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Form factor - We like the small desktop form-factor machines that have proliferated over the past few years. To us, the days of the big-box tower are over. Who needs six drive bays at their desk anymore? Small systems take less desk space and save on unused components, which lowers costs. We see no downside for most buyers.
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Manageability - These PCs are manageable from a central help desk/network-operating centre. Consumer-grade PCs are not particularly manageable. Moreover, by focusing on business computers, features such as disk image management are included.
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Processor - Our judgment is that a 2.0 GHz Pentium 4 is the minimum processor for a purchase today. We consider an AMD Athlon 2000+ as functionally equivalent for business applications. Yes, you can save a few pounds by buying a Celeron. Our argument for a 2.0 GHz or better processor is based on lab experiences with Windows XP Pro with Service Pack 1 and standard Office, Internet, and collaboration applications. Looking forward over the next three to four years, we see a proliferation of Web services that will sap the capacity of less powerful machines.
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Operating system - Windows XP Professional is the only reasonable long-term choice. Windows 2000 works well, and we use it throughout. However, Windows 2000 is halfway through its service life, according to Microsoft. Therefore, a PC purchased today with Windows 2000 will run out of Microsoft support during the machine's 3-4 year service life. Though we do not have many qualms about running a machine beyond its OS service life, many large enterprises with custom applications will just not be able to take that risk. Linux is not ready for mass deployment on corporate, "fat client" desktops.
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Memory - Although Windows XP Pro will run in 128 MB of RAM, users will see many page faults in a typical multi-window scenario. We would opt for 256 MB of memory for Windows XP. Our tests show at least a 10% improvement in XP throughput with 256 MB compared with 128 MB. With Windows 2000, 128 MB will work somewhat better, but we'd still spend the extra £30 or £40 for 128MB more memory.
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Hard disk drive - The key to business desktop drives is speed, not size. Our standard is 7,200 RPM. Higher speed gets the data to the starving processor faster. 40 GB is common, but 20 GB of local storage will suit many users just fine.
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Optical/Magnetic - A CD-ROM used for loading software is all we can justify. A CD-RW can be a security problem, but we think one CD-RW per department can have many valid uses. A floppy drive is optional today. If you delete it, you'll probably never miss it.
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Monitor - A 17-inch CRT monitor will suit most users, however, a 15-inch LCD flat panel is the equivalent of a 16-inch CRT, so it's a viable option. A flat panel CRT is more restful on the eyes than the lowest-cost monitors available from the PC suppliers. LCD flat panels will overtake CRTs in 2003 - that's the clear trend.
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Communications - 10/100 Ethernet is the corporate standard. All our comparison machines include 10/100 Ethernet on the motherboard. Our standard business PC includes no modem, as WAN access to the Internet is commonplace.
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Warranty - Our standard is a one-year parts and labour warranty.
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Productivity Software - Small and medium businesses of up to 500 employees will get the lowest prices by standardizing on Microsoft Office Small Business Edition, at an imputed price of roughly £150 per seat. Buy Office XP Pro for those users who will actually use Access and PowerPoint. We also recommend an anti-virus desktop solution as a must-have. However, even small businesses are now deploying server-based virus protection solutions, so a desktop-only solution is not the only one.