The Basics: Desktop Computers for Business
On the surface, desktop computers for business users look pretty similar to desktop computers for home users. They do have the same core components, with an emphasis on power and performance when it's needed. But most businesses will forego a lot of multimedia capabilities in lieu of stability and security.
You find more advanced security features on desktop computers for business users, protecting them from malicious intruders or simply from the novices that are using them. These features can include chassis intrusion detection that lets the network administrator know when someone opens the business desktop computer case. Or they can be more involved, such as biometric devices that scan a fingerprint to ensure that the current user is the proper one.
Management software is another find on desktop computers for business that you won't see on home PCs. This software is integrated into the corporate network and allows for after-hours software upgrades, remote troubleshooting and network level anti-virus and firewall protection.
Microsoft's Windows Vista operating system includes a business edition. This new operating system has some of these advanced features built in, including protections against hackers, warnings of impending hardware failures and automatic backup options. Vista Business also lets you share documents and information with other users -- even if your desktop computer for business is turned off. The new OS has a lot of tools and technologies for small business users and corporate users alike.
Currently, most business desktop computers ship with Windows XP Professional edition, a separate version of the XP operating system that contains more advanced networking tools and other features more relevant to a business environment.
Warranty levels on desktop computers for business are usually longer than those for home PCs. It's not unusual to find a three-year warranty on a starter business PC. You might have to pay extra to get to this length with some vendors, however, and it might also be an additional upgrade for same- or next-day on-site service.
How to Shop
Desktop computers for business can be bought individually or in bulk, depending on the needs of the business. Many vendors offer discounts on group purchases or bundle in extras such as office software suites or security applications. If you're buying more than one system, be sure and talk to a company representative who is used to dealing with business customers.
The main core concerns for desktop computers for business are usually fairly similar across the board: You want enough power, storage space and features to handle your day-to-day tasks. While having a cutting-edge processor isn't as important to most business users as it is to gamers and some home users, the current transition to a 64-bit world means that you'll want to get a current-generation processor if you'll be upgrading the operating system on the business desktop computer. Both AMD and Intel offer 64-bit CPUs that will be ready for the upcoming Vista Business operating system and next-generation applications.
The memory inside a business desktop computer doesn't need to be high-speed, but you want enough of it so you won't bottleneck your performance. Some new business PCs ship with only 256MB of RAM, but most users will want at least 512MB for decent Windows XP performance. Users involved in CAD (computer-aided design) or other high-level activities will of course want more memory.
Hard drive space is another area where you can cut costs on desktop computers for business, as users in large businesses can store their files on the network servers. The hard drive that ships with a business desktop computer, often near 40 GB, is usually adequate for the average user's needs.
Business desktop computers may or may not come with an optical drive. If you're a small business owner, you'll probably want at least a CD-ROM drive for installing applications. A CD-RW drive is handy for backups of information, but DVD writers are usually just found on business desktop computers of those users who create video presentations. DVD-RAM drives that support high numbers of writes and rewrites are a good option for large backups.
Most desktop computers for business ship with integrated graphics. These graphics are built into the motherboard of the PC and share video memory with the main system RAM (another reason to beef up to at least 512MB of main memory). While their performance is lackluster for 3D gaming, it's more than adequate for Web browsing and traditional office tasks. Again, CAD users will opt for the high-end business graphics cards that vendors such as ATI and NVIDIA offer for handling graphically-intense files. If you will need a graphics card upgrade down the line, make sure that the motherboard includes an AGP or better yet, a PCI-Express slot for installing the latest graphics boards.
Display options for business desktop computers are as diverse as they are for home users. In fact, there are options you don't often see on home PCs at all. In addition to inexpensive CRTs and sleek and stylish LCDs, you can opt for all-in-one business desktop computers. These systems offer a complete PC in a tiny chassis that fits behind a flat panel monitor or in its stand for the ultimate in desktop space savings.
It's rare to find a modem on a desktop computer for business users, but you will quite often find gigabit Ethernet ports. These network interfaces offer throughputs up to 10 times faster than traditional 10/100 Ethernet adapters, so if your business has a high-speed gigabit network, you'll want to make sure that your new PC is up to speed.
Floppy drives have also started being phased out on desktop computers for business users. You can still find systems that offer them, and you can usually add them for a minimal upgrade price if they're needed at your company. Media card readers, which let you insert flash memory cards and transfer files onto your business desktop computer, are becoming more common. If you use a PDA with a removable flash memory cards, it can be a handy way to transfer files to your system quickly.
Most business desktop computers have easily accessible USB ports, letting you connect peripherals or USB thumb drives without reaching behind your system. You might also find a Firewire port, another connection for high speed peripherals, although these are more common on home and portable systems. In addition to the chassis intrusion detection, many business desktop computer chassis feature lock slots so you can seal off the inside of the system. If you'll be performing a lot of hardware upgrades, it's good to see what kind of expansion room your system has as well as how easy it is to get inside (many business desktop computer chassis offer tool-less opening and upgrading).
The software bundled with desktop computers for business users often includes a suite of office applications such as a word processor and a spreadsheet program. If your company uses Microsoft Office, however, you'll usually end up paying a premium for an upgrade to this full-fledged suite.
Input devices aren't usually top notch with business desktop computers. Most systems come with a basic mouse and keyboard. You might even have to pay to upgrade to an optical mouse or a keyboard with programmable hot buttons. If you'll be using the computer for a lot of typing, you might consider an ergonomic keyboard with a split key design and a built-in wrist rest to help prevent repetitive strain problems.
Desktop computers for business users feature less frills than home or gaming systems. These PCs place more of an emphasis on being stable and secure. But you'll still want good core power, enough storage room to meet your needs and output and input devices that match your working environment.
