Solid State Drives Vs. Hard Disc Drives

The dawn of computer technology has bred innovation upon innovation - everything has progressed by vast leaps and bounds, and the computer power we have available to us today exponentially exceeds that available even as little as a decade ago. In terms of computer storage, we have seen this hold true. Hard drive storage has allowed for higher capacities in smaller spaces, allowing for internal drives with terabytes of storage or even small keychain drives with several dozen gigabytes of space. As hard drives continue to evolve, we are greeted by newer, faster, and smaller technology. One such innovation which is gaining popularity in the storage world is the solid state drive (SSD). Considering a solid state drive for your next hard drive? Let's look at the difference between a traditional magnetic drive and what many call the future of computer storage, the solid state drive.

The Difference Between Solid State and Mechanical?
Traditional drives are built on technology which has remained fundamentally unchanged for sixty years. A Hard Disc Drive (HDD) uses a metal and magnetically receptive platter to store data. As your computer needs to store data on the platter, the platter spins to a physical location and allows for data to be "written" on the location. Every time you need to retrieve or access that data, the platter must then spin and locate to that physical location. Solid State Drives (SSD) operate without any moving components, instead relying on an embedded controller to perform operations in the reading and writing of data in a highly accessible location.

The SSD Advantage
Because SSD's don't depend on a physical mechanism such as a spinning platter to retrieve data, it can offer much faster data write and read speeds. Whereas the mechanical hard drive must track to a specific location, a SSD can access it instantly. The speed of a hard drive does, however, depend on the quality of its imbedded processor. Despite this, an SSD typically operates at an eighty percent increase over high end hard disc drives.

The Catch?
Though SSD's are superior to the more traditional magnetic alternative in their operation and performance, there is a catch. Solid states currently cost a substantial amount more for equivalent amounts of storage. Whereas you might easily find a terabyte magnetic drive with a spindle speed of 5400 rpm (rotations per minute) for roughly $100, you would pay the same for only one hundred gigabytes of solid state storage. Thus, many people opt instead to use a SSD to store operating systems and applications on while preferring a large capacity secondary drive for file storage. A compromise between the two can be found in hard drives like the Dell GC826 146 gigabyte drive, which offers a 10K drive speed at a very low cost. If you're looking for high capacity, a hard disc drive would be ideal. However, if speed is your primary concern, solid state drives are unbeatable.

Desktop Processors

                In many ways, the processor is the most important component of your computer. It can be likened to the human brain in its capacity to take given input (in this point mathematical and logical operations) and process it, returning with a logical output. When you think about the “work” which your computer is doing, the processor has a direct role in handling those operations. Whereas the storage provides a physical location for data, and the memory provides the processor working space, the processor is really doing all of the thinking. Thus, when people begin to experience slowness from their desktop computer, one of the most common upgrades they pursue is an enhanced processor. A better processor is one of the most direct and effective routes to improved computer performance. But how do you know if your current processor is slowing you down?

Desktop Performance Issues

A desktop processor is able to perform only a certain number of processes per unit of time. This measurement is commonly marked in hertz, the primary clock speeds of today’s processors falling into the gigahertz range. As you engage more applications on your computer, and as your processor begins to execute more processes per second, it will approach the cusp of its working clock speed. As you pass up the maximum limit of the CPU, you will begin to see a bottleneck of data, and your system’s performance will most definitely be affected. Common symptoms of overtaxed processing units includes slow, sluggish performance, freezing systems, and random shutdowns.

What to Look For

As you begin your hunt for a new processor, you will be looking for a processor which can exceed your current processor’s clock speed and handle the increasing demands of your computer’s workload. As a general rule for a desktop processor, you ought to look for a unit which has a clock speed no lower than two gigahertz. Many processors today have clock speeds which come in at two to three gigahertz but are able to be overclocked for additional clock speed should the need arise. Single core processors have also gone by the wayside – depending on the demands of your computing, a dual core processor is a minimum requirement. If you will be engaging in multiprocessing applications, invest in a quad or hexacore processor.

Popular Processors

In the world of computer processors, you will encounter two primary manufacturers: AMD and Intel. You are most likely familiar with Intel, as they control a majority of the processor market. AMD is their main competition. Many people maintain a devotion to one or the other, or (on the other end of the spectrum) insist that there is no difference between the two. The truth is somewhere in between. If you are working on a budget, you can find a comparable AMD processor for a considerably smaller amount than an Intel processor. However, for multithreading and high performance computer applications, Intel’s processors are much more efficiently overclocked and have a wider range of multithreading potential. Just remember that desktop processors are an investment; take time to find the best model for your specific needs.

Small Business Desktops: Buyer's Guide

While we may all know the names of business giants like Amazon, Ebay, and Walmart, these companies take up a small percentage of the market when compared to the true driving force behind most economies: small businesses. Small enterprises may not have the same lime-lit presence of the aforementioned companies, but they exemplify the commitment to excellence in products and service which corporate giants attempt to emulate. If you're a small business owner, or intend to start your own business, you will be entering into an atmosphere of competition which demands the best from you. Building a solid foundation from the ground up is essential, and one area in which small businesses struggle is in affording quality information technologies. Stocking your business with desktop computers, both for yourself and your employees, can sometimes seem like an endless and fruitless search. However, there are efficient business desktops out there, provided you know what to look for.

Function Over Form
A business computer doesn't need to be the fastest, the most powerful, or the shiniest PC on the market. Many small businesses make the mistake of assuming that effective technology implements require high end and expensive computer equipment. While there's nothing wrong with high end computer equipment, it isn't ideal for budget minded businesses. Focus on finding a functional PC, one which can keep up with the necessary functioning of most business applications. It's not going to be used for gaming or watching high-definition video. It will be used for data management, networking, and basic programs.

Networking Potential
If you intend to develop your technology assets into an IT department, you will need to consider how your small business desktop deployments will function, not as stand-alone computers, but as part of a larger network. PCs which allow for easy networking and overarching management will greatly increase the efficiency of any IT applications you endeavor to put in place. Password protection, redundant drives, PCI interfaces, etc. should be a primary consideration.

Expandable Configurations
Small enterprise desktops should be optimized for current use, but should also allow for the installation of additional components or the replacement of current components with upgrades. Keep in mind the amount of available space within your chosen computer configuration. Convertible minitowers will have the most space available for future additions, but take up more physical space. Small form factor computers such as the Dell Optiplex GX960 allow for a considerable amount of internal expansion but retain a very small deployment size. Just remember to allow for your future needs; expandable memory and processor support will ensure performance which lasts longer than a few months. Follow this basic small business computer guide to help you and your small business towards continued success.