Having the right hardware is essential to operate a small business efficiently. A personal computer just won’t cut it, especially given the rapid changes that many business environments face on a daily basis. 

Staying competitive in any industry means investing in the right computer systems that can handle a full range of professional tasks from managing marketing campaigns to tracking product inventory and corresponding with clients. 

But with so many different options, how can you choose the right computers that meet your business needs? Here we’ll look at how to compare and choose the best office small business computer systems.

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Processor Speed and What Generation

The Central Processing Unit (CPU) or processor is arguably the most important component of a computer. Think of the processor as the ‘brain’ of a computer. It takes instructions and performs a specific action. The faster your processor, the more responsive your computer will be when running applications.

The clock speed of a processor is measured in Gigahertz (GHz). Your choices in terms of processors largely come down to AMD or Intel. Ideally, you should stick with current generation hardware (AMD Ryzen 3rd generation or Intel 9th generation) if your budget allows, but anything that runs between 2 to 4 GHz is adequate for most small enterprises.

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Memory or RAM

RAM stands for Random-Access Memory is another important component. It allows you to run many applications at once by storing the information that your computer is actively using. Memory allows you to quickly switch between other applications you have open. So you could simultaneously edit some work photos and have an instant messaging application open.

The amount of RAM most computers have ranges from 2 to 16 GB (not to be confused with storage capacity). However, you can install more than 16 GB depending on how demanding your computing tasks are. 8 GB is generally the minimum for most small businesses, but installing more is recommended if your budget allows.

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‍Disk Type: Solid State Drive vs Hard Drive Disk

Hard drives allow you to store and extract files from your computer. Storage capacities typically range from 128 GB of storage all the way up to 2 TB. How much storage you need depends on the kind of work your business does. If you need to store large files like videos and images, then you should aim for a capacity of at least 250 to 500 GB.

Another important consideration is the disk type. Hard Disk Drives (HDD) contain magnetic disks or platters that store and retrieve digital data. These types of drives are much cheaper, but also slower. Solid State Drives (SSD) use flash-based memory to store information, making them significantly faster than mechanical disks. SSDs are more expensive, but they are definitely the better option and a must in today’s world of computing.

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What Are the Benefits of Different Systems to Your Business

Operating systems are the software programs that enables the hardware to operate with the software. A computer would be useless without an operating system as it essentially handles all the tasks you perform. Microsoft Windows is by far the dominant operating system for desktop computers, but others include macOS by Apple and Linux. 

With Windows, you have the advantage of choosing from a wider selection of computer systems from manufacturers like HP, Dell, Lenovo, and Asus. 

However, macOS is limited to hardware made by Apple, which tends to come at a higher premium. Choosing between the two operating systems can be rather subjective. But Microsoft Windows is a more budget friendly option if cost is a major factor.

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Are You Paying Too Much For Hardware You Don’t Need?

One of the most challenging decisions for any small business is choosing the right computer systems as there is a delicate balance. Buying cheaper computers may save on costs, but could hold back productivity. 

Slower computers take longer on certain tasks, which can reduce output. In contrast, buying top of the line models is significantly more expensive and may not even be necessary for the tasks you do.

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‍So Where To From Here?

Simple Biz specialises in IT solutions for Australian and New Zealand businesses. We can help you compare and choose the best computer systems based on your business needs and budget. Call us today on 1300 022 903 to discuss how we can help you.