Business Desktops

The deciding factor in your purchase decision between business desktop computers and laptops may well be related to the importance of mobility to your workflow. If your work is done in the office, then you may be better off with a desktop, which is known to offer more affordable computing power, faster processing speeds, larger storage capacities and longer-lasting durability. Plus, since office desktops have more upgradable parts, they make it easier to keep pace with performance advances.

Your most important consideration when selecting a business computer is likely the central processing unit. That's because the CPU is essentially your computer's "brain," directing and executing programs, affecting how many programs you can run at the same time, and determining the complexity of software you can run and the speed at which it will run. If you'll regularly be running multiple applications simultaneously, you'll want a dual-core processor, and if graphics play a large part in your computer's work day, you may find a quad-core processor is your optimal choice. Another consideration in choosing the business desktop that best suits your needs is RAM (random access memory), which determines computing speeds, and the amount of information your computer can work with at the same time. You'll want no less than 2GB (gigabytes); 8GB is sufficient for running most business software, while 16GB offers top flexibility.

The storage capacity of your computer is determined by the hard drive. A solid state drive, the latest in drive technology, is different from the others in that it does not consist of moving parts. It's generally faster at reading and writing data, it's more durable, and it uses less power, with the trade-off that it's generally more expensive. Hard disk drives, created by IBM engineers in 1953, are generally larger but slower, and they're cheaper. As for graphics, you may want a more powerful capability than what comes integrated into your office desktop, especially if your workflow includes video or augmented reality, an intensive graphics program, editing, or gaming. As for the operating system choices, Windows is often the best business desktop selection because it is compatible with almost all the business software on the market. If your business requires integration with other Apple devices like the iPad or the iPhone, or software like Apple Motion or Final Cut Pro, you will likely want to go with Apple Macs.

A network is a good way to enable resource and software-sharing among the users, while also getting the most out of your computers, as well as peripherals like copiers, scanners and business printers. Your network can be wireless if you place the most value on convenience and flexibility, but many find that networks using Ethernet cable connections have an edge in reliability, connection speed and usage cost.

And with respect to reliability, you may want to consider the security and peace of mind provided by an uninterruptible power supply, which continuously regulates incoming voltage, while also providing an internal battery that will keep your network running if the power goes out; and surge protection, which protects against damage or data loss in the case of short-term high-voltage, which might be caused by disturbances in the electrical system or a lightning strike, for example. Finally, keep in mind that Geek Squad® is available to help you with professional computer setup and software installation, and also to show you how to use any technology you're not familiar with, while answering any questions you may have.