Setting Up a Basic IT System

7. Setting a Budget

7.1 One of the first things is to budget for a PC.

• From around £500 plus VAT you should be able to buy a machine sufficient for basic office applications such as word processing, simple accounts, sending email and surfing the Internet.
• From around £800 plus VAT a system will handle all the above and be more powerful, as well as having more extensive sound, graphics and storage capabilities. For example, this could be used for web and print design, or for stock-control systems that juggle large amounts of data.
• From around £1,000 plus VAT, you should get closer to the cutting-edge - high-speed processors, lots of memory and advanced graphics. The high-end machines are only necessary for businesses that depend upon processing speed, for example, printing or music production.

7.2 Dedicated servers cost from £1,000.

• If your server use is light, a standard desktop PC could be used as a server.
• For workgroups above six people, a dedicated server is desirable.

7.3 Additional costs to consider include:

• Software.
• Running and maintenance, and any warranties. This may add significantly to initial costs. Check the level of support you get and if there are any hidden charges.
• Training, for you and your staff.
• Cabling and other network costs, if required.
• Internet access fees.