Reply:
In some ways this is like the question "What is the best computer to buy?" The answer is going to be different for almost everyone almost every time.
If any of these apply:
 | you need a highly reliable system for your home office or small business application |
| you want two or more machines to work together in a local area network |
| you want to share devices such as an office printer |
| you are concerned with data backup and recovery |
| you want a machine for interactive graphics manipulations |
| you want a machine for fast-paced gaming applications |
If one or more of these is true, you may be a candidate for a custom designed and assembled workstation. I seldom recommend mass produced "top of the line" computers. The mass producers don't sell enough of these to be cost effective. This market belongs to "custom" assemblers.
Here is an outline of the process I go through when someone engages me to recommend a custom system.
| Interview the client to determine intended use, environment (vibration, dust, heat, power, air conditioning). |
| List all operating systems, applications, games, processes to be installed. |
| List all peripherals, I/O devices (printers, scanners, faxes, etc.) |
| Identify security threats and determine security needs. |
| Determine data storage needs. |
| Determine data backup/retrieval needs. |
| Prepare a diagram of the local area network and Internet connectivity. |
With this information well defined and agreed to by the client, I start an internet search of the various chassis, motherboard and CPU manufacturers. Sometimes, I find a "barebones" system that can be the foundation of a good proposal. Sometimes I need to build something from the motherboard and CPU up. I always recommend components from established, recognized manufacturers. They have better prospects for long term support such as updates to drivers.
Revised: 20 June 2007