If you have decided to buy a new PC for use in a small business there are many things to consider.  Buying the new PC through a Microsoft Small Business Specialist or Certified Partner will help ensure that you PC is fit for purpose and built to a specification that can handle your computing needs for many years.

Key considerations are:

1. Laptop or Desktop PC?
2. Do you require system expandability (this can affect the choice of desktop PC) in future?
3. If you already have a computer display can this be reused with the new PC?
4. Do you want to have dual display (for extended desktop)?
5. What Operating System will best suit your needs?  e.g. Windows 7 Home or Professional
6. Do you use any other specialist software? e.g. Accounting package or a Database
7. How much memory (RAM) is needed?
8. How will the new PC be networked (wireless or cable)?
9. What type of processor will best suit your needs?
10. Do you use Microsoft Office and no you need Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook, Publisher etc (open source alternatives to MS Office are available)
11. What antivirus software do your existing PCs already have and can this be extended to cover the new PC as well?

Many of the above questions are related.  For example, the amount of RAM required will vary depending on which programmes and applications you wish to use.

And finally, there is always the option to stay with what you have already got for a little longer.  A computer professional will usually be able to get a “slow” PC running more quickly for a minimal charge.  This approach saves the effort needed to migrate data from an old PC to a new PC.

If you need any advice then please contact me at david@bluegrasscs.com