Computer Hardware

Also read: IT | Software | Networking | Internet

For many businesses the main key investment they have to make is Computer Technology. Before any purchase is made you need to examine what benefits you want from such technology, what are you expecting to gain from using it and how you would like it to help you run your business?.

Choosing Computer Hardware

Whatever the hardware you choose PCs, Scanners, Printers you will need to protect it with security and insurance.
It could be that by automating routine actions you could save a lot of time and help your employees to work more efficiently, discuss any ideas with them as they can supply the information you need to make the right decision.
Maybe you would benefit from having all information on your customers and suppliers put onto a data based system; this system could be server based which would mean that you could access any and all information on your customers quickly. This would help you greatly improve your customer service.
You will need to make sure that any new equipment you may be thinking of buying is going to be able to keep up with your future plans, such as expansion or increased production.
If you have computer hardware already in your business then any new purchases have to be compatible. If you find you need to upgrade to benefit from the new purchase find out how much it will cost before going ahead as it can sometimes be just as cost effective to install completely new system.

Hardware - Decide what you need

Once you know exactly what benefits you want from your hardware, you can begin to specify which hardware you need. Potential experienced suppliers will ask questions about your specification that you yourself probably never thought of, this will help them provide you with the right hardware.
You will need to work out how much you can spend; often what you would like to spend is not the same as what you can afford to spend. You should remember that as well as initial cost you will also incur maintenance and upgrade costs.
Work out how and at what volume the hardware will be used, size of files and volume of data stored. Will you be using the Internet to benefit your company in any way? Will you be printing off an excessive amount of pages?
You should consider the computer literacy of all people who will be involved in operating the new hardware, is there any training needed.

A Few questions to know answers to before you start looking:

• What do you need from your hardware?
• Which hardware would benefit the running of your business, are there any new areas in your business that could benefit from being computerized.
• Does your future call for different software or will your next purchase carry you through to as far as you can envisage.
• You need to realize what your budget really is, you probably wont be able to afford every piece of hardware you would like.
• Make sure you have the maintenance cover and security cover that you require.
• Is there any training required in the running of any new hardware.
• Do you need specialist help in installing any new hardware

Desktop and Laptop computers (PC's)

The most important component inside a computer whether it be desktop or laptop is the processor or chip
The amount of memory a computer has is known as it’s RAM, it affects the speed at which the PC runs and is measured in megabytes:- Mb.
The hard disk of a PC is where everything is stored. The hard disk’s capacity is measured in gigabytes: Gb and the bigger it is the more you can store.

Desktop? Laptop?

If you are going to be working from one place and not traveling around while you work then you would be safe in investing in a standard desktop computer. If however you feel that you will be traveling and while doing so will need to access your information technology ‘IT’ system whilst away from your work place, say whilst making client visits then you would be better off having a laptop as well as or instead of a desktop computer.
You can get 17in monitors instead of the standard 15in ones that come as standard with desktops. Flat screens are generally more expensive but they do save you space.
Make sure you get the correct monitor for your business, the more precision based your work is (graphics) the higher your monitor resolution will need to be.
You should ensure you know the type of cover you get for the maintenance of your PC as maintenance is usually built into your contract with your IT supplier.

Servers, networking

You should think carefully about the sort of network you want for your business as the right networking can work wonders for a business ensuring it runs smoothly. A good network helps computers communicate with other devices allowing files and other resources to be shared throughout your business. Fast effective communication can be gained from the right sort of network system which will also save time.

Computer to Computer network

Peer to peer is a simple form of networking. It allows up to five PCs to be connected to each other usually by Ethernet cabling which is inexpensive and easily installed. However it is not always efficient, if one computer is switched off then you are unable to access the information held upon it.

Server-based network

This is a more powerful and reliable form of networking as all your information and resources are stored on one substantially powerful computer known as a server. The server can then be accessed by all the individual computers networked within the business. This means that information is easily accessible and very efficiently managed by the server.
Unless you are experienced in networking it is advisable to get expert help and advice before installing such devices.

Printers and scanners

Just the same as with any other hardware purchase you make you should consider what your business requires from a printer/scanner. What do want it to do and how much use will it have.

Laser or inkjet?

Laser printers are generally cheaper than inkjet printers, they print fast and to high quality, they are economical to run and are small enough to fit in a home office.
Inkjet printers are able to produce a higher quality of colour printing than the laser printers but the quality of black and white printing is inferior to that of the laser.
Printers can be bought with a scanner as part of the package. A scanner can be useful for desktop publishing; you can scan a picture/photo and then store it in digital format in your computer.

Computer Maintenance

You may receive a maintenance contract from your supplier. On-site cover is usually a very efficient way of solving any problems quickly because instead of sending your hardware away to be fixed some one will come to your premises to repair it. This ‘on site’ cover is more expensive. Some maintenance guarantees include replacement within a specified time period.

Security

Security for your operating systems and your information is always crucial to your business.

Backing up

By backing up your computer data every night you can insure that there is no loss of information which can adversely affect your business. You should ensure that people realize whose responsibility it is to back up the computer so there are no mistakes, alternatively your server or computer can programmed to do this operation automatically onto a cd-rom.
Should you experience a power shortage or outage you will benefit from having a (UPS) Uninterruptible Power Supply connected to your hardware it will prevent any adverse effect on your equipment.

You should always have a pass word system in operation and ‘Firewalls’ will prevent people from being able to hack into your system.
Of course the normal security steps should be taken in and around your premises, locks and alarms usually need to be fitted for insurance purposes.