1. Home
  2. Business & Finance
  3. Operations / Technology

Computers & Software
A Guide To Help You Buy

By , About.com Guide

Purchasing a computer (or multiple computers) for your business is very similar to selecting a PC for your home. The difference is that the PCs for your organization will be geared towards a business functional perspective and not a home/entertainment standpoint. For example, buying a computer suitable for watching DVDs and playing computer games would be a waste of money if the purpose of that computer was for a secretary to type memos and create spreadsheets.

Listed below are five categories of computers suitable for business use. Decide how many employees in your organization will require each of the following types of computers. Then print out this article and take it to your favorite computer store and they will help you purchase the right computer for each type of employee.

  • Basic Office Computer
    Suitable for creating documents, spreadsheets, email, Internet access, and accounting software. Most commonly used for secretaries, order entry clerks, customer service representatives and core office personnel.

  • High-End Computer
    Configured to handle computer aided design (CAD) software or graphical design software. Most commonly used by engineers and graphic arts personnel.

  • Low-End Computer
    Low cost computer able to perform basic tasks of Internet access, email or accounting software. Most commonly used by shipping clerks, shop floor personnel or receptionists.

  • Mobile/Laptop
    Optimized to be light weight and portable; performs basic office tasks; may be used to make presentations to customers. Most commonly used by salespeople and executives.

  • Servers
    These computers are used to run shared applications that are accessed by everyone in the organization. Examples include email, accounting database and websites. Usually these machines sit in a room by themselves and are installed, configured and maintained by a technical expert.
Explore Operations / Technology
About.com Special Features

10 Things You Can Do Today to Improve Your Credit

Easy steps to take control of your credit card debt. More >

Holiday Central

What to eat, where to go, fun things to do and how to save money on the perfect gifts. More >

  1. Home
  2. Business & Finance
  3. Operations / Technology
  4. Starting an Office
  5. Essential Office Equipment
  6. Computers & Software>

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.