New computers for the office

Well the dells we had since 2002 are taking a dump.......what we use the computers for are internet, accounting software, POS, Excel, and other bussiness related sofware. Im going to buy and build them to save the family money. I need all of them to network which I kinda know how to do. I have built all my gaming rigs so my question is what the hell to buy. Are mother boards for gaming that much different.

Another question is the 2 severs I use are SEVER 2003. What operating system should I use, Vista windows 7, and will they be compatible or should I upgrade. I know I can build the system not sure I can make everything work corectly. I need some input anything helps!

I would do everything in my power to stay away from Vista. Perhaps wait a month or so for Win 7 to make it's splash?

I agree with trying to skip Vista if you can. My company invested a ton of money and time with MS to get it to work in our 90K+ computer environment.

Based on costs, building your own PC's is not cost effective anymore. I'd stick with a standard, off-the-shelf HP desktops.

The 385 series of HP servers are pretty good and you may want to go with Server 2007 especially if you're looking at ever putting exchange on to them.

Create a base image with all of your software installed and configured and then just run sysprep and clone them using something like Ghost. Keep your support costs low by maintain your image (thus making disaster/recovery nothing more than a quick re-image). Don't allow users to store work on the PC... force the use of shared drives.

If licensing of software is an issue, create custom built install bundles for quick deployment using something like WinInstall or Ghost AI Builder.

Wow nuts that helps alot thanks and Happy Birthday

I love VISTA-64, never had a single issue with it. That being said, it makes no sense NOT to go with Windows 7 when it's released.

You can buy some decent Dell PCs for business like the Vostro for like $600 depending on just 'how much' you need. I'm actually looking at the Vostro All-In-One as replacements on our teller lines.

I agree with Nuts and Hy. We've had units try to save a few pennies by going the homebuilt route. Every time, they've burned through the money they saved and then some in maintenance and repair costs. You're not just buying a computer from the big manufacturers, you're buying access to their warranty and tech support departments too.

And Windows 7 is awesome, although I've never had a problem with Vista, either.

Before you choose an OS, TEST TEST TEST. Set up one system and verify that all of your needed applications will work on the OS you install. You will also want to make sure that your users wont need training on the new OS (honestly though, with a few changes you can make both Vista and 07 run ALMOST like XP). Never be afraid to go with an old faithful. How many computers are in the office? Is the company a non profit?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Azmodious

You will also want to make sure that your users wont need training on the new OS

---

In my case, this is irrelevant... our employees won't know how to use it properly regardless of the OS. ;)