How to choose the right computer? When knowledge in this area is lacking, it seems mission impossible. Computers come in countless configurations, providing different levels of technological capability. With this and the following texts, we throw a life belt into the ocean of diversity to help you emerge more oriented in the type of machine that is convenient for you and in the parameters that are optimal for it. Or at least know what to ask the consultants.

We focus on the needs of small and medium-sized businesses, where the expert selection of machines is not quite proportional to the financial and human resources.

We start with the good old desktop computers, which are far from obsolete, in our opinion. Before we open the topic, here are some basic guidelines to clearly define your need and whether the desktop machine can meet it.

What exactly are you going to do with the computer equipment in the office?

The answer is a must in the process of selecting a type of computer, from tablets and ultraportable laptops to large, powerful workstations with multiple monitors. It is clear that the characteristics associated with the activity of companies from the production, trade, design, transport and, say, public sectors are very different.

Portability, strength and security  – criteria directly related to the subject of your company's activity. In the conditions of a pandemic, these three related criteria have become leading for many businesses and literally determine their future. The data shows a growing demand for portable and reliable machines that can easily integrate with cloud services and remote work. Makes sense, right? Desktop computers also have their advantages and in certain cases are a better option. We'll see why later.

Preferred operating system – Microsoft Windows remains the leading choice with over 80% market share across all versions. It dominates, thanks to its long presence and wide range of capabilities. If you are a gamer, Windows is your operating system due to the fact that most of the latest PC games are only available for Windows.

We are not at all committed to claims that this is the "best" operating system. On the other hand, you'd need a specific reason to ignore it in favor of Apple's macOS, which accounts for about 9% of the market, Linux (1.8%), or Chrome OS (<1%). For example, you may choose macOS for some employees because of creative software supported by premium hardware, or because Apple's ecosystem is now accepted company-wide.

You can use Linux because of its free and open source and increasingly user-oriented nature, or because it is more out of sight of cybercriminals than Windows.

Specifications – Once you've clearly defined the workloads you'll be running and the operating system you'll load with that task, it's time to look at the specs. With this we step into the desktop world. Let's look at them in all their beauty, of course, without missing their flaws.

The desktop computer - classic or obsolete?

If you can do without a portable laptop or tablet, desktop computers can provide more power as well as a different form of convenience.

Compared to laptops, most desktop computers have almost entirely replaceable parts, including the graphics card, motherboard, and processor. You can swap hard drives, SSDs and memory on some laptops too, but their processors and graphics cards are often soldered together, so the possible changes per machine aren't that many.

Depending on the size, you can choose from maximum size boxes and quantity of components to micro-sized boxes. The former are often preferred by gamers, graphic designers, video editors, etc. For those who want to save work space and don't mind having the latest, full-size, powerful components, small desktops can provide efficient ergonomics and functionality. look a few examples.

What to look inside?

We return to the characteristics of the hardware specifications - what it is good to pay more attention to.

Processor

It is the brains of the operation that executes the instructions necessary for the computer to start properly. The cores in a processor determine the amount of processes that can run simultaneously. CPU frequencies can also be important, but they are time-varying.

The desktop processor brands you will see on the market boil down to two main ones – Intel and AMD. Intel are known for their highly efficient and extremely powerful processors, albeit at a slightly higher price. AMD is a manufacturer that offers efficient processors at a lower price, and with Ryzen series processors they fit in better and better in terms of efficiency as well.

Integrated graphics and graphics cards

Like CPUs, GPUs are components dedicated to speeding up the manipulation and creation of computer graphics and visual images. Due to the video embedded in the central processor, the leading manufacturers are Intel and AMD.

If you see GeForce, Quadro, Titan, Tesla in the desktop product title or spec sheet, the graphics are from NVIDIA. If you see Radeon, you've got AMD-powered graphics.

Although there are many series of graphics cards, we can generally divide them into two categories: desktop GPUs and workstation GPUs. The main difference between these two categories of graphics cards is their function. Desktop GPUs are typically used for gaming, video/photo editing, and streaming, while workstation GPUs are used to run high-level professional programs such as 3D modeling and creating and manipulating computer graphics images.

RAM

Random access memory or desktop memory helps speed up processes by storing system information about current requests and subsequent functions. As game and application software become more sophisticated, more memory is needed for desktop computers to deliver quality gameplay. Software like Adobe Premiere requires at least 8GB of memory, and the latest games require a minimum of 2GB-8GB of RAM. If you use programs like Microsoft Office, 2 GB is enough.

After DDR3, the current standard today is DDR4. Desktop memory speed, similar to CPU clock speed, is measured in megahertz (MHz). Systems with RAM ECC (error correction) are the right choice if you are interested in serious reliability. If you use older programs and games or just want to have fun on social media, DDR3 is a better option, but the memory you install is directly related to the capabilities and compatibility of the motherboard.

The more RAM and the more storage space – especially fast SSD storage, the better. But if you have to choose between RAM or storage, go for RAM. You can always store data on external media or in the cloud, but more RAM will make any computer more efficient. If you see Optane Memory in your computer's specs, it's not RAM, but non-volatile memory used in fast SSDs or for "smart system acceleration"—for example, speeding up data access on old hard disk drives (HDDs).

