I'm geeky too... just try not to get too consumed by it because the fundamentals is what is and will always work for me at least - follow up! But I myself have found a few killer deals on some Dual Xenon PC's with Mega RAM.. for like $1,250... and might get one for my home, but since much of my Tech Tools are Web-Based, a super fast connection to the WWW is more important to me.
-
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Building the right computer for your Internet Sales Manager
- Thread starter Alex Snyder
- Start date
- May 1, 2005
- 5,999
- 1,914
- Awards
- 12
- First Name
- Jeff
Here are a few thoughts on solutions.
This is a Content Management System (CMS) that will help build great websites and robust online applications.
This is also an open source solution that is free, and is one of the most powerful Open Source Content Management Systems on the planet. It is used all over the world for everything from simple websites to complex corporate applications. Joomla! is easy to install, simple to manage, and reliable.
Joomla is very powerful, and is a little more difficult to get to grips with if you're a novice than some others you might have in your control panel. Certainly, for ease of use and a less steep learning curve, Wordpress is a good option too, and is a lot easier to customize visually as well (not to mention a wealth of plug-ins that will make it do almost anything you want it too, including galleries and forums that you can build into Wordpress).
One can use Wordpress as the basis of quite large and complicated sites, especially when I know the client wants to update their site themselves and has limited coding knowledge. This is a great tool for use in the smaller business model.
There are a number of inventory solutions that are available at an affordable price. I happened to like IOL as they are professional, priced right, month to month and passionate about what they do.
Knowing what you want to build is always a good first step.
Wrong or mismatched interfaces: a PCI-e video card will not work in an AGP slot and vice-versa. Similarly, a 939-pin motherboard (Athlon) can’t be expected to accommodate a Pentium IV processor (427 pins).
One component too fast or slow: why buy a memory designed for a 400MHz front- side bus if your motherboard can only go up to 333MHz?
Write down all the known requirements for the build, filling in as many details as possible. Then look for parts that will meet those requirements. Make sure that all the components will work with each other before making any purchases.
Now is a good time to learn more about computers in general and the new build specifically even if someone else is building it for you.
Additionally, knowing what is needed will help preclude the inevitable last-minute addition. Finding out that you need a more robust or different style of heat sink for the processor as you are trying to assemble not only delays the build, it can also break the budget.
Knowing the limit on spending for the system is smart look for the best deals, make realistic decisions on which components to buy and use, and knowing how much the custom build will be allows you to see if there’s a pre-built that meets your specifications that would be cheaper (yes, that does happen, occasionally, especially if you are buying software, too).
Keep the receipts everyone knows that you always get good parts from the dealer, especially online dealers, right? Hold on to the packaging and especially the receipts until you know all of the components are working properly. .
Think about protecting your computer. Do you have an adequate surge protector? Have you considered getting an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)? If your area is prone to brownouts, then a UPS is the way to go. Use a UPS that powers the computer from the batteries all the time and recharges them while power is on. If you do go with a UPS, be sure it isn’t underpowered, providing enough current to save your work and properly shut the computer down.
ESD be sure to use all reasonable Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) precautions when assembling your system. While today's electronics are better-armed against the ravages of ESD than their earlier counterparts, why take chances? Keep in mind that it is your money going into the system. Do you really want to risk damage and delays (awaiting replacement parts) by not using a cheap wrist strap?
Documentation do you know exactly what is in your computer right now? Do you know the model number and firmware revision of your sound card? Do you know where the driver discs and manuals for all the components are?
Recording all the details of the system as you build it up, as well as placing all the documentation and software discs in a common binder will save you time and effort in the long run. Want to check for the latest drivers? Grab the binder and look up the part number. That beats having to crack the case open and pull the card, which may or may not have the part number openly stamped on it. Want to put Linux on the computer? You have the part numbers handy so you can determine if and how the components will work with the OS.
This goes for that software you have loaded, as well. You might need to put all those CDs into a case, but where are the registration keys and serial numbers? What are the settings you spent so much time perfecting?
Likewise any passwords you may have. If you are like me, you have A lot of passwords for stuff that I tend to forget, particularly if I don’t use them on a regular basis. So I’ve compromised and placed all my passwords into a secure PDA file. With one master password, I can access the whole lot of them.
