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What Computer Should You Have?
BCSS speed and efficiency is only limited by a PC's storage capacity, Windows version (XP, Vista, Windows 7), processor and front-side bus speeds, RAM memory and PC 'health'. Shops with a few thousand inventory entries should have at least 512 MB of RAM for XP, 2 gigabytes for Vista or Windows 7. For large operations storing 10,000 or more inventory items, greater horsepower is needed: 3.0 GHz Pentium IV or AMD processor - not Celeron or Centrino - 1 GB of RAM for XP (2-3 for Vista or Windows 7) - 3 GB free disk space. Laptops have slower processors (to avoid over heating), i.e., they run slower, but they can still function properly given enough RAM memory (2-3 gigs) and clock speed (3-4 GHz).
Symptoms of a PC with Inadequate Resources
Computers run great 'out of the box'. As programs are installed and files are stored, PCs start to slow down. Computers connected to the Internet become cluttered with 'temporary Internet files' and without adequate protection, they become infected with viruses and several forms of 'malware'.
If a PC is running slowly, perform PC Maintenance. If the problem persists, bring RAM up to 1 gig for XP or 2 gigs for Vista. (It's easiest to take the PC to a local store that sells and installs computer memory, and it's low cost.) You'll see a very noticeable difference in computer performance.
Software - The Operating System
Microsoft Windows is an 'operating system' (OS). It is an interface between hardware and other software on the computer. In other words, it makes the computer 'run'. For most computer users, Windows Vista is difficult to use. (See Vista.) If at all possible, insist on Windows XP (Service Pack 3) when purchasing a new computer, and consider reformatting a PC that has Vista and install XP or Windows 7 Professional.
Windows 7
The following are the minimum requirements for Windows 7. Vista users will surely want to dump Vista for Windows 7 and XP users will eventually lose support for XP, so purchase hardware now that has sufficient resources to run Windows 7:
Hardware - Computer Components (Hard Drive, Processor, Memory)
Simply put, your computer should be built for business purposes. Many computers (desktops and laptops) sold 'off the shelf' are intended for light home use - email, word processing, web surfing...
All too often businesses use computers that have been connected to the Internet (which are likely infected with 'malware' - viruses, spyware, trojans...). Invariably inadequate computer resources and poor or nonexistent computer maintenance are responsible for computer crashes and error messages, lock ups and slow processing.
Only software necessary for business use should be installed on the computer. Each additional installation of a software program increases the chances for incompatibilities and conflicts.
Get a Dell (888-782-3355) Desktop Optiplex Minitower - $15/month lease (48 months) or about $500 (no monitor).
Here's why you would love this machine:
These are options: (Prices change frequently.)
Reasons to Love Dell:
Please note that Dell's special offers change frequently. The above information is an example of their pricing structure as of 6/4/2010.
BCSS is not compensated by Dell for recommending them. We do so because they are reputable, the products are reliable and their service is excellent. Installing BCSS on a new machine with adequate resources saves us literally hundreds of hours of support every year.
Laptops
Laptops have the inherent problem of over-heating so their hard drives are made to spin at a (much) slower speed than desktops (about 5400 RPMs vs 7500 RPMs, consequently they are slower that desktops.
Laptops may be sufficient for small shops with databases under 2-4MB. Older laptops may not be suitable simply because they started wearing out from day one. At the least an older laptop's hard drive should be reformatted, Windows 7 Professional installed and RAM memory kicked up to 4GB.
Dell offers a suitable machine for about $700, the Inspiron 17R (http://www.dell.com/us/p/popular-laptop-deals.aspx?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&~ck=mn, or search on Dell.com for Inspiron 17R:
Some bloatware is unavoidable. One of the first things to do with the new machine is uninstall Microsoft Office Starter and McAfee SecurityCenter, then download and install ESET Security (for virus protection).
For free email support, send us an email. (Add the domain name mm.st to your email program's Approved Senders List or White List to lessen the chance that spam filters will block our emails to you. (Instructions) For phone and remote PC help, contact: Joy Archer, enJoy Consigning Services, 972-898-7921 (NY), Email, or Kerri Samples, KLS Pro Setup, 912-245-7831 (GA), Email