PC Hardware
All NPO staff should have access to a functioning personal computer capable of running HSC recommended software. Almost all new computers and a great many older computers can meet the hardware requirements set out below. Each guideline has two parts, a specification for existing machines, and one for new purchases. These specifications are a minimum below which computers are too resource constrained to participate in an HSC environment. Computers that fall below the base recommendation should be replaced as soon as possible.
Desktop computers
A PC-compatible desktop computer should have at least the following minimum specifications.
Processor: Pentium III 500 MHz CPU
RAM (memory): 256 MB of RAM
Hard drive (storage): 10 GB hard drive
Network: 10mbs Ethernet network card
Peripherals: functioning CD-ROM and floppy drives
This is the minimum hardware able to effectively run a “modern� operating system and common office productivity software.
New or refurbished computers should have the following minimum specifications.
Processor: Pentium III 1GHz CPU
RAM (memory): 256 MB of RAM
Hard drive (storage): 40 GB hard drive
Network: 100mbs Ethernet network card
Peripherals: functioning CD-ROM and floppy drives
High-end systems should have at least 3 GHz Pentium 4 (or AMD Athlon64) CPU’s, 512 MB RAM, and 80 GB hard drives.
This computer should be attached to a minimum 15� diagonal monitor capable of running at a screen resolution of 1024x768. The monitor should have reasonable sharp focus and should be bright enough to view in bright indoor lighting. All computers should have fully functioning keyboards and pointing devices (mice, trackballs, joysticks, etc.). New monitors should be at least 17� diagonal. Displays and input devices can greatly affect the computer using experience, and individual users may find that different configurations are better suited to their needs. Please see the ergonomics guidelines for more information on this topic.
Macintosh computers should have the following minimum specifications.
Processor: 500 MHz G4 CPU
RAM (memory): 256 MB
Hard drive (storage): 10 GB
Peripherals: functioning CD-ROM drive
This is the minimum hardware to run Macintosh OS X operating system effectively. This spec includes many, but not all, PowerMacs, G4 iMacs, G4 iBooks, and G4 PowerBooks. All modern (iMac and later) Macintosh computers have integrated 100mbs Ethernet interfaces.
New or refurbished Macintosh computers should have at least the following minimum specifications.
Processor: 1 GHz G4 CPU
RAM (memory): 256 MB
Hard drive (storage): 40 GB
Peripherals: functioning CD-ROM drive
Laptop computers
Laptop computers should have specifications similar to the desktop computers listed above, and, though the display may be smaller than a desktop, it should support at a minimum 800x600 screen resolution. Many laptops have built-in Ethernet interfaces. Laptops without network interfaces should have Ethernet PCMCIA cards or USB Ethernet adapters.
New laptop computers should have similar specifications as new desktop computers, with displays capable of 1024x768 resolution and built-in Ethernet interfaces. We do not recommend buying used or refurbished laptop computers. Laptop computers are more fragile than desktop computers, so they tend to have a much shorter operational lifespan.
Laptop computers are appropriate for employees who travel frequently and need to use a computer while traveling. Laptops, due to their small size and mobility, are much harder to secure than desktop computers. Organizations with sensitive and confidential data need to carefully consider if laptop computers are appropriate.
Computer performance
The specifications listed above are appropriate for a basic office computer used for word processing, spreadsheets, data entry, email, and web browsing. Though these computers are capable of doing more advanced functions, heavy users of specialized applications, such as photo editing, graphic design, video editing, database development, heavy database use, accounting and finance, may require computers with significantly more resources than listed in the specification. If your organization makes use of these applications, you will need to determine the appropriate specifications and purchase computers accordingly. Be aware that the hardware requirements listed for many software products can be significantly different (either high or low) than what is practical for everyday use.
Organizations with limited budgets may find that upgrading computer hardware is a practical way to squeeze more productivity out of slower computers. The easiest and most effective way to increase performance is adding additional computer memory (RAM).
Computer purchasing
When purchasing computers, we generally recommend purchasing new computers, if budget allows. Almost all new computers from major makers are more than powerful enough to run HSC recommended operating systems and applications. We generally recommend purchasing from Dell, as they often have the lowest costs and have generally highly rated support. Dell computers are available at a discount to nonprofit organizations through a program sponsored by TechFoundation. http://www.dell.com/epp/techfoundation/
Organizations with limited financial resources may want to consider purchasing refurbished computers from an organization such as Retrobox. Refurbished machines exceeding the minimum spec are available for as low as $150. Just be aware the refurbished machines will most likely need to be replaced / repaired sooner than new computers.
Computer hardware has become increasingly long-lived, as the hardware requirements of most office productivity software have been far exceeded by the ever-faster hardware being produced by the computer manufacturers. The result of this is that a computer’s expected effective lifespan has increased dramatically in the last few years. Presently, a new bottom-end PC should be adequate for most organizations’ needs for the foreseeable future (assuming that MS Longhorn, which is rumored to have significant resource requirements, does not become a “Must Have�). The limit on computer hardware usefulness is no longer its performance, but its reliability. In practical terms, this means how long it continues to operate properly. Computer hardware presently has an operational lifespan of 10 years. This is how long the primary solid-state components; CPU, RAM and chipset, are likely to operate. Some components with moving parts, such as hard drives and power supplies, have a somewhat shorter lifespan, though they are easy and inexpensive to replace when they fail. Laptop computers have a much shorter effective lifespan, as they are both more fragile and subjected to more abuse.