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What We're Replacing Right now, the machines we're taking out of service are in the range of 500 - 800 MHz. The machines we're putting in are in the range of 3,200 - 3,400 MHz. Our general guidance is that you should replace your machines every three years (really, you should replace 1/3 of your machines every year). As you can see, we're replacing 3 year old machines with something that's six to seven times faster. And that's just the processor. Everything else on the new machine is faster, too. So the boost in productivity is huge.

Your Computer Should Always Wait For You You Should Never Wait For Your Computer!

Hardware and Software
Recommendations

PC Recommendations

Given the demands placed on computer hardware and operating systems, we recommend the following minimum requirements for business computers that are used with Internet applications or with newer software packages (e.g., Microsoft Office).

Note that these are recommendations for a business environment and not a home computer or "gaming" machine.

February 2007 Notes:  All desktop upgrades should be to Windows Vista Business or Vista Ultimate; new machines should definitely be Windows Vista Business or Vista Ultimate.

Do not buy Home Version or Media Center Edition. You'll just spend more money upgrading to the business editions.

CPU speeds continue to increase. If you buy a Pentium 4 chip, 3.0 GHz is the minimum.  Pentium 4's in the 3.4 GHz range are now the optimal price/performance choice. Your hardware and software are both asking more of your CPU and the need for speed will continue to increase.

Note: Very soon desktops will be running 64-bit. That means just about twice as fast.

CD-ROM / DVD:  This has become a real sweet spot for clients. For $65 you can get a CDRW/DVD+RW.  Just do it.  You'll find many uses for them.

RAM Note:  RAM (operating memory) is now very cheap for newer machines.  If you've ever considered more memory, this is a good time to upgrade.  Because of this, our memory recommendations are way up. Buy as much as your machine will take!  Never have less than 256 Mb.

Note on Backups: 

Backups are becoming more troublesome as hard drives become larger.  Zip drives will not do the job.  CDs hold about 650 Mb, cost less than $1 each, and the CD burners are widely available.  DVD+R is becoming affordable, but still takes a long time. Double density DVDs now hold 8 GB!

Tape drives are an excellent, reliable backup.  Be sure to get a good name brand and a form factor that will be around:  Travan, DDS, or DLT are best for most people.  For servers, DDS-5, SDLT, or SLR are recommended.

Backups to Hard Drive also work for some people.  You have to be willing to do some configuration and put up with a minor hassle, but they can be very reliable.  This is particularly good if you have a removable hard disc and the right backup software.  Windows XP backup programs will backup to disc, as will the newer commercial products.

-- KP

Hardware Recommendations
Item	Upgrade Minimum	Upgrade Recommended	New PC Purchase
CPU	P4 3.0 GHz	P4 3.4 GHz	P4 3.4 GHz
RAM	512 Mb	1.0 GB or more	2.0 GB or more
Operating System	Windows Vista Business	Windows Vista Business	Windows Vista Business
CD ROM	DVD/CDRW	DVD/CDRW	DVD/CDRW
Backup System	CDRW or DVD+R	Tape or CDRW or DVD+R	Tape or CDRW or DVD+R
Hard Drive*	40.0 Gb	40 Gb	40 Gb
Modem*	56 kbps	56 kbps	if needed
Network card*	Brand Name	Brand Name	Brand Name
Sound*	Brand Name	Brand Name	Brand Name
Video*	32 MB DirectX9 or better	128 MB DirectX9 or DirectX 10	128 MB DirectX9 or DirectX 10

* Note:  Some items have reached the point where anything that shows

up in a new machine will be all you need for a business computer.

 

Do Not Buy Please, please, please:  Do not buy the following operating systems.  You just have to believe us on this. Windows 95 or 98:  Old, antique, insecure, easily broken by new hardware and software.  Great in their day, but now expensive to maintain. Windows Me.  Invented by accident.  Release to the public by mistake.  Not supported.  Horrible.  Microsoft is ashamed of this product, and for good reason.  Run away!  Run away! Windows Home Editions.  This is intended for . . . no one.  There is no excuse for buying the Home Edition.  It will not work as well with your office environment. You'll spend about $100 more for a machine with Vista Business and save many times that in support, time, and trouble. Windows 2000.  Great operating system.  Love it.  Pro version works great with networks.  But it is not supported by Microsoft after June 30, 2005.

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KPEnterprises Business Consulting, Inc. sells hardware and software.

If you would like a quote for equipment, contact us!

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Please Contact Us today about your project.

Phone 916-928-0888

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