Computer hardware is rapidly advancing in speed, performance, and capability. The variety of computer resources available is mind-boggling. Prices drop frequently in response to new technologies and improving manufacturing processes. It's a confusing world for just about everybody, so don't feel alone if you are uncertain as to the type of system you need to support Web site design. links
While we have everything you need to design and market your Internet presence, we understand and support the desire you may have to maintain your site once we help you get up and running. You probably would like to know what kind of system it will take to accomplish at least the routine Web design tasks you may ask of your staff.
A well-equipped in-house Web maintenance operation should have:
One Computer
Most small businesses that already have computer systems are using PC or Macintosh computers, either as stand-alone or networked systems. Either type of computer is suitable for designing and maintaining Web pages, and both platforms support a wide range of software for these tasks.
You should have a current technology system with at least 1Gig of RAM (with 3Gig being a really good idea for efficiency if you will be handling multiple open applications and large files). Acceptable current technology for either platform normally means a system that costs in the neighborhood of $700 - $1000.00 or more.
This does not mean that your old Pentium 3 is not good enough for the job, only that it will take significantly longer to complete the task. When you look at the additional time an employee using older machine will take to do the work in a year, as compared to doing the same thing with a new PC, we think that you will agree that the expense of a new system is easily justifiable.
When you purchase a new computer that you intend to use primarily for keeping your page set up to date, you should buy one that has a large hard drive, especially if your business is going to need an extensive visual catalogue type of Web site. Images take up a lot of room.
We can help you through all of the options that are available and advise you on the best type of computer system to purchase for your present and future needs.
One Color Laser-Jet Printer
While the printer may not be absolutely necessary, it will help you keep a good hard-copy record of the evolution and use of your Web page set. With street prices for excellent color printers now well below $500.00, they are an excellent resource for your office, as well as for whoever is maintaining your page set.
One Flatbed Color Scanner
The visual impact of your Web site is one of its most important attributes. The images you use should be of high quality, yet small enough (in file size) to download and display quickly. Using a good scanner, you will be able to use your own photography and artwork for that unique look that tells people who you are. If you can use your own images, you will not have to worry about copyright violations and the legal expenses they can bring.
You should plan on investing $200.00 or more for a decent scanner, but you don't have to go to the expense of a 35 mm slide scanner unless you use slide film for the majority of your photography. (It's worth mentioning, though, that there are some more affordable slide and negative scanners now available starting at less than $500.00 )
Consider a Digital Camera
Digital photography has come into its own as a quick and easy way to take pictures that can be directly downloaded to your computer. There is no drawback with these items. I suggest a minimum of 7 Megapixel range which will give you an excellent 4x6 photo images. These are in the $200.00 and up category today, with high-end single lens reflex versions going for more than $900.00. The technology is advancing rapidly for these cameras, though, and the prices are coming down fairly quickly.
Now, we realize that this type of computer system may be a bit more than you would like to get into today, but we think you will benefit over time from having a lot of your day to day Web page maintenance accomplished in-house. Of course, we would be happy to perform this service for you, but the added expense may hinder your ability to keep your page set as fresh as it should be.
If you decide to go the in-house maintenance route, we would be delighted to continue to serve you in a project management capacity, and to come in periodically to help you come up with new presentation ideas and add new technologies to your site.