Friday afternoon I received a call from one of my Richmond, NH customers requesting my help setting up her home-office network. I completed the job in record time and started my descent back to civilization to make my 8:00PM reservations. On my trek through back roads I started processing all the jobs I’ve done over the years and why each seems to be easier than the last.
During dinner that evening my date asked about the work I do and I told her I setup people’s computers and make them do what they’re supposed. It wasn’t until she asked for more detail that I really stopped and thought a bit more. “What it really boils down to,” I told her, “is that computers don’t do anything until they’re setup.”
My Richmond customer is a veterinarian who travels throughout the area performing mobile services. Her office is powered by satellite internet and her software is specifically tailored for her profession. The publisher of the software creates a complete suite designed to synchronize data when both computers are within proximity.
Computers, by themselves, would simply not store the specific data or perform any function without software and networking. If one of the three variables were missing the system wouldn’t function. In other words, the software requires a specific network to function correctly. Additionally, the software also has very specific hardware requirements.
Not all software is as specific as the package I setup Friday night. About six months ago I revamped a medical doctor’s office. The doctor purchased the software package and I designed the computer system for future expansion. To my astonishment, the technical support person suggested just about any computer would be adequate. In addition, there were zero network requirements.
QuickBooks is probably the most popular piece of software I deal with in small businesses. Setting up QuickBooks on a network is also the easiest job. Installation on each machine is done via wizard and is a snap. No matter, the computer does nothing until QuickBooks is setup on properly configured computers and a network.
In the days of beige computers (early to mid 90’s), most network based software applications had to be done through a server. Servers were setup with software and databases that terminals or other computers accessed remotely. Servicing servers required a specialized (and highly paid) technician who understood the specifics of that particular device and application.
Today, most specialized software can be installed on systems with very basic requirements. Windows 7 Professional can handle up to 20 concurrent connections, meaning offices with less than 20 computers can use Windows 7 Professional (please don’t consider 8 an option) for all their needs. Standard networking equipment can be used because most offices don’t need redundant connections inside the office.
Dedicated database software usually uses SQL as a backbone which will run on most Microsoft platforms. I started noticing SQL taking the place of others over the past five years and it’s at the point now where I rarely see other databases. The beautiful part of SQL is how fundamentally basic its system requirements are. Unless there’s a ton of data the hardware doesn’t have to be lightning fast.
Making a decision as to what software package is necessary for your business is up to you. Taking it to the next level and integrating the software with hardware and networks may be best suited for a computer specialist. Under sizing a system will reduce productivity throughout the office. Lucky for my Saturday date, she didn’t ask about my work or I would have bored another woman to tears.
(Jeromy Patriquin is the President of Laptop & Computer Repair, Inc. located at 509 Main St. in Gardner. You can text him directly at (978) 413-2840 or visit www.LocalComputerWiz.com.)