What is a Computer Network, and Why Do I Need One?
Simply put, a computer network is a logical grouping of computers designed to communicate with one another.  This communication allows users to share resources on a network.  The whole point of a network is to share resources.  So what are resources?  Resources can be many things.  Some of the more common shared resources today would be things like the internet, databases, data files, and printers.  Designing a network allows you to share items like these amongst multiple PC’s or users.  Deciding whether your business needs a computer network is pretty simple; do you have the need to easily share computing resources.

So You Need a Network, Now What?
For most businesses there are two basic network types a “client-server” network in which you have a server. And a “peer-to-peer” network in which there is no server. So which is right for you? That depends. Let’s start by discussing a peer-to peer network.

Typically peer-to-peer networks are found in smaller business environments. Most of our clients that have peer-to-peer networks have five or fewer PC’s. The Microsoft definition of a peer-to-peer network is a maximum of 10 computers linked together, but not via a server. Peer networks are typically found when the only real need for resource sharing comes in the form of the internet, data files, and printers. The disadvantages of a peer network revolve around management. Within these networks PC and user management must take place on each individual PC. Let’s look at an example of this.

What Brand of Computer Hardware Should We Be Looking At?
Okay, so you made a decision on what type of network you need now what type of hardware should be purchased to support this.  This is a big question!  For this category there are two basic scenarios “white boxes” or branded hardware (Dell, IBM, HP, etc.).  If you put a bunch of “techies” in a room they could possibly debate this for hours.  Our take on it boils down to this, support.

At Microtech we have always been and supported brand solutions.  Never the less I decided to “white box” my PC at home.  I did my research found the different hardware I wanted to go with found the best pricing and away I went.

Selecting an IT Service Company
We might as well start this with the obvious, we are biased. Companies are always better than individuals and we are the best company that you could select. With that out of the way let’s take a look at a some issues.

When selecting an IT services vendor we believe companies are a better choice than individuals working out of their homes. The main reason for this is depth or redundancy. With a company, you are not tied to a single individual. There are multiple support staff that can assist you. But I would rather deal with one person, they have a better knowledge of my network. This may be true, so when selecting a company ask if you have a primary point of contact or if they are just sending who ever is available. But consider the alternative, if your person is unavailable, on another project, on vacation, or just plain missing, you have no other source that you can trust or rely on.