New PCs Help!

[yzzil100]

Hi

I work in a nursery school and we need new computers!! i have been tasked with doing a bit of research into what is available etc but i really have no idea of what im looking for or need in terms of specs..... we need 6 computers, 2 for the classrooms and 4 for our computer room, 1 of which will be connected to interactive whiteboard. we have lots of cd games installed, we use the internet, you tube etc and we do lots of work in word, publisher etc....what pc's do you have?? any recommendations of where to buy from??

thanks liz

[Steve]

Hi Liz -

Do you want to be able to move them? (laptop or desktop)

In terms of hardware the tasks you'll be wanting to do (internet connection, video playing etc) don't require particularly high specs. Because you want to use Publisher you'll need to consider either buying some MS Office licenses, or trying to buy the licenses as part of your PC purchase which can make the cost of MS Office cheaper. You also need to check that Publisher, Word and any other MS software you'd like to use are included in the type of MS Office you are being offered.

For myself, I prefer Windows 7 to Windows 8, and you can still buy PCs with Windows 7 installed. This is something you would need to decide yourself, however.

Do you need them to be networked together or are they all stand alone?

All these are questions it would be good to consider before you worry about individual suppliers/brands, which are really the last thing to think about. :1b

[LKeyteach]

I can't add anything technical to what Steve has already said, he knows a thing or two about computers!

But just thought I'd let you know that I have two PC's for children's use. One was donated by a parent. That has windows 8 which I would avoid if you can. Sorry I do not have the brand names.

Have bought laptop and desktop for the office, I found John Lewis helpful for advice for these devices, but you probably have higher usage.

I have heard that banks are offering free advice to community organisations as they are trying to put a positive image to the public they may have some IT wiz who may be able to give advice. As long as you don't ask for money to buy them with!

[yzzil100]

thanks for replies. yes they would all need to be networked as we have shared drives and others.

i wasn't sure can you go through normal stores i.e currys or are there specialist suppliers for school who will do installations etc???

thanks liz

[Steve]

There are certainly suppliers who would be happy to help you out Liz, and honestly, if you're setting something of that complexity up (shared drives, networked together et) I would say you really need to get an ICT supplier involved.

There are likely to be plenty of suppliers local to you, if you do a quick google. Or almost certainly you could contact Dell, RM or one of the other big PC names and they should have an educational service.

It's probably an idea to get a number of quotes and see who you feel most comfortable with. But I wouldn't be trying to put a network of that sort together with no experience.