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Information and marketing services for your small business

Information and marketing services for your small business

   
 12, March 2010  

Now Let's Get Started

I
nformation
and sources of help to set up and run your new business.


Products and services to help you get started and to help you grow and develop your business.

using a laptop

Making the most of technology:

Now Let's Get Started

I
nformation
and sources of help to set up and run your new business.


Products and services to help you get started and to help you grow and develop your business.

using a laptop

Making the most of technology:

 InformationUsing technologyBuying a computer for your business   

BUYING A STARTUP COMPUTER FOR YOUR BUSINESS Minimize

Buying a startup computer for your business


Buying the best computer for your business

If you’re not sure how to go about buying a computer for your business use our buying tips to get the best PC or laptop for your business.

If you're ready to buy now why not try PC World Business for your new business computer.


PCs used for business need to be robust, reliable and energy efficient.  In most instances you want to be able to run standard software applications, easily connect printers and removable storage devices, and to upgrade the machine relatively easily.  So until you become an expert its best to look for a machine from a well known reputable manufacturer rather then going for a bespoke custom designed computer, or one that's been built by an independent company to their own specification. 

Don’t use personal or family PC as your business computer.  You need to keep your business machine clear of computer viruses, which can be hard if you or your children are using it as a games machine or downloading files from the internet.  Remember, if your machine is unusable due to a virus it could have serious consequences for your business.  You should also protect your business data by keeping it confidential and backing it up regularly – the last thing you need is someone editing or deleting your business files by accident.  Lastly, you don’t want to be negotiating with your friends or family to get time on your computer when you have work to get finished.


What to look for when buying a computer for your business

So, here is some general information what to look for or consider when buying computers for business use:

PC vs MAC

It’s generally accepted that PCs are suitable and preferable for most business uses and if you’re looking for a relatively stable operating system that supports almost everything, go for a personal computer running one of the latest versions of Windows.  The only real exception to this is if you’re working in a design, graphics or new media environment, in which case Apple MACs are usually considered the best option.

Laptop vs desktop

A laptop offers you mobility, but at a price.  A laptop is useful if you travel or work away from the office a lot or want to give demonstrations at clients’ offices, but it will be more expensive than its desktop equivalent, and generally harder and more expensive to upgrade.  However, as an environmental consideration, a laptop computer uses far less power than a desktop computer.

Screen size

Choose a good quality screen with clear images and no flickering.  Choosing a flat screen will save a lot of desk space.  A 19” screen is a comfortable size to work with.  Go larger only if you’re working in a graphical environment.

A quick word on mouse, keyboard, and speakers

Don’t forget to buy them! Not all computer offers include these items, even though they’re essential.  These are sometimes excluded in order to give you a choice; however the simple basic options will usually suffice.  When it comes to choosing your mouse think about getting an optical mouse which gives you more flexibility – as there is no rolling ball you don’t need a mouse mat and you can use it on many different surfaces.

Buy your new business computer now, from PC World Business 

Internal specifications of your computer

Processor specifications or speed

The processor determines how quickly your computer operates. The speed is measured in gigahertz (GHz).  Reputable processors to look for are either an Intel™ dual processor, or an AMD Athlon™ processor.  A processor speed of 2 GHz will comfortably run most applications and provide good response times.  If you’re going to be running specialist software check with the software provider for recommended processing power to ensure optimum performance.

How much memory (RAM) do you need

Your computer’s memory, technically known as RAM (random access memory), determines the speed at which you can access and switch between different software applications. The higher the RAM, the quicker your PC can run, and the higher the number of simultaneous programmes it can run.  RAM is measured in megabytes (MB) and gigabytes (GB), and 1 GB is equal to 1,000 MB.  A PC with 1 GB or more is ideal, especially if you tend to have many different programmes open at once.

How much storage space on the hard drive

The hard drive stores all of a PC’s software and data files.  Hard drive capacity is usually measured in gigabytes, but sometimes in terabytes (TB). One TB equals 1,000 GB.  160GB of storage space is usually considered adequate for standard business applications.

Do you need an additional video card (graphics card)

This is the internal device that determines the speed with which graphics display on your monitor. Unless you plan to run high-end multimedia games and software applications, the video card that comes with your PC is likely to be adequate.

