Computers in Business

Buying The Business computers You Need ...

So let's take a look at buying a business computer and what your requirements might be.

The basic requirement for computers in a business environment, should only be decided on what you specifically need them to do.

Before you buy your business computers ...

Realize that the computer market is vast with hundreds if not thousands of different variations in makes, types, abilities and features to choose from, not to mention price. Before you even consider buying you therefore need to have some basic computer understanding and the terminology to help you decide. Hopefully I can give you some basic information on computers that will help you make the right choice.

Buy what you need - not what you want.

Computers in business can sometmes become an ego thing, but remember, you are buying a computer to meet the needs of your business, right? Work on satisfying those needs and you will virtually have your decision made for you.

Ask yourself, What do I need to process in my business?

Decide this and you will know what type, style or computing power you need to meet these processing requirements.

Let's have a look at some of those needs for computers in business ...

• Document processing - Word Processor for letters, etc.
• Spreadsheet - for statistical analysis
• Accounting and finance - Annual Accounts and Cashflow management
• Presentations - Sales and training
• Contact Management - customer records and contacts
• Access to the Internet and your own business website.
• Date Backup, offsite storage and restore functions.

Further on we will go into more detail on the software that will satisfy those needs, but here you only need to decide on what computing power your business needs. Remember that the use of computers in business is to make life easier and your business more productive.

If your business needs are simple, a low cost computer with minimum software will suffice.

On the other hand, if your business has a large staff and many complex transactions, it will need a more expensive, powerful, faster computer with a larger variety of software.

Now that you have some idea of your needs, you have to decide where to buy. As always you will have to decide between less expensive and so-so service, or the best service but more expensive equipment. I have always preferred the latter choice and have no regrets.

Where to Buy your Business Computers ...

When you need computers in business, make sure you buy from where you can get help or support, and not hype. Here are my tips.

• Sourcing Computers for Business - What are the choices?
  • Your local computer store. Often the highest priced but service is local and generally good. Support can be easily accessible.
  • Mail order, online or pick up the phone. Often the cheapest way to buy, but you need to be very careful about the after sales service & support aspects.
  • Factory outlet stores selling reconditioned equipment, as good as new and at much lower prices. Warranties tend to be reduced or non-existent.
• Overall, try to use a business that you know and, that has a good reputation. Ask around.
  • If appropriate, ask for a list of references.
  • When purchasing get everything in writing, what you have bought (in detail), how much it is and what guarantees there are.
  • Always, always, always, ask and compare after sales service and support.

You are entrusting the finances and secrets of your business to your computer, so make sure you get the right one.

Are there any, Best Computers in Business?

There are many different types of computers manufactured and available for purchase, but for the business environment only a desktop PC (personal computer) is needed. Strictly speaking both Windows and Macintosh computers are desktop PCs but only Windows is commonly called a PC, with Macintosh computers being referred to as a Mac.

All desktop PC computers are designed to sit on a desk top permanently, which is where you need them in your business. They are more powerful, have greater storage, are a lot more versatile and cost less than portables, such as laptops and netbooks. They are also less vulnerable to theft than a laptop.

Amongst the best portables are the laptop, the notebook and the Palmtop, often known as a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant).

Unless your business involves you or your employees having to travel a lot, and requiring constant access to a computer, a portable computer is an unecessary luxury.

So, whether you choose a PC or a Mac, depends on your business type and software used, it is usually a matter of taste. Both will handle all daily business tasks well enough for business computing needs. Buy, laptops and portables only if you really need them and not as a fashion statement.

Computers in Business ... Minimum Requirements

As with everything, you get what you pay for, but that doesn't mean you have to buy the best business computer or even every techno gizmo on offer ...

Once you have decided to you need a computer in for your business, make sure you base your purchase on what you need, and not the ultimate in performance. That way you will have a good business computer for a reasonable price.

Here is what I consider the minimum requirements for computers in business.

• The Central Processing Unit (CPU) ... is the heart of your computer, so spend a bit of money here and don?t buy anything with less than a 1.5 GHz, 32 or 64 bit processor.
• The Hard Drive contains your OS (operating system) files and applications ... and is used for long term storage. Within reason, the more gigabytes the better, but 40GB is the absolute minimum requirement, mainly due to modern software file sizes, rather than data storage.
• Your Random Access Memory (RAM) ... is used for short-term storage. Generally the more RAM the better, but go for nothing less than 1GB. 2GB preferably.
• Graphics ...If your business needs applications for graphics, go for a dedicated graphics card with a minimum 256MB of memory.
• Offline Storage ... A DVD ROM is todays recommendation for backup and storage. But things change fast and USB Flash Cards or Pen Drives are becoming very popular due to their portability.
• Screen or Monitor ... the larger the screen of your monitor the easier it is to use, but they cost. For most businesses a 19 inch monitor is fine. Flat screen takes up less desk space and are more power efficient. So, a 19inch flat screen is optimum.
• The internet ... If you want or need access to the Internet, you will need a modem or broadband router. Internet access cost money and depending on your package, the more you access the more badnwidth you use and the more it costs. Limit internet access to staff who really need it. Not everyone needs to be on the internet all day and really ask if every clerk or office assistant needs their own company email address.
• The Universal Service Bus (USB) ... Today USB ports are how you connect your external devices, keyboards, printers, movie cameras, etc, to your computer. So make sure you buy a computer with plenty of USB ports.
• WIFI ... This is a complicated consideration as it can cut down installation costs, cut out a lot of loose wires and make the internet and shared devices easier to access. But, security can be an issue, so if you use it, make sure it is installed properly by a professional.

Okay, that?s it for your computers in business needs. Don't go over the top, I am sure you can find more profitable ways of spending your money.