Do you have the most up-to-date drivers and firmware? Back-ups? You'll need them, so be ready beforehand? Have you slipstreamed your Win XP with the latest Service Pack and hot fixes?
Plan the install
What OS are you going to use? Are you planning on installing another at some time in the future? What are you going to use the machine for? How many partitions will you need and in what sizes? How should the partitions be ordered? Have you planned a backup scheme and how can you simplify that process from the beginning?
Write down what software you need to install and at what point you need to install it. You can use that list to build an unattended installation disc.
Backups you need to think about archiving data when you began ordering all the components. If you have a backup plan set up ahead of time, then you are likely going to use it, and it won't hurt quite as badly when that unexpected crash comes.
RTFM
Read the manual beforehand so you know what particular board requires RAM in both slots 1 and 2, not 1 and 3 as is standard on many other boards. If you have all your documentation in one place, you will know where that manual is.
The software might sometimes show both the minimum and recommended system requirements. Best you use the recommended + requirements as your guide.
Get a fast enough processor (preferably Quad Core - Intel being best choice for the future upgrading of your system.
Get as much memory as you possibly can afford to enhance your computer's performance.
If you are purchasing a computer system or building your own, get more hard disk space than you have determined that you will need now. Buy as large a hard drive as you can possibly afford. This is to allow for future expansion.
Taking the time to evaluate your needs before making your final selection will save you both money and regrets in the long run.
Before buying, it is very important that you familiarize yourself with some basic knowledge of what a computer consists of and the function of each of the components.
You should try to buy as much as you can possibly afford.
Do not 'cut corners' on your main system unit such as your processor, memory and hard drive.
You would not want to be running out of memory or disk space shortly after purchasing a complete computer system or building your own!
Delay the buying of some of the software applications that are not critical for you to get now until at a later date. You might want to be using this computer for a few years; therefore, you should ensure that you now have enough memory, CPU, hard drive, etc.
Categories of Computers
Basic:
This computer would be used by someone who sends and receives email, surfs the Internet, uses word processing, prepares spreadsheets and plays simple games.
Minimum Requirements: 1.0+GHz AMD or Intel processor, 512MB DDR RAM (Memory), 120GB, 7200 RPM, 8MB cache hard drive, on-board video, audio and LAN, DVD/CD-RW Combo Drive.
Mid Range:
In addition to the basic needs, this range is suitable for someone who is involved in medium graphics, some video editing, downloading music and video and playing games, etc.
Minimum Requirements: 1.8+GHz AMD or Intel Pentium 4 Processor, 1GB DDR Memory, 250GB SATA 7200 RPM 8MB Cache Hard Drive, mid-range Video and Sound (Graphics) Card, 10/100 LAN, DVD Writer and a 21" Monitor.
High Range:
This computer is suitable for intensive graphics, video editing, game playing and other memory and CPU intensive programs.
Minimum Requirements: AMD Athlon 64 FX62 or Intel Pentium (best bet) Core 2 Duo processor, 2GB DDR Dual Channel Memory, 400GB SATA hard drive, RAID (0,1), High-End Video (nVidia GeForce 7950 GX2 Graphics Adapter) and Sound Card (Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeMusic), Gigabit 10/100/1000 LAN, DVD ROM Drive and a Dual format, Dual Layer DVD Writer and a 24" Monitor.
Choosing Online Vendors to purchase your Best Cheap Computer System. Buying your computer system and parts online is recommended since this is where you will get excellent quality systems and computer parts at the best available prices. Here are some online vendors who are known to be reputable, have great deals, operate secure Web sites and will deliver a quality computer to your door. You can visit these Vendors' Web sites by clicking here.
This is a Content Management System (CMS) that will help build great websites and robust online applications.
Loading…
www.joomla.org
Joomla is very powerful, and is a little more difficult to get to grips with if you're a novice than some others you might have in your control panel. Certainly, for ease of use and a less steep learning curve, Wordpress is a good option too, and is a lot easier to customize visually as well (not to mention a wealth of plug-ins that will make it do almost anything you want it too, including galleries and forums that you can build into Wordpress).
