Jump to content

search products

» Contact an HP Canada Sales Representative at 1-866-352-1085
Products & Services
Support & Drivers
Use & Learn

Selecting workstations - determine needs

How to guides
HP recommends Windows Vista™ Business.
buy online from HP
1-877-231-4351
Content starts here
Selecting workstations
» Download a PDF version of this how-to guide (273KB, PDF)
Related links
»  HP Workstation products
» 

Overview

» 

Determine
Needs

» 

Evaluate
Options

» 

Service &
Maintenance

» 

Future
Needs

» 

Product
Information

Workstations provide engineers, programmers, modelers, CAD developers, and other technical staff with the computing power they need to get their work done. They provide computing power and functionality you won't find in even the best desktop system, and are key resources in your computing arsenal. Before you commit one cent of your budget to a new workstation, it pays to do your homework so you can choose the right workstations to fit not only your current needs, but future requirements. To equip your organization well and make the most of your budget, you should look for workstations that:
Provide more than sufficient storage space via internal storage or removable media.
Provide a reasonable level of security with locking mechanisms to prevent unauthorized tampering or access to the internal components, CMOS, POST, and BIOS settings that protect logical devices; also, feature hardware that supports and augments the security features of the operating system and installed software.
Support a wide range of users, including individuals who have visual, audio, or movement restrictions.
Offer improved performance over previous or existing computer systems to boost worker productivity.
Possess the flexibility to expand or adapt as the organization's needs change and users' tasks and workstyles evolve.
In addition to all of these basic requirements, your new workstations need to be as compatible as reasonably possible with your existing IT infrastructure, user training, and processes. While some adjustment to new technologies is unavoidable (change for the better is always good), too much change can introduce more problems than it solves. The ability to leverage the current capabilities of the organization is always an important consideration when upgrading equipment.
This IT guide will equip you with the knowledge you need to make an informed purchase decision about new workstations. Reading it will help you accomplish your goal of providing your business with machines that have the strength your staff needs to get the job done. The sections of the guide include:
•  Determine needs: find out how to best evaluate your staff's needs so you purchase the systems that will benefit them the most.
•  Evaluate options: learn how to evaluate workstation specifications and information to find the right match for your needs.
•  Service & maintenance: choose the a support package that meets your needs and fits your budget.
•  Future needs: identify choices you can make today that will support your company tomorrow.
•  Product information: browse HP's line of workstations.
•  Next: Determine needs

*Internet Price is the base price for online purchases direct from HP Canada. Product currently not sold online may be purchased from a HP authorized retailer. In this case, Internet Price is a suggested resale price. Your retailer may sell for less.


Certain Windows Vista product features require advanced or additional hardware. See www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/getready/hardwarereqs.mspx and www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/getready/capable.mspx for details. Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor can help you determine which features of Windows Vista will run on your computer. To download the tool, visit www.windowsvista.com/upgradeadvisor.