Computer specifications

Computer specifications

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One of our faults(?) is that at any one time we have lots of programs open, e.g. Word, Outlook, ACT, accounts preparation program & tax return program. Another fault is we expect our PCs to be fast. We hate waiting for programs to do things.

I don't pretend to fully understand MHz, Pentium/Celeron, GHz, etc.

I have two questions for the experts:
1. Is there a logical way to "calculate" which PCs we should be buying.
2. Despite the size of our network, would we be better with a server.
Bart Jones

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By neileg
30th Jun 2003 11:53

It's a bit like buying a car
While most things about PCs can be measured objectively, some things are purely subjective, and I can't tell you how quick is adequately quick. I would make the following points:

1) Next years PC will be faster for the same money. The computer you buy this year will be cheaper next year.

2)How fast depends on how much you want to spend.

3) The effective speed of running multiple programs is affected significantly by the operating system, as well as the hardware.

4) Now that PC's have huge hard disks, a file server is most useful in providing centralised backup and security, as well as data sharing facilitites.

5) A bit of professional consultancy in assesing your needs and determining a reasonable budget might be well spent.

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By AnonymousUser
01st Jul 2003 10:21

Network
Bart

It really depends on the user, if there are a lot of user complaints such as the screen freezing, programs slowing down - then its better to address those problems

If you want to be able to open and utilise multiple programs and speed up those programs. Then you should do the following:

1) Increase the RAM in each PC
2) Upgrade to a faster processor
3) Upgrade the hard disk (An option depending on PC problems)

This can be solved by the following; upgrade the PCs you currently have as above (cheaper option) and/or replacement of those PCs.

In terms of networking

For 3 PCs its probably not worth doing. As long as you have got the following

1) A suitable storage medium ie tape backup which backs up your data/files
Don't underestimate the importance of this, if you lose all your data then commercially this will damage your business
2) Anti virus on each PC
3) A hardware firewall

These are the absolute minimum you can get away with.

A reasonable server including a tape drive, windows 2000 SBS, mirrored hard drive etc would still cost up to £2k excl VAT

If you would more information.

Ken
[email protected]

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