One can use Wordpress as the basis of quite large and complicated sites, especially when I know the client wants to update their site themselves and has limited coding knowledge. This is a great tool for use in the smaller business model.
There are a number of inventory solutions that are available at an affordable price. I happened to like IOL as they are professional, priced right, month to month and passionate about what they do.
Knowing what you want to build is always a good first step.
Wrong or mismatched interfaces: a PCI-e video card will not work in an AGP slot and vice-versa. Similarly, a 939-pin motherboard (Athlon) can’t be expected to accommodate a Pentium IV processor (427 pins).
One component too fast or slow: why buy a memory designed for a 400MHz front- side bus if your motherboard can only go up to 333MHz?
Write down all the known requirements for the build, filling in as many details as possible. Then look for parts that will meet those requirements. Make sure that all the components will work with each other before making any purchases.
Now is a good time to learn more about computers in general and the new build specifically even if someone else is building it for you.
Additionally, knowing what is needed will help preclude the inevitable last-minute addition. Finding out that you need a more robust or different style of heat sink for the processor as you are trying to assemble not only delays the build, it can also break the budget.
Knowing the limit on spending for the system is smart look for the best deals, make realistic decisions on which components to buy and use, and knowing how much the custom build will be allows you to see if there’s a pre-built that meets your specifications that would be cheaper (yes, that does happen, occasionally, especially if you are buying software, too).
Keep the receipts everyone knows that you always get good parts from the dealer, especially online dealers, right? Hold on to the packaging and especially the receipts until you know all of the components are working properly. .
Think about protecting your computer. Do you have an adequate surge protector? Have you considered getting an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)? If your area is prone to brownouts, then a UPS is the way to go. Use a UPS that powers the computer from the batteries all the time and recharges them while power is on. If you do go with a UPS, be sure it isn’t underpowered, providing enough current to save your work and properly shut the computer down.
ESD be sure to use all reasonable Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) precautions when assembling your system. While today's electronics are better-armed against the ravages of ESD than their earlier counterparts, why take chances? Keep in mind that it is your money going into the system. Do you really want to risk damage and delays (awaiting replacement parts) by not using a cheap wrist strap?
Documentation do you know exactly what is in your computer right now? Do you know the model number and firmware revision of your sound card? Do you know where the driver discs and manuals for all the components are?
Recording all the details of the system as you build it up, as well as placing all the documentation and software discs in a common binder will save you time and effort in the long run. Want to check for the latest drivers? Grab the binder and look up the part number. That beats having to crack the case open and pull the card, which may or may not have the part number openly stamped on it. Want to put Linux on the computer? You have the part numbers handy so you can determine if and how the components will work with the OS.
This goes for that software you have loaded, as well. You might need to put all those CDs into a case, but where are the registration keys and serial numbers? What are the settings you spent so much time perfecting?
Likewise any passwords you may have. If you are like me, you have A lot of passwords for stuff that I tend to forget, particularly if I don’t use them on a regular basis. So I’ve compromised and placed all my passwords into a secure PDA file. With one master password, I can access the whole lot of them.
Do you have the most up-to-date drivers and firmware? Back-ups? You'll need them, so be ready beforehand? Have you slipstreamed your Win XP with the latest Service Pack and hot fixes?
Plan the install
What OS are you going to use? Are you planning on installing another at some time in the future? What are you going to use the machine for? How many partitions will you need and in what sizes? How should the partitions be ordered? Have you planned a backup scheme and how can you simplify that process from the beginning?
Write down what software you need to install and at what point you need to install it. You can use that list to build an unattended installation disc.
Backups you need to think about archiving data when you began ordering all the components. If you have a backup plan set up ahead of time, then you are likely going to use it, and it won't hurt quite as badly when that unexpected crash comes.
RTFM
Read the manual beforehand so you know what particular board requires RAM in both slots 1 and 2, not 1 and 3 as is standard on many other boards. If you have all your documentation in one place, you will know where that manual is.
The software might sometimes show both the minimum and recommended system requirements. Best you use the recommended + requirements as your guide.
Get a fast enough processor (preferably Quad Core - Intel being best choice for the future upgrading of your system.