Storage

The primary storage is hard disk drives (HDD) and the newer format, internal SSD drives. To store collections of media files such as movies, music, photos, important documents, etc., use a large capacity HDD. To accommodate operating system (OS) and core programs, use a small to medium SSD (120GB-240GB). This common, useful configuration includes both SSD and HDD in one system, although HDD-only or SSD-only variants are also available, depending on needs.

Internal storage devices also have alternatives. Like any computer, desktops come with multiple ports that provide many advanced capabilities, including external storage.

USB

These universal ports power most connected devices. Desktop USB slots can power printers, external hard drives, keyboards, mice and webcams – anything from almost any brand.

Of course, many manufacturers still provide a driver CD. If you are using the latest operating system like Windows 10 or macOS Mojave, you can plug in the USB drive and the computer system will find and install the best driver for the job.

Desktops come standard with USB 3.1 and USB 2.0 Type-A ports (the larger rectangular shape of the slot), providing ultimate compatibility for use with both newer and older peripherals.

Headphones, microphone and camera

If you are using wired headphones or headphones with microphones, their 8mm jacks are located on the front and/or back. They are marked with a microphone icon (audio input/microphone) and a headphone icon (audio output/headphone jack).

There is a huge variety of webcams available, from the simplest to high-quality video capture tools. Their choice depends on the processor and graphics card. If you're using a system built within the last five years, you can simply plug the new video device into your computer's USB port.

Video output (VGA, DVI, HDMI and DP)

On the back of the desktop computer case are standard video connections: VGA, DVI, HDMI and DisplayPort (DP). VGA is an older version and may have problems converting the analog signal to digital, but DVI, HDMI, and DisplayPort usually connect to ports on the back or side panel of a TV or monitor. For gaming use, both HDMI and DisplayPort have their advantages, and the choice depends on the graphics card, monitor, and other aspects of the configuration.

When connecting a display to a desktop computer, it is important whether you have a dedicated graphics card or the integrated graphics card in the processor. Knowing this, you decide whether you should plug into the motherboard (the larger panel that usually stands vertically) or the graphics card (the horizontal panel that just has the aforementioned video ports).

Networking

All computers - laptop or desktop - must deliver Wi-Fi for wireless local area network (WLAN) and Bluetooth for wireless personal area network (WPAN). The latest standard 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) is supported by higher-end devices, but 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) is still widely used. Look for Bluetooth 5 and Bluetooth LE (Low Energy), preferably over older versions. Mobile broadband – over 4G LTE and eventually 5G is available on some high-end laptops.

The variety of computer cable connections varies greatly depending on budget. Look for USB-C with Thunderbolt 3 support, as it's the most versatile single connection and capable of handling data. USB-C is often accompanied by previous-generation USB 3.0 ports, while video connections include HDMI, DisplayPort, and even legacy VGA on some systems. Ethernet (RJ-45) for a wired network connection is available on most desktop computers and some laptops.

Unless it's an all-in-one desktop PC, the majority of pre-built desktop systems don't come with integrated WiFi connectivity. Adding a WiFi card is easy. It is a separate question whether you should still not trust the Internet via cable - usually the connection is much better.

Ethernet / RJ45

Using the RJ45 port (known as Ethernet) is the fastest and most reliable way to connect to the Internet. If you have a router or range extender with an Ethernet port, plug both ends of an Ethernet cable from the network device to the back of the desktop computer. Wired internet speed can depend on the category (e.g. Cat 5 vs Cat 6) as well as the physical length of the cable (shorter = faster).

Monitor

Monitors are the standard video output source for desktop computers. Whether you're gaming, doing graphic design, or needing multiple monitors to complete a complex visual project, you should keep in mind that not all monitors are created equal. Generally speaking, high-end gaming requires a monitor with a high refresh rate (eg 240 Hz) and a low response time (1 ms). Graphic designers need a monitor that shoots with the 99% sRGB value for color reproduction.

Upgrade

If you want to minimize the hassle of procuring, managing and upgrading your PC configuration, it's worth considering the PC-as-aa-service (PCaaS) model alongside the wider Device-as-a-Service (DaaS) offerings. . It is available from tier one PC vendors such as Dell, HP and Lenovo and others such as Microsoft and third parties. PCaaS / DaaS allows businesses to choose the PCs and devices they need and upgrade them later. PCaaS / DaaS has many advantages, including minimal upfront costs and a single point of contact for the IT team.

Desktop as a Service and VDI

Desktop as a Service is often confused with Appliance as they share the same acronym – DaaS. Desktop as a Service delivers user desktops – typically Windows and/or Linux – from the cloud to end-user devices over an Internet connection. It's essentially a cloud version of traditional virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI), where desktops are hosted by on-premises server infrastructure. Leading vendors are VMware (Horizon Cloud), Amazon (DaaS on AWS), Microsoft (Windows Virtual Desktop on Azure) and Citrix (Citrix Managed Desktops)

Pishtov to remind

We summarize briefly the combination of numbers and letters to follow while choosing a configuration. Something like a rant with the essentials and just in case:

And you know - the team of Geletron it remains with you to choose the best.