SMB Technology
Keep your computer hardware up-to-date
by Andrew Newton Brown
Hardware updates to your computer can mean the difference between higher and lower productivity. Technology is changing all the time and some software requires a more powerful computer to be able to run it. That’s where a hardware upgrade is important.
Hardware is the components that make up your computer, from the CD driver to the screen to the motherboard. The motherboard holds vital components for computer and slots for other hardware. It’s important that the parts are well maintained to ensure your computer runs smoothly. A computer that is always freezing or causing other problems can be the source of much annoyance and reduce productivity.
1. Make the changes gradually
It’s impractical, let alone expensive, to be upgrading your hardware all the time, so it may be more economical to make changes gradually. You also need to ask whether it would be cheaper to buy a new computer or upgrade some of the hardware instead. Consider speaking with a computer technician who can help you with your computer needs.
It’s also important to keep the drivers on your hardware up-to-date. This ensures the drivers are running properly and that bugs that will slow down its operation are removed. Failing to do so may result in productivity loss.
2. Shop around for computer parts
When buying new hardware, it pays to shop around. It’s possible to find significant savings for some products at certain stores or by buying online.
If your business has a number of staff, standardising computers in the business could be beneficial. According to Peter Switzer, founder of Switzer Financial Services, businesses that settle on one configuration for desktops and laptops can save on maintenance bills in the long run. It can also reduce compatibility issues, for example, between a computer with a Windows operating system and a Mac operating system.
Keep in mind, however, it could also be useful to have at least one of each type of computer in the office just in case you receive a file from a client that can only be read on one or the other machine.
3. Is your smart phone safe?
Another piece of hardware people in business need to keep up-to-date is their mobile phone, particularly smart phones. The company the phone belongs to or the service provider normally supplies updates for the phones. Keeping it up-to-date will ensure it is running properly and any security flaws are dealt with.
4. Tips for ensuring hardware performs properly
- Shop around when upgrading hardware. Prices can vary significantly between stores and online.
- Consider speaking with a professional who can help with the computer needs of your business.
- Standardise your computers to avoid compatibility issues in the office.
- Keep all your computers and smart phones up-to-date. This will reduce problems with bugs and amend security issues.
So, if you’re looking to work on your business rather than being stuck in it, book in for a complimentary business assessment today with Switzer Business Coaching.
Important information: This content has been prepared without taking account of the objectives, financial situation or needs of any particular individual. It does not constitute formal advice. For this reason, any individual should, before acting, consider the appropriateness of the information, having regard to the individual’s objectives, financial situation and needs and, if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice.
Published on: Thursday, September 16, 2010
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