Get as much memory as you possibly can afford to enhance your computer's performance.
If you are purchasing a computer system or building your own, get more hard disk space than you have determined that you will need now. Buy as large a hard drive as you can possibly afford. This is to allow for future expansion.
Taking the time to evaluate your needs before making your final selection will save you both money and regrets in the long run.
Before buying, it is very important that you familiarize yourself with some basic knowledge of what a computer consists of and the function of each of the components.
You should try to buy as much as you can possibly afford.
Do not 'cut corners' on your main system unit such as your processor, memory and hard drive.
You would not want to be running out of memory or disk space shortly after purchasing a complete computer system or building your own!
Delay the buying of some of the software applications that are not critical for you to get now until at a later date. You might want to be using this computer for a few years; therefore, you should ensure that you now have enough memory, CPU, hard drive, etc.
Categories of Computers
Basic:
This computer would be used by someone who sends and receives email, surfs the Internet, uses word processing, prepares spreadsheets and plays simple games.
Minimum Requirements: 1.0+GHz AMD or Intel processor, 512MB DDR RAM (Memory), 120GB, 7200 RPM, 8MB cache hard drive, on-board video, audio and LAN, DVD/CD-RW Combo Drive.
Mid Range:
In addition to the basic needs, this range is suitable for someone who is involved in medium graphics, some video editing, downloading music and video and playing games, etc.
Minimum Requirements: 1.8+GHz AMD or Intel Pentium 4 Processor, 1GB DDR Memory, 250GB SATA 7200 RPM 8MB Cache Hard Drive, mid-range Video and Sound (Graphics) Card, 10/100 LAN, DVD Writer and a 21" Monitor.
High Range:
This computer is suitable for intensive graphics, video editing, game playing and other memory and CPU intensive programs.
Minimum Requirements: AMD Athlon 64 FX62 or Intel Pentium (best bet) Core 2 Duo processor, 2GB DDR Dual Channel Memory, 400GB SATA hard drive, RAID (0,1), High-End Video (nVidia GeForce 7950 GX2 Graphics Adapter) and Sound Card (Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeMusic), Gigabit 10/100/1000 LAN, DVD ROM Drive and a Dual format, Dual Layer DVD Writer and a 24" Monitor.
Choosing Online Vendors to purchase your Best Cheap Computer System. Buying your computer system and parts online is recommended since this is where you will get excellent quality systems and computer parts at the best available prices. Here are some online vendors who are known to be reputable, have great deals, operate secure Web sites and will deliver a quality computer to your door. You can visit these Vendors' Web sites by clicking here.
Interesting post, and I have been a long time afficianado of building a P.C., but I must say, for the average customer to be able to build a computer that will suffice for our needs as ISMs, I don't think we can compete with Dell, Gateway, etc. Getting a fundamental system with an OS, HD, OD, 1/2 to 1 GB RAM for under $500.
You might very well build a gaming system for less than a hard-loaded manufactured piece, but for me, the solace in knowing I CAN upgrade it (manufactured ones often are not upgradeable) is worth any additional cost.
Anyone have a good website for purchasing? I use pricewatch.com to identify the parts and vendors. Anyone else?
You might very well build a gaming system for less than a hard-loaded manufactured piece, but for me, the solace in knowing I CAN upgrade it (manufactured ones often are not upgradeable) is worth any additional cost.
Anyone have a good website for purchasing? I use pricewatch.com to identify the parts and vendors. Anyone else?
Funy you bring this up. I just got all new parts to build a new office computer at the agency.
I got (2) 22" LCD's - gonna be pretty sick. Building it on Monday.
I got (2) 22" LCD's - gonna be pretty sick. Building it on Monday.
Great discussion fellas. I owned a MAC a few years ago but found it difficult to access some websites with Safari and I have the same problem with Firefox. So I sold the MAC and bought a HP laptop. For example, Reynolds Contact Managment is inaccessible in an efficient fashion with anything other than Internet Explorer. Honda' Interactive Network and Hyundai's dealer portal are totally inaccessible with anything other than IE and its my understanding that you can't run Reynolds ERA on a MAC.
