Looking for recommendations for PC suitable for business use?

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Bobbi70

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Hi

I am a self employed book-keeper who runs a couple of payroll packages and an accounts package from my desktop. I also use excel and word. I would have a fair number of clients set up on these packages and have their accounts workings stored on excel. I need to update my PC as it has started going slow and the internet connection is poor. I have been looking at a DELL Inspiron 660 with intel core i5, 4gb memory, 1tb hard drive. This is strictly a work PC and I don't store any photos, music etc on it. I would have email and internet access also. Are there any techies out there who can tell me if this is sufficient for my needs. It is coming in at around 550 inc VAT. Thanks
 
That sounds fine for your needs. In saying that, if you can afford more RAM get it. 8Gb would be my preference.

However, if you are self-employed you should probably be looking at a laptop. Cost wise, you don't have to pay too much more for the same specs on a laptop as you do on a desktop.

Don't get Windows 8 unless the machine you are getting includes a touchscreen.
 
Thanks Briste

This has windows 7 with it. Am I right in saying that windows is the OS and I will still have to put office onto it? Would they put the extra ram in it for me? I have a newish laptop about 2yrs which is fine for when I am on site but I prefer a desktop when I am working from home. Thanks again for the advice
 
Bobbi70 said:
Thanks Briste

This has windows 7 with it. Am I right in saying that windows is the OS and I will still have to put office onto it? Would they put the extra ram in it for me? I have a newish laptop about 2yrs which is fine for when I am on site but I prefer a desktop when I am working from home. Thanks again for the advice
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Would you consider buying a big monitor and keyboard for when you are at home? Less than 180 euro for a 22" LCD and keyboard / mouse delivered from www.dabs.ie
 
Bobbi70 said:
Hi

I am a self employed book-keeper who runs a couple of payroll packages and an accounts package from my desktop. I also use excel and word. I would have a fair number of clients set up on these packages and have their accounts workings stored on excel. I need to update my PC as it has started going slow and the internet connection is poor. I have been looking at a DELL Inspiron 660 with intel core i5, 4gb memory, 1tb hard drive. This is strictly a work PC and I don't store any photos, music etc on it. I would have email and internet access also. Are there any techies out there who can tell me if this is sufficient for my needs. It is coming in at around 550 inc VAT. Thanks
Click to expand...

In terms of your proposed PC, for Office work, it is way more than enough for the next couple of years. The one question I would ask is what you do in terms of backups.
 
Hi Burmo,

I backup on to the c drive and also onto an external flash drive for each client. I also ensure that the laptop and the desktop have the same information.
 
Bobbi70 said:
I have been looking at a DELL Inspiron 660 with intel core i5, 4gb memory, 1tb hard drive.
Click to expand...
You don't need an i5, the cheapest i3 will more than suffice. 4GB Ram is plenty for what you propose to do (and you'd need a 64-Bit operating system to address more than 4GB - some of your legacy software may not like 64-bit). I'd go for 32-Bit Windows 7 over Windows 8. A 1TB hard disk may be overkill, how much space is used on your current hard disk? Looking at Dell, I'd be inclined to go for a (more expensive) Optiplex rather than an Inspiron, with a 3 or 4 year next business day warranty and perhaps a second redundant hard disk set up as a RAID 1 array. Perhaps you can reuse your monitor and just buy a base unit.
 
Bobbi70 said:
Hi Burmo,

I backup on to the c drive and also onto an external flash drive for each client. I also ensure that the laptop and the desktop have the same information.
Click to expand...

Why do you prefer to use the desktop when at home?

Your laptop should be able to connect to your monitor, which then gives you the luxury of two screens.

Wireless keyboards are quite cheap if you prefer to use a fullsize.

RE backup - take a look at the online options as well. God forbid you were burgled or there was a fire and so on.
 
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