Since the outbreak of COVID-19, almost all the nations are passing through a recession, traditional business and its methodology have collapsed. Many businesses have migrated online and are working remotely since the outbreak. An enormous amount of local and medium scale businesses have digitalized themselves. However, all businesses aren’t able to shift themselves into the era of technology and IT. The ones willing to shift are confused at the start.
Many business owners are still in confusion about which computer is best for their employees, and which one is best for their personal work. In short, they aren’t able to decide on how to choose the right computer that suits their personal and office requirements.
So are you planning to digitalize your business, make your Work From Home even better? Do you need help from an IT service provider on choosing and setting up computers for your day to day business operations? If yes; In this article, we will guide you in setting up the right computer for your business. Furthermore, we will be discussing the pros and cons of using laptops versus computers in personal and business environments.
Crucial Factors to consider while choosing a business computer for better productivity and efficiency:
- Desktop vs Laptop | which one to choose for your business?
- Evaluate your needs
- Finalize budget
- Mac or Windows?
- Quality
- Hardware
- Monitor
- Storage
- Processor
- GPU
- Software
- Security
- Additional Basic Components
- Custom build or readymade?
Desktop vs Laptop | which one to choose for your business?
A common question that arises in forums is choosing between laptops and computers, whether for personal or office use. Considering all the factors, we recommend the small and mid-sized business owners to buy a computer rather than a laptop. By the end of the article, you will figure out why a computer is a better option. And you will get an idea of how to choose the right computer for your business.
Evaluate your needs
Before the buying procedures, analyze your business requirements. The type of work, the software you use, and the time duration should be analyzed critically. The requirement you set should practically match your needs. If you cannot recognize your needs, consult a computer solution service or an IT service provider, and finalize your needs.
Finalize budget
After identifying and finalizing the requirements, set a budget range for each computer. A budget range should be set as per your capability. Normally a decent desktop can cost around 200$-300$ (or more). Balance your budget and requirement accordingly.
Mac or Windows?
Comparatively, Mac computers are more expensive than Windows. But for a small business, windows PCs are more convenient and affordable.
Moreover, Windows OS is easier to use and perform day to day business operations. Buying an expensive system for small scale businesses won’t be effective. So for a small and mid size businesses, we highly recommend Windows Computers over Mac.
Quality
The quality of the components you buy directly impacts the speed, performance, and security. The outdated processors and components aren’t efficient. We have seen business owners being attracted to second-hand components. In 99% of cases, it’s a complete waste of money. Firstly it’s a difficult task to identify the internal damage of the component. Secondly, the warranty and guarantee aren’t available in second-hand products. So we highly recommend the business owner to go with the latest models of the components rather than the outdated ones.
Must Read: Top 10 signs that your computer needs repair
Hardware
Now, here’s the main module of the whole guide. In general, the hardware is the physical components that are assembled to build a computer ultimately. The overall performance of the system is determined by the hardware used. Basic hardware components used for a business purpose are Monitor, Processor, Memory (RAM), Video Card (GPU), keyboard, mouse, Uninterrupted power supply (UPS), headphone, webcam. More hardware components can be added to the list as per the requirement.
Monitor
Before buying a monitor, the key consideration should be its size and resolution; if the company works more on Graphics and design, its size and resolution should be larger. Before a few years, CRT monitors were the most common. But in today’s scenario, LED and LCD monitors are commonly used. The size should also be determined based on the workspace. Generally, a 22-24 inch monitor is common for normal workspace and offices.
Storage
The Hard disk drive (HDD) of your computer determines the storage capacity of the computer. While managing businesses, multiple files should be managed accordingly. So lack of storage can create unexpected problems in the company. If you own a small scale business, we recommend getting a 500 GB HDD, but if it’s quite larger than a small scale, then getting a 1 TB HDD would be a much better option.
To run-heavy software and manage large files, a solid-state drive (SSD) is a better option. Unlike HDD, there aren’t any moving parts in SSD, and the files are stored in microchips. So comparatively, SSD is much faster. If you are willing to run heavy software and seek storage, too, then an SSD is a better option. Get a 512 GB SSD, and it’s guaranteed that the performance will increase drastically.
Processor
Performance is equally important with storage, and the CPU is the heart of the system. Using a dual-core processor like i3 will accelerate a decent processing speed. But these days, i3 isn’t suitable for business owners. If you seek a better performance, you should probably go for a six-core (or more) processor as i5 and i7. For multitasking and running software for a longer time in offices. We recommend you to get an i5 processor as of now. Using an i7 processor won’t make much difference if you use SSD instead of HDD.
Additionally, RAM plays a vital role when it comes to speed. Generally, RAM can be categorized into DDR3 and DDR4 models. DDR4 RAMs are designed as more reliable, faster with better performance. So DDR4 is a reliable placement compared to DDR3 RAMs.
GPU
Graphics card or video card plays a great role in rendering the video components on the screen. Suppose you aren’t into graphics-based work. We recommend you use a decent graphics card. NVIDIA GT 710 is the best option for businesses who aren’t into video editing and graphics-based works. But if you own a business that needs more GPU powered components. Then, we recommend you to start with NVIDIA GTX 1050 ti.
Software
The type of software used will vary from each business type. But as a common user, this software is mandatorily recommended. Using an antivirus is always a better option. It keeps the business and its network safe from malicious cyber attacks. Multiple files are downloaded from the internet in a business, which needs to be scanned before opening it. And an antivirus is a permanent solution for it. Rest, it depends on the business requirements.
Security
While running a business, the company’s security and privacy (including clients) is a must. Using pirated software can hamper the system negatively. It’s highly vulnerable to use pirated software or a cracked Windows OS. So you need to update the Windows OS regularly. Your computer will be at high risk if Windows isn’t activated. The updates and security patches won’t be installed. So we recommend the business owners to get an activated Windows operating system.
Additional Basic Components
Apart from the CPU and Monitor, there are other basic hardware components too. As a common aspect, we recommend you to get the products listed below:
- Keyboard (Office keyboard recommend)
- Mouse (Normal)
- UPS (To control voltage fluctuation and damage of SMPS)
- Headphone (To receive calls from clients)
- Webcam (To have a meeting with clients and business partners)
Custom build or readymade?
As per our previously mentioned guide, we highly recommend you to get a custom build computer. Comparatively, custom build PCs are cheaper than ready-made ones. You can choose the variation in components based on your needs.
Why do we recommend computers over laptops?
- Computers have a large variety of components and can be chosen as per the exact requirements.
- The desktop has larger processors, so it’s more powerful than the processors of laptops.
- Computers have multiple drives that are pre-installed.
- It can be used freely in an open workspace.
- Computers will have larger screens.
- Easy for multitasking.
- Computers are capable of using high powered graphics cards.
- Computer components can be upgraded within time and need.
- It’s easy to repair computers, the parts of laptops are difficult to replace, and it’s expensive too.
Looking to partner with a MSP? Here are top 5 things to look out for while partnering with an IT Managed Service Provider.
Still, confused about how to choose the right computer and need help setting up computers for your business?
If you are looking for a Managed IT service provider in California to help you set up computers for your workspace, contact us to get a free assessment.
We also offer on-site computer repair services in San Diego, CA, so if you need any kind of repair services or need extra help setting up your workspace for better productivity, simply reach us out via the contact form on our website.