Computer's are definitely becoming necessary in virtually every department in the dealership. Buying the right systems and then putting together a plan to maintain them is critical. We began controlling access to certains sites on the net and that has contributed to healthier computer hardware (now that there isn't a big a exposure risk to viruses and malware on the net). We also don't allow outside computers on our primary business network which cuts down on the introduction of viruses to our system.
Stores without comprehensive technology procurement, management and maintenance plans will end up spending more on technology because their exposure to problems will be greater.
Computer's are definitely becoming necessary in virtually every department in the dealership. Buying the right systems and then putting together a plan to maintain them is critical. We began controlling access to certains sites on the net and that has contributed to healthier computer hardware (now that there isn't a big a exposure risk to viruses and malware on the net). We also don't allow outside computers on our primary business network which cuts down on the introduction of viruses to our system.
Stores without comprehensive technology procurement, management and maintenance plans will end up spending more on technology because their exposure to problems will be greater.
B-Man: The dual 22" is very nice. I have it at both home and work and won't be going back to one ever. From a productivity perspective, I think the screen real estate can give an ISM the best benefit. I usually have 20+ programs open at once and spead out across the screens. I can track, analyze, create so much more at a faster rate. Of course, you'll need the video card to support it, and then a cpu, memory, power and motherboard to support all that. So, basically, a complete system upgrade is in order.
I'm a total geek, and now can proudly admit it. (I always say to myself, "Bill gates is a geek") I used to suppress it, but this tech sh#t just keeps getting better and better. It'll only become more pervasive, and at a faster rate. Its nearly impossible to not be engaged with it all.
So where are the Amazon links to all these computer parts Jeff?
I'm a total geek, and now can proudly admit it. (I always say to myself, "Bill gates is a geek") I used to suppress it, but this tech sh#t just keeps getting better and better. It'll only become more pervasive, and at a faster rate. Its nearly impossible to not be engaged with it all.
So where are the Amazon links to all these computer parts Jeff?
Lau's links didn't come over, so here they are:
Everything you see here, from the documentation to the
code itself, was created by and for the community.
WordPress is an Open Source project, which means there
are hundreds of people all over the world working on
it. (More than most commercial platforms.) It also
means you are free to use it for anything from your
cat’s home page to a Fortune 5 web
(http://autoshows.ford.com/ site without paying anyone
a license fee.
You can see what is possible with this link:
Loading…
www.joomla.org
Loading…
www.build-your-own-cheap-computer.com
Loading…
wordpress.org
Everything you see here, from the documentation to the
code itself, was created by and for the community.
WordPress is an Open Source project, which means there
are hundreds of people all over the world working on
it. (More than most commercial platforms.) It also
means you are free to use it for anything from your
cat’s home page to a Fortune 5 web
(http://autoshows.ford.com/ site without paying anyone
a license fee.
You can see what is possible with this link:
Loading…
autoshows.ford.com
- Apr 13, 2009
- 234
- 44
- Awards
- 3
- First Name
- U
Alex nice write up...
On the memory... XP will use Max 3GB... and your Motherboard chipset needs to support PAE for you to go even above 2GB.
For storage f you can afford it go for RAID5 and with external controller... don't be cheap and do Software RAID... 3Ware or Areca makes some nice controllers.
If anyone is interested I have a nice hot swappable 12 bay external NORCO DS-1220 USB storage array for sale... NO HDs.
On the memory... XP will use Max 3GB... and your Motherboard chipset needs to support PAE for you to go even above 2GB.
For storage f you can afford it go for RAID5 and with external controller... don't be cheap and do Software RAID... 3Ware or Areca makes some nice controllers.
If anyone is interested I have a nice hot swappable 12 bay external NORCO DS-1220 USB storage array for sale... NO HDs.
Looks like Chris K beat me to the punch, but my thoughts on this matter are that he's correct...the average ISM will be fine with an off-the-shelf $1000 machine. The people who KNOW they need all the bells and whistles probably need them. The people who may be reading this post, wondering what all this tech talk means, and wondering if they need a higher end machine probably don't need it, and that would be about 98% of the industry. Well, DR readers are a little different than the rest, so probably half of the DR readers.
