Necessary
Most business PCs come with integrated graphics, whether from Intel, ATI, or Nvidia. Integrated graphics are fine for a business PC, since you won't be playing 3D games on the system. (Installing games is the easiest way to make a system unstable, and you do not want your money-earning system to go down unnecessarily).
Management Details: It's All Small Stuff
If you have a rapidly growing business, or have more than a dozen employees, you will need to consider data security as well. IBM (Lenovo) includes an encryption chip on almost all of their business-class notebook computers. Once enabled, all of the data on the hard drive is encrypted automatically. In the event that your notebook is lost or stolen, none of the data is readable, even if the hard drive is removed and installed in another machine. Some notebook and workstation vendors have included this type of technology designed to work with Microsoft operating systems (Vista or later) called Bit Locker. It performs essentially the same function, but is not specific to Lenovo. There are other security options available (some free) that allow you to encrypt portions of, or a whole hard drive too. If you have any questions about securing your notebook or workstation data, give us a call ay 503-241-3499 and we will be happy to help.
How Do I Backup All Of That Data?
A good desktop or workstation backup program is essential. Acronis’s Backup & Recovery solution combines optimized data protection and ease-of-use. It creates an exact disk image of your office workstation and backs up the operating system, applications, key data files and folders. If the hard drive crashes and needs to be replaced, you simply re-load the Acronis backup image and all of your applications and files are ready to be used (www.acronis.com).
Keeping Support Costs Down With Multiple PCs
If your business has more than a half dozen employees, it is time to seriously consider partnering with an experienced IT support company to help you plan and efficiently deploy and support your systems. Many business owners are used to paying the same deployment and support costs that they have been for years because they do not know that there are ways of deploying and supporting systems today that cut the cost of ownership down significantly.
Beware of Junkware
A downside to cheaper PCs is the specter of “junkware.” Often one of the main reasons a PC is inexpensive is that some other entity is subsidizing the price (as with broadcast TV and "free" cell phones). Junkware consists of all of those "trial" offers and add-on software that are designed to tempt you into buying it because it did not come standard on your PC. It can be hard to remove completely from your system and can even compromise performance. Although many desktops come with some junkware, manufacturers tend to put more of it into lower-end models.
Fortunately, most business PCs have minimal junkware. There is almost always an Office 2007 60-day trial on the hard drive, but in a business system that can be a good thing. When the trial period runs out you can upgrade to a full version simply by clicking the link to Microsoft's site and entering your credit card information. There is usually an antivirus suite as well, but be wary of packages that stop updating after 60–90 days. Again, this is one case where I would consider upgrading to the full version over the Internet. Our Managed Services offerings include anti-virus and anti-spyware protection and great rates for licensing Microsoft applications.
Final Thoughts
It may be tempting to grab the cheapest PC system and call it your "business PC," but don't do it. Keep in mind that this system has to last at least as long as it takes for you to amortize the capital investment (usually three to five years; but the exact length depends on your business’ accounting practices). Paying a little extra for more power or capabilities will save you headaches down the road. The added value of a longer warranty, specialized tech support, and/or the elimination of junkware are among the extra benefits you will get by spending a little more money. ∆