Do you need an additional sound card

The sound card built into your computer is likely to be adequate for general business uses. However if your business involves running high-end multimedia games or you work in a design, graphics or new media environment you might want to consider upgrading your sound card and your speakers.

DVD (optical) drive specifications

Most computers have at least one disk drive, and many now have combo drives that read and write data on CDs or DVDs. The four most common types of disk drives are:

    • RW (=rewritable) will allow you to read from, and write to (ie copy data to), a CD.
    • DVD-ROM (ROM = read-only memory) will only allow you to play DVDs.
    • CD-RW/DVD-ROM.  A combination drive that allows you to read from a DVD or CD, and write to the CD.
    • DVD /–RW.  A combination drive that allows you to read from, and write to, a CD or a DVD.

Note that writable DVDs (ie ones that you can copy your own data onto) can read and write data to both DVDs and CDs and come in different formats:

    • DVD RW
    • DVD-RW

These two formats are sometimes incompatible with each other, so make sure you buy the right kind of disks for your drive.

Blu-ray drives

The next generation of optical drives is called Blu-ray.  Blu-ray discs have the same physical dimensions as standard DVDs and CDs but can store substantially more data.

Buy your new business computer now, from PC World Business 

After sales service/extended warranty

Extended warranty packages are available from the manufacturer of your machine and no matter how unnecessary it may seem it is something you should consider.  having warranty cover will mean even if your machine breaks down you can be up and running again with the minimum of delay.  Various options will be available so make sure you understand exactly what cover you're getting for your money.  Consider:

    • if it’s a repair or replace service
    • the duration of the cover eg 1 year, 3 years
    • whether it provides on-site support or you have to get the machine to the repair centre
    • the hours of operation eg 24 hours 7 days a week, 9-5 next day service, 4 working hour call out etc.  

 

Buy your new business computer now, from PC World Business 

 

Buying a startup computer for your business


Buying the best computer for your business

If you’re not sure how to go about buying a computer for your business use our buying tips to get the best PC or laptop for your business.

If you're ready to buy now why not try PC World Business for your new business computer.


PCs used for business need to be robust, reliable and energy efficient.  In most instances you want to be able to run standard software applications, easily connect printers and removable storage devices, and to upgrade the machine relatively easily.  So until you become an expert its best to look for a machine from a well known reputable manufacturer rather then going for a bespoke custom designed computer, or one that's been built by an independent company to their own specification. 

Don’t use personal or family PC as your business computer.  You need to keep your business machine clear of computer viruses, which can be hard if you or your children are using it as a games machine or downloading files from the internet.  Remember, if your machine is unusable due to a virus it could have serious consequences for your business.  You should also protect your business data by keeping it confidential and backing it up regularly – the last thing you need is someone editing or deleting your business files by accident.  Lastly, you don’t want to be negotiating with your friends or family to get time on your computer when you have work to get finished.


What to look for when buying a computer for your business

So, here is some general information what to look for or consider when buying computers for business use:

PC vs MAC

It’s generally accepted that PCs are suitable and preferable for most business uses and if you’re looking for a relatively stable operating system that supports almost everything, go for a personal computer running one of the latest versions of Windows.  The only real exception to this is if you’re working in a design, graphics or new media environment, in which case Apple MACs are usually considered the best option.

Laptop vs desktop

A laptop offers you mobility, but at a price.  A laptop is useful if you travel or work away from the office a lot or want to give demonstrations at clients’ offices, but it will be more expensive than its desktop equivalent, and generally harder and more expensive to upgrade.  However, as an environmental consideration, a laptop computer uses far less power than a desktop computer.

Screen size

Choose a good quality screen with clear images and no flickering.  Choosing a flat screen will save a lot of desk space.  A 19” screen is a comfortable size to work with.  Go larger only if you’re working in a graphical environment.

A quick word on mouse, keyboard, and speakers

Don’t forget to buy them! Not all computer offers include these items, even though they’re essential.  These are sometimes excluded in order to give you a choice; however the simple basic options will usually suffice.  When it comes to choosing your mouse think about getting an optical mouse which gives you more flexibility – as there is no rolling ball you don’t need a mouse mat and you can use it on many different surfaces.

