“Hardware, Software, Where do I Begin?”
Effectively Managing Your Business Technology Needs
By Bill Mitchell
Evaluate your short-term and long-term goals before making new technology purchases. How old are your computers and what other technology needs do you have for the future? How much do you pay for Internet services, web site hosting and maintenance, etc? Do you have special technology needs due to your geographic location or business model (no DSL or Cable for example)?
Computers
The most important piece of technology equipment is your computer system. Any computer that is more than 3 years old is a candidate for replacement. Because computer prices are at a very low level it now makes sense to replace older computers more often.
Buying Tips
- The rule of thumb is if you need to perform more than one update to an existing computer you should consider buying a new one instead (updating the operating system, adding memory, hard drive, etc.).
- Look for computers with Pentium 4 processors or Athlon processors. Celeron processors are often less expensive but they are not as efficient.
- You can save money if you buy a processor that is slightly slower than the current fastest “standard.” (2.5 to 3.0 Pentium 4 GHz processors are fine for most business needs.) Athlon processors are very well designed and often outperform Pentium 4 processors.
- 512 to 1 GB of RAM (Random Access Memory) is plenty for most users.
- If you buy a new computer get one that has Windows XP Professional (Windows XP Home is not recommended for business usage) as the operating system. Windows XP Professional is more stable than Windows ME and Windows 98.
- If you are going to purchase multiple computers make sure they all have the same operating system. You are only asking for potential trouble by mixing and matching different operating systems.
- Make sure you get Microsoft Small Business with your computer. It costs more money but it is worth it. (Access, Excel, Word, Outlook.)
- Look for the best overall deal for the least money. Most major brands are very similar. If you are considering a LCD monitor (low profile) buy one that is 17-18”. This size currently represents the best value for money.
- Make sure your new machine has a CD-RW or DVD-RW. Using cheap CD-R discs (as low as 10-15 cents apiece) is an easy and low cost way to archive data.
- USB keys (work like the old ‘floppies’ but hold vast amounts of data) are a good choice for those who need to archive data but do not want to learn how to ‘burn’ CDs.
