Building a computer?

[xtremsabu]

Yes someone wants me to build comp for them. They are using it for a business what would you suggest.This is what i came up with.
I was thinking of getting one of those mobo with sound and video on board since there not really using it for games. But i not really sure. They said the price range is not problem but i don't want to build a computer that i want because i would go crazy. I was thinking of suggestion them to buy a gateway computer since price is no problem. But i want some cash and gain more expereince build computers. I rather build it because they would save more cash. I'm try to build a comp that is good enough but not expensive.

here what i was planning to put in it

abit bh6
celeron 333 slot 1
64 sdram
banshee 16 agp
8 gig or 10 hd
sound blaster live value
40x speed cd rom

trying to keep it around 600 to 700 range maybe even lower if i go with video and sound on board. Since the would only need big hd and speed for business stuff. If you have any suggestion please post them i would greatly appreciate it.

[jayzad]

What about software.
I take it they already have all they need.
Can they use what they have on that mach.
with the old lisc.???
If not $$$$$$$
That to me is where the cost could be.


OS system $100 to 150
Office suite big bucks
Good luck http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

[xtremsabu]

They got no machine that was the one i was planning to build. Software yeah the need that but no worry about that Its not my money

[Nathan]

Business computers can be totally different than a system for a home. There are many questions that need to be asked before you start getting quotes for them. I understand the need and your want to make money. But make sure you know EXACTLY what they want to use it for now and in the very near future.

1. Are they using it for graphics? If so, what programs are they using and how big can the file sizes get?

2. Are they going to be using a scanner? What kind? Will they be scanning color images? Inserting them into documents?

3. How often do they upgrade?

4. Will it be on a network? If so, what kind?

5. Will there be internet access with it?

6. How are they going to protect their data? Zip drive, external or internal tape, on a network server?

7. What kind of expansion are they planning in the next 12 to 24 months?

8. Do you know enough about windows, networking, hardware, etc. to be able to fix it on the spot for them when something goes down?

9. I would stay away from onboard video and sound because it will make it easier to upgrade in the future.


And that's for starters. I ask alot of questions when selling systems to a business because there is so much more involved. Their data is the most important part of their business, regardless of whether they realize it or not. And it MUST be approached that way. If they lose that data, then they have very big problems.

When you approach this sale with the above mentioned questions and more, it may scare them at first, but once they think about it, and you come through on the machine and on service, you will have a good customer for a long time. Be careful with it.

I'm going to be out of town for a few days. So I won't be able answer you back when you post your reply.

Best of luck to you!

[This message has been edited by Nathan (edited 06-27-99).]

[Ed_S]

Listen to Nathan, he knows what he's talking about.
If your answer to his question #8 is not a confident YES!, rethink this project carefully.


Stop beng concerned about the price, for a business machine reliability is the key factor. Thay may not think so as you say this is their first machine, but once they're depending on it they'll feel different. Use rock-solid components with good reputations.

[xtremsabu]

they decide to get a gateway

[philipg]

Believe it or not They made an excellent choice because of my expiriences with trying to make a buck and finding out that I was also responsible for all repairs done to it. Except for manufacture warrenty. Don't get in the middle of being the repair guy if your not sure of your way around each app your installing for them. You may find out latter that what they want and what you can provide maybe out of your league/knowledge. In which case you maybe liable for the replacement at your own pocket expense.

In most states the middleman is liable for all repairs, upgrades, downtime(loss of production) out of his/her own pocket. And further more they can turn around and sue you for misrepresentation of being a tech when you only have limited knowledge.

This is not to downplay anyone but to warn you don't build a business PC unless you really know what your doing and make sure you get in writing who is responsible for all repairs incase something seriously goes wrong. like everyone else said DATA is power if they loose it YOUR DEAD.

[Nathan]

Some very interesting comments. I'm a computer consultant (fancy name for an independent contractor isn't it? Actually I hate it.). One thing that we MUST remember is stop selling on price. If they want a cheap system on price, then go to Best Buy, Sears, or what we call the Cow Store (Gateway, tho they are better than some of the others?), etc. Now before you Gateway people start getting upset at what I said, try upgrading your system. And see how far you get before you find out that your model won't except that video card or this type of sound card. Have the average users, not tech person mind you, put a flat bed scanner (say 1200 X 1200), digital camera, color laser jet, sound card with gold connectors for editing video, setup and ISDN or equilavent for internet access, on that system. Then see what happens. I know some people will write and say I have all that on my system right now. Well, I know most can't make it work.

Now if you want a system designed completely around the business users needs, then that's where you come in.

Let's take for example a major corporation. What would you think is their main concern is when they choose the company they buy their systems from? Huh? Any guesses?

1. Price? Nope.

2. Quality of components? Nope.

3. Delivery scheduling? Nope.

What they are concerned about is compatiablity with their network(s), service, and being wined and dined. Once you have gotten that far with them and they like what you are offering them, all then you have to do is agree to a decent price. Interesting isn't it?

There's more to it then that, but the bottom line is learn to service what is out there. Once you provide good service and you have someone helping you as you are learning, you'll be in a far better shape to offer specialized design and service that they need. And believe me, when it comes time for them to buy a new system, they will look you up because of what?... your service. You are there are their place of business, not them. So be patient.

Sorry for the length. I guess I got carried away a little.

[justinc]

This is excellent stuff, I'm impressed. I particularily liked the wining and dining bit, how true. But to get to my subject; being as I am, the wrong side of 40, albeit brilliant, a semi-techie AND English, how does one acquire the know-how to even start making systems? I realise that people pay for knowledge, it's where to get the knowledge? I've only been into this about a year, but the stuff changes so fast it's hard to keep up. Any ideas?

[xtremsabu]

I just learned by messing with computers i don't know really how i learned it. Came sort of naturally. Its not that hard sort of like read instructions to something you got to know where to put what and if something goes wrong have an idea of what the problem is. Also i use the internet allot read things about computers and such it helps allot. The internet/books is the tool to knowledge but you must know where to look.

[Susan]

This is an interesting topic...

The best book to read from front to back is QUE's Upgrading and Repairing PC's. The second best in my opinion is Barron's Dictionary of Computer and Internet Terms.

And hit the BBS's. There are so many personal experiences out there, it's mind boggling! You cannot find these experiences in any book.

[Comtech]

The world's largest resource on computers is right here, on your computer. With an internet connection you can peruse any library, read almost any technical manual, and the single most impressive technical resource?...BBSs like this one!
Support as many as you can (depending on time constraints), one could conceiveably spend 24 hours a day on BBSs, and never stop reading or learning.

[Nathan]

In my opinion, it really depends on how one learns stuff. Some do it by video or books or CBT's, etc. I think one of the best and quickest ways to learn is basically hands on. There is nothing like learning how to install a motherboard, set jumpers, connecting some hard drives, CD's, etc. And it's best to do it with someone who knows how to do it.

It's a long road to go down, but it's worth it if you REALLY want to learn computers.