Sure, the PC may be the technological anchor of your business,
but that doesn't mean it has to weigh down your start-up.
Picking out a desktop for yourself can be confusing enough, but
when it comes to outfitting your entire office, the options
multiply like rabbits in the spring. Fortunately, you're in
luck: With PC manufacturers overstocked and PC sales slow, now is a
great time to stock your employees' desks without busting your
budget. Following is a quick primer on the basics of picking out
the right PC, from the name on the box to the amount of RAM
inside.
- Name Brands: Purchasing computers somewhat parallels
buying groceries: You can buy either the Nabisco Shredded Wheat for
$2.99 or the Super-DuperValue Wheat Squares for $1.99. You pretty
much know what you're going to get with a name-brand PC; you
don't have to think too hard about it. But if you decide to go
the route of buying a built-to-order from the local computer shop,
you'll likely save money.
If you're technically inclined and know how to ask for it,
you can get a very specifically configured computer with exactly
the components you want. If that's not a big deal, you might
feel more comfortable paying a little more and opting for the name
brand. As a rule of thumb, however, generic computers are as
compatible and reliable as name brands, but always check out the
warranty terms and customer service reputation of whomever you
decide to deal with.
One final consideration is the software. Make sure the final
quote you get includes the price of the operating system you
choose. A single Windows 2000 license will cost about $250 when
bought separately. You may also have to purchase minor and major
applications after the fact with a custom-built computer. That can
mean substantial extra costs. Most name-brand computers come with
Windows and either Microsoft Works or Microsoft Office
pre-installed, in addition to a Web browser and other smaller
programs. Do your homework, and you won't run into any
unpleasant surprises.
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Here's a rundown of the options you'll want to consider
when shopping around:
- Specs: Computers don't just come prefab in boxes
anymore. Custom configurations are all the rage online. Paying a
visit recently to Micron's online small-business store gave us 10
different configuration categories for Micron's ClientPro CT
desktop.
Because you're buying new computers, you'll have the
advantage of getting the Windows 2000 Professional operating system
pre-installed. This is the business OS of choice, outdoing the
consumer-oriented Windows Me. If networking isn't on your mind,
it will be as soon as you see your office full of equipment. The
ideal companion to your desktops would be a server running the
Windows 2000 Server OS.
With Windows 2000 in mind, there are some requirements a PC has
to meet to run the resources-hungry system. Microsoft lists the
minimum specs as a 133MHz or higher Pentium-compatible CPU, 64MB
RAM and a 2GB hard drive with at least 650MB of free space.
Doesn't sound like much, does it? You've got to read
between the lines: When Microsoft says, "More memory improves
performance," that translates to "64MB of memory plus
Windows 2000 equals slower than molasses."
For computers that are earmarked for word processing and other
undemanding applications, 128MB RAM should suffice. For anything
more intensive than that, such as graphics, database or multimedia
work, it's in your best interest to get at least 256MB. You
have to plan for both the OS and the heavy- (or light-) duty
programs you'll be running on it.
As for processor speed, Microsoft is either very hopeful or very
naive. 133MHz isn't enough for anything anymore. It's
especially not enough to run Windows 2000. With Intel's
introduction of the Pentium IV pro-cessor, prices have come down on
the speedy Pentium IIIs. Intel Celeron processors clock in even
lower on the price scale. With a Celeron, you won't get the
same level of performance as with a PIII, but you will save money
and still get adequate speed. Anything in the 700MHz and higher
range, whether it comes from Intel or AMD, will serve you very
well, and you won't have to run out and upgrade every two
months.
- At your service: Receiving your new PCs is just the
beginning. If you have your own IT support staff, you're
probably in good shape when in comes to installation and
troubleshooting. If that's not in your budget, you'll have
to rely on the manufacturer for service. Here's a look at
IBM's typical service plan; it gives you an idea of what an
upgrade will get you. The standard IBM warranty for a new business
desktop (like the NetVista A40 at left) is a limited three years
for parts and labor. A couple of IBM ServicePac options are
available when customizing the computer. For $129 per PC, you can
upgrade to three years of on-site 9-to-5 service, with a four-hour
response time from when the problem is diagnosed. Or you can pay
$159 to get 24/7 service, including holidays.
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