Provided by HP
Stationary or Mobile?
Determine whether you need a stationary computer—either a desktop PC or a workstation—or a mobile computer—either a laptop or a notebook. Desktops offer faster performance and expandability; laptops are more portable and flexible. If you’re going mobile, consider a stationary docking station for your laptop.
Desktop or Workstation?
If you’ll be stationary, choose between a desktop PC that supports common business applications such as e-mail, Internet access, and basic software applications, or a workstation that supports processing- and memory-intensive technical applications such as MCAD, software development, video processing, and oil and gas applications.
Processor
The CPU (central processing unit, or processor) performs math calculations and functions as the “brain” of the system. Evaluate the applications you plan to run to find out if you need 32- or 64- bit processing, as well as the recommended processor speed [measured in gigahertz (GHz)]. Also consider if you need a single processor or if your application needs the support of dual processors.
Memory
RAM (random access memory) is temporary storage that provides the working space for your computer to operate. The more memory you have, the more programs you can run at once, and the better the system will perform while multitasking. For standard business applications, 512MB of memory is a good start. For more memory-intensive applications, consider up to 1 GB of memory. Be sure that you have additional room to grow as your application requirements change.
Disk Storage
The hard disk is the primary data storage location. The bigger the hard disk, the more you can store; the faster the hard disk, the quicker you can access your files. Consider the amount of data you expect the computer to store, and look for a system that supports that data with room to grow. Most computers can handle a series of drives instead of just a single drive, giving you expanded storage space as well the ability to add more.
Security
Consider the importance of the data you plan to store on the system, and how it will be connected to other systems that might house sensitive company information. While every computer in your business should have anti-virus and anti-spam software installed on it, those systems that will hold particularly sensitive data may need to be extra-secure to better protect your company’s intellectual property and networks.
© 2007 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, LP