Software Standards |
QuickBooks
Pro 2007/ (Financial) |
http://www.quicken.com/quickbooks/ |
ParishSoft
(Census, Religious Education) |
http://www.parishsoft.com |
Windows
XP/ 2000 |
http://www.microsoft.com |
Microsoft
Office 2000/ XP/ 200x |
http://www.microsoft.com/office/ |
Recommended Hardware Comparison Chart
The prices and systems presented
here are approximate, and for comparison only.
Prices on systems and components fluctuate daily. |
Good Computer |
Better Computer |
Best Computer |
2.8
Ghz GHz Pentium 4
512
MB RAM
Stereo
Sound
256
MB Graphics Card
120
GB Hard Drive, 7200
Mouse/Keyboard
Windows-XP
Home
CDRW
drive / DVD drive
56K
V.90 Modem
Network
Card
17"
Flat Panel Monitor
5
watt speakers |
3.2 GHz Pentium
512MB
RAM
PCI
Sound Card 3D
256MB
Graphics Card
160
GB Hard Drive, 7200
Mouse/Keyboard
Windows-XP
Pro
CDRW
/ DVD RW
56K
V.90 Modem
Network Card
17"
Flat Panel Monitor
amplified
speakers |
3.4 GHz Pentium 4
1024MB RAM
PCI Sound Card 128
256 MB Graphics
160 GB Hard Drive, 7200
Mouse/Keyboard
Windows-XP Pro
CDRW
/ DVD RW
56K
V.90 Modem
Network Card
17"
Flat Panel Monitor
amplified
speakers |
$ 600 |
$ 800 |
$ 1,200 |
How Cheap Can You Find?
You may see computers for very low prices from time to time.
Sometimes as low at $300! While these computers may be a good choice
for a student or a home computer, we do NOT recommend them as a primary
business machine. They are generally not able to last for the 4-5 years
that you are likely to want to keep your computer.
We would be happy to discuss any quote or offer that you come across and
point out any cost savings, or hidden long term (e.g. replacement) costs you
may be facing.
Additional Common Items:
$ 35 |
Anti-Virus
Software ( Updated weekly, and Renewed every 1-2 years) |
20 |
Surge
Suppressor (protects computer from electrical problems) |
10 |
Wrist
rest pad |
25 |
Flash
Drive |
100 |
MS-Office CD-ROM
(Word, Excel, Access, etc.) |
140 |
QuickBooks
Pro |
80 |
Uninterruptible Power Supply |
Printers:
$ 200 |
HP
1022 Laser Printer (small offices) |
330 |
HP
1160 Laser Printer (standard) |
400 |
HP
2600N |
700 |
HP
3600 Color Laser printer (network ready) |
1,00 |
HP
3800 Color Laser Printer (large, multi-user) |
Note: Many of the new computers no longer have a parallel
printer port (the wide connector). Instead, they use the USB connections. If you buy a new computer, your old printer MAY not be able to connect
to the computer without an adaptor (about $12).
Your total
system cost, (including the printer, software, etc.) begins at about $1,000,
even with a very inexpensive computer, and can range up to $2,500. Because the price and options can vary significantly,
we offer our expertise at helping you pick a system that will do what you
need it to do, without over or under buying.
Microsoft
Office is a very large suite of programs. It is demanding of system memory and disk space. If you will be using it or using several
programs at once, then we recommend a bare minimum of 128MB. MS-Office will work with less memory, but
will run slower, and be more prone to errors. The more memory, and disk
space, the better.
Effective:
October 2006
Network
Recommendations |
For a small office (2-5 computers) we recommend a peer-to-peer network
based on Windows XP/2000. This network arrangement allows for simple,
inexpensive, and virtually no support/maintenance needed. The functionality
is built into Windows, requires inexpensive RJ-45 phone-type connectors,
and a "hub" for all the stations to plug into. A Network Storage
Device can be added to this arrangement for about $300. This will serve as
a central directory for the network. This device can plug directly in and
requires no administration or overhead after install. While not required,
this would greatly improve efficiency and stability of a networked
database.
A client-server model requires substantially more investment in support,
installation, and administration. It may not be suitable for every
parish. It requires trained and
experienced technical support and can be difficult to administer in a
timely fashion.
Sharing a broadband/ DSL/ or Cable internet connection over a small
network is an EXCELLENT way to bring Internet Access to everyone's
computer. The speed of the cable-modem makes sharing the access
a reasonable solution. The availability of this service varies by region
and cable company. To share an internet connection a device called a
Router/ Switch is required. The cost for the Router/Switch is about $70 |
Any parish with high speed
internet will need to protect itself from Virus programs, and from
offensive material.
A virus can be spread by e-mail,
by documents, and by accident!
Ask us how to protect your
network! |
Networking your existing computers costs approximately
$100 per station plus the cost of physically stringing a network wire
(CAT-5) in your parish. |
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