Computers - aaaargh!

[Paul Edden]

Question for the techies out there:

My office has several Dell Optiplex desk tops - which are getting a little long in the tooth and are becoming quite slow. We do not need anything fancy - just the usual MS stuff (Word, Excel etc) and the usual email stuff - plus we run some proprietary software which is basically a nice front end for the user, and a dumb database in the background. Hence, I am restricted to Windows XP Professional due to this.

All PC's (6 in total) are networked via a very simple CAT5e structure to a hub which has the server, the internet and printers attached.

Question is:

1: What should I be thinking of replacing them with?

2: I really only want to replace the "towers" - is the possible?

3: Anyone want to visit my office on a consultancy fee to sort it out? In Stoke on Trent.

I thought the care sector was simple!

Cheers

Paul.

[ACW]

I'd refresh the base units with something newer and faster then migrate the machines over.

[SteveD]

yes

[Blatman]

www.europc.co.uk

Dell Optiplex 620 (bit old) or 720 or whatever the newer model number is.

Windows 7 Pro (that's Pro mind...) has XP mode which should run your database functionality.

I'd bet ACW would have some ideas though

ETA...

Yes he has...

[Meakin]

Hi Paul, you say you're restricted to windows xp. However if you install windows 7/8 you can set programs to run in compatibility mode. I have found that vast majority of times this wasn't even necessary the program simply ran in windows 7. It was just the software houses didn't like to say 'cos they were unsure.

We installed windows 7 on some very laggy windows xp machines and they just flew with no extra hardware required.

before spending "flippin great wadges" of cash on new hardware it may be worth just setting one machine aside, installing windows 7/8 and giving it a go.

Hope that helps

Paul

edited say that blatman beat me by a minute must type faster!!

[Paul Edden]

Numpty alert!

You are assuming I know what the hell to do here. My computer skills are only rivalled by my ability to not drive a westie with a sequential gearbox without causing it actual bodily harm.

I am really good with gloves, hand gel and little old ladies - thats about it really.

[Paul Edden]

I'd refresh the base units with something newer and faster then migrate the machines over.

Good call - what base units though??

[SteveD]

yes

[SteveD]

you can use the gel on me wuv , yes

[Mid life crisis]

I have some Dell Precision Tower 490's in stock running twin Xenon 2.6 processors with either 4 or 8 GB of Ram if they would be of any use. To utilise the 8GB machines you will need to be using 64bit XP Pro though

Cost wise for half a dozen delivered to Stoke, better than £1500 for the bunch plus the vat man

:)

Do I have to pay £120 quid now :p

[ACW]

No I think speed series sponsor would be far more appropriate :p

[Norman Verona]

Paul, Not wanting to step on anyone's toes but I've asked my office to look at what we can get 6 machines for. So you understand we supply our customers all hardware at true cost (we make no margin at all). However they do pay us in the region of £70 per user per month to use our system.

[Mid life crisis]

No I think speed series sponsor would be far more appropriate :p

:d :d

[Paul Edden]

I have some Dell Precision Tower 490's in stock running twin Xenon 2.6 processors with either 4 or 8 GB of Ram if they would be of any use. To utilise the 8GB machines you will need to be using 64bit XP Pro though

Cost wise for half a dozen delivered to Stoke, better than £1500 for the bunch plus the vat man

:)

Do I have to pay £120 quid now :p

Hi Stephen,

Lets talk old boy!

Will call you later.

You will have to pay your £120 now!!!!!

[Mid life crisis]

No call today Paul, guess you must have been busy

PM me your telephone number and I will give you a call tomorrow

Will you please let me know who I need to contact re a copy of the clubs contract and T's and C's, and who to send the purchase order to for the £120.00, as you know my company is a consultancy, how cheap is that to enable us to promote all of our clients products and special offers to the membership without the need for Bulk Buy Approval

Possibly pick up some new clients who may wish to participate

:)