Buy your new business computer now, from PC World Business 

Internal specifications of your computer

Processor specifications or speed

The processor determines how quickly your computer operates. The speed is measured in gigahertz (GHz).  Reputable processors to look for are either an Intel™ dual processor, or an AMD Athlon™ processor.  A processor speed of 2 GHz will comfortably run most applications and provide good response times.  If you’re going to be running specialist software check with the software provider for recommended processing power to ensure optimum performance.

How much memory (RAM) do you need

Your computer’s memory, technically known as RAM (random access memory), determines the speed at which you can access and switch between different software applications. The higher the RAM, the quicker your PC can run, and the higher the number of simultaneous programmes it can run.  RAM is measured in megabytes (MB) and gigabytes (GB), and 1 GB is equal to 1,000 MB.  A PC with 1 GB or more is ideal, especially if you tend to have many different programmes open at once.

How much storage space on the hard drive

The hard drive stores all of a PC’s software and data files.  Hard drive capacity is usually measured in gigabytes, but sometimes in terabytes (TB). One TB equals 1,000 GB.  160GB of storage space is usually considered adequate for standard business applications.

Do you need an additional video card (graphics card)

This is the internal device that determines the speed with which graphics display on your monitor. Unless you plan to run high-end multimedia games and software applications, the video card that comes with your PC is likely to be adequate.

Do you need an additional sound card

The sound card built into your computer is likely to be adequate for general business uses. However if your business involves running high-end multimedia games or you work in a design, graphics or new media environment you might want to consider upgrading your sound card and your speakers.

DVD (optical) drive specifications

Most computers have at least one disk drive, and many now have combo drives that read and write data on CDs or DVDs. The four most common types of disk drives are:

    • RW (=rewritable) will allow you to read from, and write to (ie copy data to), a CD.
    • DVD-ROM (ROM = read-only memory) will only allow you to play DVDs.
    • CD-RW/DVD-ROM.  A combination drive that allows you to read from a DVD or CD, and write to the CD.
    • DVD /–RW.  A combination drive that allows you to read from, and write to, a CD or a DVD.

Note that writable DVDs (ie ones that you can copy your own data onto) can read and write data to both DVDs and CDs and come in different formats:

    • DVD RW
    • DVD-RW

These two formats are sometimes incompatible with each other, so make sure you buy the right kind of disks for your drive.

Blu-ray drives

The next generation of optical drives is called Blu-ray.  Blu-ray discs have the same physical dimensions as standard DVDs and CDs but can store substantially more data.

Buy your new business computer now, from PC World Business 

After sales service/extended warranty

Extended warranty packages are available from the manufacturer of your machine and no matter how unnecessary it may seem it is something you should consider.  having warranty cover will mean even if your machine breaks down you can be up and running again with the minimum of delay.  Various options will be available so make sure you understand exactly what cover you're getting for your money.  Consider:

    • if it’s a repair or replace service
    • the duration of the cover eg 1 year, 3 years
    • whether it provides on-site support or you have to get the machine to the repair centre
    • the hours of operation eg 24 hours 7 days a week, 9-5 next day service, 4 working hour call out etc.  

 

Buy your new business computer now, from PC World Business 

 

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  • Official Microsoft online training courses
  • Over 10,000 computer and business books
  • Computer-based training software

Now available at our IT and Business Training store

  • Official Microsoft online training courses
  • Over 10,000 computer and business books
  • Computer-based training software

Now available at our IT and Business Training store

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email Helpline

Ask us your business start-up questions and we’ll refer them to one of our experts for an answer.

>View past questions to the business helpline

business helpline

email Helpline

Ask us your business start-up questions and we’ll refer them to one of our experts for an answer.

>View past questions to the business helpline

 
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Get an email address for your business

It's not expensive and you don't even need to have a website.

Just register a domain name and get an 'email only' hosting package for only £4 per month!

See our 1-2-3 step guide

Get an email address for your business

It's not expensive and you don't even need to have a website.

Just register a domain name and get an 'email only' hosting package for only £4 per month!

See our 1-2-3 step guide

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Need to improve your cash flow?

Get your invoices paid quickly with factoring solutions from Lloyds TSB Commercial Finance

invoice factoring and invoice discounting from lloydstsb commercial finance

 

Need to improve your cash flow?

Get your invoices paid quickly with factoring solutions from Lloyds TSB Commercial Finance

invoice factoring and invoice discounting from lloydstsb commercial finance

 

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For web tracking tools check out Google's web analytics tools in its webmaster central zone.

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