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If you are considering buying a Personal Computer or PC for business, you have probably ploughed through various computing magazines, only to find yourself more confused than when you started! The road to PC purchase is all the more perilous because the type of machine you buy depends on the programs you intend to use.
Local PC specialist Manitek Ltd estimates that over 80% of its new PC sales include Windows. Managing Director Ian Tuppen explains, "Today's business users expect to buy, switch-on and go. Once a PC is properly set up for Windows, people starting with no computing knowledge can master incredibly powerful programs in a very short space of time."
Assuming you also decide to use Windows, let's have a look at the type of computer you will need. At the heart of a PC is the central processor - a sophisticated silicon chip which undertakes the number crunching. Many of today's Windows-based programs require at least a 386 machine - a PC with an 80386 processor chip. Today, most machines are 486 based, and if the purse strings will stretch - buy a pentium.
The central processor chip relies on RAM to store data as it is processed. Go for at least 8 megabytes - 8 million bytes - making sure that you can add more later, if necessary.
Whilst data in RAM is lost as soon as you switch off your machine, a hard disk retains data even after you have pulled the mains plug. It is used to save the information you have entered, together with your choice of software packages or applications. Some Windows programs gobble-up over 50 megabytes each, so consider at least a 500 megabyte hard disk. The larger your disk capacity, the more programs you can install.
Your new machine should provide plenty of room for expansion. Sleek, slim-line desk top computers can prove deeply frustrating if you decide to add to your PC. A full-size desk top case with at least two spare bays will prove a distinct advantage should you want to fit a second hard disk or a tape drive - or perhaps even a CD player! Alternatively you might consider a mini-tower case - to hide the computer system unit neatly out of sight, leaving only the keyboard and monitor adorning your worktop.
Should you become bitten by the computing bug, you may spend many long hours in front of your PC, so the monitor screen is an important consideration. If you intend using top publishing or graphics programs, a Super VGA monitor will become a necessity rather than an expensive luxury. High quality graphics are a delight to use and much easier on the eye
A powerful computer incorrectly configured will perform badly and setting up a system for the first time can prove a tricky business. A good dealer will configure your PC as part of the package. UK readers should budget for between £1000 and £1500 depending on the final specifications you choose. The deal should include a PC with Windows installed correctly, a mouse, Super VGA colour monitor, at least 8 megabytes RAM and a hard disk of around 500 megabytes or more. Printer and software will be extra.Shop around before you buy, but don't necessarily opt for the cheapest. A bargain purchased from a supplier who subsequently goes bust, can prove a very expensive machine if it requires under warranty repairs!
Garf Lucas is Editor of this e-zine, a freelance journalist and an Information Technology Consultant. Return To Text
