Designing an Ideal System for a Home Office or Small Business
Computer System Configuration:
Designing an Ideal System for a Home Office or Small Business
Now, in my home office I use a notebook computer with 1.86 GHz processor, 1 GB of operating memory, 250 gigabytes of hard disk space. From peripheral devices I use inkjet printer and scanner, combined in one device. I set up a wireless access point for my Smartphone and for more convenience.
I have some problems with such computer system, because nowadays it does not have high enough characteristics, which are needed for performing all tasks that arise. Problem is that sometimes, while web browsing few pages simultaneously computer becomes slower. I am unable to process big database files, because sometimes computer stops responding and restarts itself. Working with multimedia is also on low level. In today’s world, most of work is done with computers and if computer is slow and takes your time, than it’s taking your money too. In such case, it would be good idea to set up ideal computer system which will become good and reliable work instrument.
Computers are developing rapidly, and if you want to be up to date for a period of few years, then you have to choose best configuration from available choices on the market. I would suggest using notebook computer, because it is more convenient than desktop PC, besides notebooks already became pretty cheap. Processor is one of the main parts for fast work so I would suggest choosing Intel core i7 or i5 at least. Operating memory is brains of your computer system and it should be as much as possible. For my computer system I would choose at least 4 gigabytes. Hard disks usually are used with capacity of 320 or 500 gigabytes and this is enough for office work. For the office I would choose notebook with 15.5” screen because it is quite big and convenient for data processing and other tasks. It’s necessary to have optical drive and slot for flesh cards. Microphone and webcam are also important and preferably with high quality. That was configuration of main computer that I would like to have. From peripherals any office should have printer, laser printer would be best choice, because it can print faster and more and cost per printed page is much less, then cost per page printed with ink jet printers. Second essential peripheral device is scanner, which also should be in any office.
Now let’s start discussing which software will be needed. I would install Windows 7 Ultimate operating system, because from the family of windows operating systems, it’s most advanced and convenient for work. For working with office documents I would choose Microsoft Office 2010, however version of 2007 is also very good. For web browsing I prefer Opera or Google chrome web browser, because it’s faster than Internet Explorer, which is integrated in OS. For processing PDF files offices will need adobe acrobat, preferably latest version with integrated OCR. Nowadays almost everyone is using Skype for video calls and instant messaging. If web design work should be preformed, then I would recommend using Adobe Dreamviewer and Photoshop.
This was all Hardware and software needed for modern office or small business for basic tasks. If any specific tasks have to be done, then this list can be expended.
References
Windows 7 System Requirements. Retrieved from
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/products/system-requirements
Printer. Retrieved from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Printer_(computing)
