how to select a computer

The primary decision criteria for selecting a personal computer are:

1. PC, Mac or Linux
2. Ergonomics
3. Desktop or Laptop
4. Where to buy

PC, Mac or Linux?
The first decision is whether to purchase a Windows PC, a Macintosh or a Linux machine. It is estimated that Windows has approximately 92% of the desktop market; Mac has 5% and Linux 3%.

The single advantage of the Windows world is the huge number of PC vendors and software applications to choose from. You can buy a PC from big companies such as Dell, HP, IBM and Gateway as well as from countless small dealers.

For the Macintosh, software is available that may very well satisfy all your requirements. Apple continues to be a player due to its innovative technology and fiercely loyal customer base. The two primary drawbacks of the Mac are (1) new applications are designed for Windows first, and maybe for the Mac later, and (2) there may be difficulty if you have to swap certain kinds of data back and forth between Windows users. Compatibility problems are often easily solved; nevertheless, it may be an issue if you plan on using your Mac in a Windows environment.

A Linux PC is a standard PC running the Linux operating system. Although all primary applications are available for Linux, as of 2007 there is no comparison to Windows or Mac in number of titles. Linux desktops are aimed at two ends of the market: the knowledgeable IT professional and the home user with limited funds. While this may sound contradictory, installing Linux requires supporting a Unix environment. This appeals to both individuals and organizations who have the required technical skills and choose to not run Windows.

On the other hand, the Linux-based Linspire operating system (formerly Lindows) is aimed at complete novices and is installed with basic applications on several low-cost, off-the-shelf machines (see Linspire).

  Recommended Minimum Windows Configuration
  For General Business Use

  OS           Vista Business
  CPU          Intel Core 2 Duo or AMD Athlon 64 X2
  Expansion    PCI Express, USB 2.0
  RAM          2GB
  Hard disk    180GB
  Optical      8x DVD drive Dual Format (-RW/+RW)
  Screen       17" (1024x768)



  Recommended Minimum Windows Configuration
  For CAD, Imaging and Desktop Publishing

  OS           Vista Home Premium
  CPU          Intel Core 2 Duo or AMD Athlon 64 X2
  Expansion    PCI Express, USB 2.0, FireWire
  RAM          4GB
  Hard disk    240GB
  Optical      8x DVD drive Dual Format (-RW/+RW)
  Screen       21" (1280x1024 to 1600x1200)

Yes, It Can Be Slower
You can always get by with a slower machine. It's all a matter of patience while you wait for the computer to respond when you click a button. Your experience level has nothing to do with the power of the machine you might use or think you might deserve. You will get used to the fastest machine on the market in 30 minutes. Then, if you go to a slower one, you will understand why speed is so much of an issue in this business.

Backup
Hard disks seem to last forever, but they can fail, and either you hire a data recovery service to restore your files for $1,000 or more, or you lose the data you have spent countless hours creating and/or downloading.

Be sure to have some means of backup storage. Either burn your files to CD-R or DVD-R discs or to rewritable CD-RW or DVD-RW disks. Other options are storing your data on the Internet or on a backup server on your network.

Another option is to build a mirrored disk system, where you write to two hard drives at the same time. If one fails, the other takes over (see RAID).

Ergonomics
You interact with the computer via the keyboard, mouse and screen, and these three human/machine interfaces are critical. In the highly competitive PC world, vendors skimp. The keyboard that comes with your PC probably cost $10, but some keyboards cost $200. Why? If you write a lot, after several hours of typing, you will know.

The mouse is another device where one design can be far more comfortable than another. It is personal preference; only you can decide. Try different kinds. Lastly, display systems, which are made up of the display adapter (video card) and monitor, vary widely in cost and quality (see how to select a PC display system). Fortunately, all these ergonomic devices can be replaced at any time on a desktop computer and generally on a laptop as well.

Desktop or Laptop
If you need a computer on the road, a laptop may serve both mobile and back-at-the-ranch use. Today, laptops are very expandable with USB ports and PC Card slots allowing for a myriad of extra devices. The only problem may be screen size and keyboard. Try it first! If the screen is too small and/or the keyboard is not conducive to long hours of typing, a full-size monitor and external keyboard can be attached at the home site. However, the maximum screen resolution is coming from the laptop, and that cannot be changed unless you have a docking station that allows a different display adapter to be plugged in. See laptop computer for all the features.

Where to Buy
The best place to buy has more to do with the support you need than the equipment you purchase. If you do not need support, shop for the best price. If you are new to computers and need hand holding, look for local dealers that specialize in service. You may pay a little more, but it will save you time and frustration later.

The superstores are a good source, but the amount of support you get will vary. Remember, you can always pay a consultant by the hour to help you if you do not know any sympathetic hackers.

The mail-order houses are another good source with quality machines, but you will have to rely on technical support by phone. A disadvantage of mail order is that you have to ship back your unit if you cannot fix it by phone. Better yet, opt for on-site support, which is administered by a national repair organization.

The Small Business
The small business looking to automate its accounting is going to need more help. Do not be fooled by the prices of hardware and off-the-shelf software. The small company often has information requirements as complicated as a much larger one. There are countless custom-designed applications that have cost $5,000 to $25,000, running on $800 PCs, because no off-the-shelf software package could fit the bill.

It is tempting to think a $100 software package can do the accounting for your entire company, and the fact is, in many cases, it very well can. But, even if you understand your detailed information requirements, matching them with the marketing blurbs on a package cover is not simple. You do not find the software's limitations until after you are up and running.

Determining the best accounting software for your particular needs is not something most PC vendors want to get involved with. To do the job right, it can take hours, days or weeks of analysis depending on your business and what you want to computerize. You may want to use the services of a software consulting firm or an independent consultant.

Good Luck and Happy Computing!