Many customers ask us to help plan and implement a computer network upgrade.
We are currently helping a number of customers upgrade their business network from a peer-to-peer network, to a server-client network. One common challenge that customers experience is that some of their workstations have consumer Windows licenses (e.g. Windows XP Home, Vista Home Premium, Windows 7 Home Premium) versus business Windows licenses (e.g. Windows XP Professional, Vista Business, Windows 7 Professional).
In order to be able to join the server domain and utilize all the benefits of a server-client network, each workstation needs a business (or better) Windows license. These software upgrades from a consumer to a business operating system will cost approximately $100-200 for each computer, depending on the upgrade.
Therefore, we recommend that our customers carefully consider purchasing a desktop or notebook computer with Windows 7 Pro versus Windows 7 HP if they are considering upgrading their computer network in the near future.
Another reason to purchase Windows 7 Pro is that this operating system is able to run many Windows XP programs in Windows XP mode. This feature is very useful when older, previously purchased, software will not run under the Windows 7 operating system environment. Therefore, the purchase of Windows 7 Pro can definitely save money by avoiding some other software purchases.
We at Computer Sales and Service will help you plan and implement your computer network upgrades. Please call and ask for us to visit your location and provide our Small Business Needs Analysis.
