Selecting a PC

Software always, always dictates hardware. The cart goes after the horse. So, before you start your selection process, you should write down the minimum specs of the software you will be using. It's foolish to have less than 16GB of memory. The more applications you'll run simultaneously, the stronger (i.e. more memory, faster CPU) the system needs to be. A system purchase is typically a 5-year investment. Since Windows will continue to demand more resources as it is improved, AND since every user inevitably becomes more efficient, you need to get a system that will handle those improvements.

In a nutshell, a new system should have (1) a recent generation processor (released in past year; see below), (2) at least 16GB of memory, and (3) have 64bit Windows 11 Pro. All other features of the system are usually cosmetic or fall in line with these 3 features. If the system will never be moved you can save a lot of money and increase productivity by getting a desktop model versus a laptop with the same specifications. All business workstations should have two monitors. All laptops support at least one attached monitor.

A system's performance will directly impact your business, not just an individual's productivity. The better the performance, the higher the price of the system. I contend that the additional money spent on a better performing system will be insignificant compared to the increased productivity over the 5+ years it is in service. For example, assuming a better system saves you just 3 minutes an hour over a cheaper system (the better system is say $200 more), you would gain 100 hours per year in productivity, which at a $20/hour labor rate comes to over $2000 per year. Think of the countless times you've waited on your computer to respond and the respective productivity you've lost. Don't think for a second that doesn't effect your bottom line.

Choosing a PC is a daunting task and the manufactures take advantage of the confusion. The difference in the cost of systems is primarily due to the CPU, which is the brains of the PC. The price of a system raises exponentially as the speed of the CPU increases because the faster systems are much more productive.

Most people use a TV set buying philosophy ('Looks good. It's cheap. Has a warranty. I'll take that one') when choosing a new computer. However, your business plan doesn't include losing business or productivity because of inadequate tools. Here are some minimum specifications to use when choosing a business computer system:

I recommend an Intel NUC or Beelink for a desktop system; Dell, Toshiba, or Acer for a laptop. These brands have shown to be equally reliable when used with a quality surge suppressor or battery backup. If you don't use quality power protection gear (get a minimum 350VA battery backup with surge suppression), you're just shooting yourself in the foot. Most of the systems don't have adequate surge protection, let alone a battery backup. Many systems would not have had some of the problems they have had if a good battery backup would have been used. Choose APC, CyberPower, or Tripp Lite brand power protection & avoid all Belkin products; remember you are insuring a loved one.

Be careful comparing systems, as there are several device capacity differences. Re-read paragraph 1 and 2 above.

With regard to printers, I only recommend laser printers because you'll spend hundreds less over the life of the printer compared to an inkjet printer. It's cheaper to email your color printing to the local office supply for pickup than to own a color printer. Avoid using the wireless feature of a printer, if you can.

Of course any system needs regular tuning and current security software. Windows comes with the very respectable Defender antivirus utility, so you don't need to purchase a 3rd party antivirus program which in almost all circumstances slows down your system. You absolutely must, however, purchase an anti-spyware utility. Updated Windows & application software and a top-ranked anti-spyware routine combined with common sense reduces your chance of security problems to nearly zero. See the Security section of this website.

And, users need to be trained on how to stay safe and how to take advantage of newer software features of systems utilities and security software. That's where Wescot Company comes in. New systems are set up to:


Contact: Sam Walker, 678-421-4422, Support@gWescot.com