Choosing a Computer
   
 







Computers
 
For most business start ups, computers are an essential and relatively large item of expenditure.  There are lots of guides which will help you to understand the technical jargon.  This article focuses instead on the practical business issues for small or start up companies associated with buying a laptop or desktop and accessories such as printers and software.
 
1 Get the basics right
 
Make sure that you have enough hard disk space and RAM for your needs.  Saving money on these items will not be helpful in the long run.  For more information technical terms such as RAM you can go to PC World Jargon Buster.
 

Buying a Computer
2 Don’t pay for things which you do not need
 
Once you have sorted out the basics, you can decide what else you need.
 
As with all of your start up expenses, you are probably wanting to keep the cost of your computers as low as possible.  If the business goes well, you can upgrade, if it struggles you can use the money which you saved on computers to help you business venture to become a success.
 
To get the cheapest possible option, the first step is to work out exactly what you need the computers which you buy to do.  At home, high quality speakers and graphics cards may be important, but do you need them for work?
 
3 Buy a package
 
There are some great package deals on computers.  Provided that you know exactly what you need (see points 1 and 2) above, you might be able to get a package which has all of those things and more for less money than just paying for the essentials.
 
To help choose between packages, draw up a list of things which are not essential but could be helpful either now or in the future.

4 Think through the Apple Mac/Microsoft issue
 
There can be compatibility issues if you buy an Apple Mac and need to share data with people using Microsoft products.  Dealing with these issues may take up some of your most valuable resource – time.
 
Apple Mac fans, however, perceive benefits in using Apple Macs for graphics and design work.  So the decision is not always straightforward.  Most small businesses, however, choose Microsoft.
 
Of course, there are other minority options such the Linux operating system.  Businesses should probably not consider these options unless there is considerable IT expertise amongst your staff and you have a really good reason for not choosing Microsoft or Apple Mac products.

Buying a Laptop
5  Notebook or desktop
 
Notebook and laptop computers have become more and more affordable over the years – unless of course you crave the ultra slim, extra light top of the range versions.
 
The advantages of notebooks are obvious.  Great for working on trains, at home or even on the beach.  You can even receive your emails on the move.
Many of the disadvantages relate to cost.  Not only does the notebook cost more but if you want to use your notebook extensively in the office you may find it helpful to buy a full size keyboard, screen etc. into which to plug your computer.  You also will need, in most cases, to pay for getting access to your emails whilst out of the office.
 
In addition, there is a greater risk of your computer being lost, stolen or damaged if you take it out of the office.  You need to check that you have insurance cover and be even more vigilant about carrying out regular back ups.

6 Buy Professional Versions of Software
 
Not always necessary but most businesses (even start-ups) will need some of the more sophisticated functions in, for example, the Microsoft Office suite of programs rather than the versions designed for home use like Microsoft Works.
 
You may not, however, need all of the software included in the packages.  As with buying the hardware, you need to consider whether sticking to what you strictly need is cheaper than buying a bundled package.
 
7 Plan for problems
 
Most businesses could not run effectively without their computers.  Your computers may never malfunction but plan for the possibility that they do.
 
Buying extended warranties may give you some piece of mind but check the level of service offered.  It may not be much use to you if the company providing the warranty asks you to post the computer back and they will sort it out within two weeks.  If an engineer will come out, when will he come out?
 
If you need your computer back up and running instantly, having a pot of money set aside to buy a new computer may be a radical option worth exploring.
 
8 Avoid other problems
 
Sort out your back up arrangements at the same time as buying your computers.  Do not leave it until later – you may never get round to it!
 
Same goes for your anti-virus software - you need the best you can get with regular updates.  Ideally get your updates automated.
 
Also choose a good spam filter by checking the latest reviews.  As with many other areas, technology is moving quickly and a detailed review is outside the scope of a simple guide to buying a computer.

9 Should you network?
 
Most companies, even relatively small ones, will network their computers even if it is only to share a broadband connection or a printer.  A simple network, without an independent server, will also make it possible to have some shared files folders.
 
Setting up a network with a separate server takes you into a different league in terms of the cost of hardware, network security and network software.  The cost may, however, be justified by the benefits.  For further details on networks go to PC World Business and click on the Networking tab on the home page.
 
Many homes how have wireless networks to allow everyone to share a single broadband connection.  The same approach may work for a small business venture but take care to ensure that your wireless connection is sufficiently robust and reliable for business use and that you do not overload your broadband connection – especially if you are also using your broadband connection for telephone calls (VOIP).
 
10   Printers
 
Although technically your computer is no more than the box or tower in which your hard disk is located, many people think of their computer as the full package including printers.
 
Key issues when buying a printers are:
 
  • Decide what you need your printer to do - send faxes, copy, print photographs etc.
  • Will the printer fit in the space available?
  • How much will it cost for ink/toner cartridges?
 
For further information go to Buying a Printer. 
 
To buy ink and laser cartridges go to: