Computers and Servers
There are a lot of options when it comes to buying computers for your business.
You can go down to the local office supply or discount store and get something off the shelf. You can get a computer that is custom-built from the motherboard up. Or, you can get a name-brand customized system direct from the manufacturer, or from a reputable reseller.
Clocktower offers Dell, Acer, and Proteon PCs and servers.
Dell is probably the most well known PC manufacturer in the U.S.. They build high-quality systems and have very good support.
Acer is not as well known because they only sell through distributors. Acer is actually a very large computer manufacturer who's PCs are designed for business. Because they don't advertise or sell retail, their systems are usually less expensive than Dell and every bit as good.
Proteon is a private brand, built with reliable Intel and Aopen components. Support for these systems is extremely good, because the manufacturer is local.
Here is a comparison of the different PC sources and the good and bad points of each:
| Source |
Price |
Support |
Reliability |
Appropriateness to Task |
| Off-the-shelf |
Sometimes less expensive |
Retail stores usually won't support their computers, forcing you to send it back to the manufacturer. |
Depends on the brand. Potentially very unreliable. |
Most retail stores sell PCs targeted to the home. This means that they come loaded with a home edition operating system that is less useful on a network than the professional version. Most of these computers come pre-loaded with entertainment software that is unnecessary, uses resources and may contain spyware. |
| Custom-built |
Custom-built computers are generally more expensive than others because the person or company who assembles them does not have access to discounted hardware prices as do the large computer manufacturers. |
Custom computer builders will usually support their products, but they may not be always available when you need them. Additionally, their expertise is in building computers, so their support will usually cause major downtime as they swap out components. Since the systems are built with components from different overseas manufacturers, their options for second-level support are generally limited. |
A well-built custom PC is generally reliable, however the components in a PC must be able to work together. No PC builder can test every possible combination of components, so incompatibilites may exist in a PC that uses even the best components. To be competitive on price, some builders use cheaper components. This tactic seriously hurts the reliability of many custom-built systems. |
Generally, a custom-built system will be targeted directly to your requirements. |
| Customized Name-brand |
Customized Name-brand systems are generally less expensive than completely custom systems and can be more expensive than an off-the-shelf PC. |
A name-brand computer will be supported by the reseller or alternatively by the manufacturer. This two-tier support model allows you to get the best support for your particular need. |
Name-brand PCs use "matched" components--parts that have been tested and are known to work well with one another. Therefore, they are highly reliable. |
Name-brand systems offer the ability to make custom changes to certain pre-configured models. This means that a system can be customized to meet your specific need, it will have a business class operating system, and it will not be loaded down with "junk" programs. |
Because of our reseller relationships, not only can we supply the skill to keep your systems running, we can supply top-notch, hassle free systems built specifically to your needs.
Clocktower Technology Services, Inc. | 508-541-6143
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