Buying a New Computer or replacing an older PC?
March 27th, 2009
Buying a New Computer or replacing an older PC?
Please read below and follow our suggestions to save money, improve performance and make your life easier…
Server or Stand-alone PC
- Dual Core, Core2Duo, X2, X3 or Quad Processor 2.5GHz or faster preferred. Slower is slower so don’t do that to your staff
Remember Pentium 4 computers from 3 years ago were 3Ghz – actually faster in some ways for single applications & data throughput. Avoid older 32-bit Celeron processors as they’re they’re older, slower and waste energy. Just about any PC at this level will be OK and give you a few years use as expensed office equipment. - 2GB Ram for new PCs running XP (1GB is fine for older PCs). If you are using Vista or Windows 7 you REALLY want 4GB RAM even if your tech and computer salesman says otherwise. Using Vista 64-bit or Windows7 64-bit allows you to use even more memory.
- SATA 3.0Gb/s drives only (anything more than 80-120GB on workstations is overkill for office applications).
- Be aware that running XP Home or Vista/Windows7 Home on your Server as you will be LIMITED to 5 computers connecting. (Pro/Business allows 10 PCs, after that “Windows Server” allows near unlimited PCs to connect.)
- Backup to USB external drive (self-powered 2.5″ preferred) or removable 4+ GB USB flash drive. Please do not use DVD/CD backup as it’s unreliable, clumsy and not always compatible when needed to be used to restore files. Read more…