Forum Moderators: phranque
I will be using programs such as Photoshop, Fireworks, Flash, Dreamweaver. A lot of times I use these programs simultaneously (not to mention that my Outlook is always running).
They set me up with a P3 600 MHz PC with 128 MB ram and it is already starting to lag. I complained a little bit and the best they can do is upgrade my ram with 256 MB more. I'm also used to working with two monitors and I am currently set up with one.
For those of you in a similar situation as myself, web designers working for a small to medium sized company, how powerful are your machines?
In addition to the monitors [for a) source/graphics, b) working, and c) HomeSite], the best hardware investment every web designer should consider is buying an 8-button wireless mouse. Not having to move the mouse for back, forward, up, down, copy, paste, and close window saves a LOT of time throughout the day (not to mention easier on the wrist).
The average hardware cost for a workstation (including monitors and mouse) is well under $2,000 (US), and for those that want to make the most of their day, or get the most out of their designers - it is a very worthwhile investment.
Steve
With Linux (kde) I find it a lot easier to manage a lot of different aps with only one screen. The multi desktop set up seams a lot more natural and desktop pager also helps.
Mack.
I am considered young by most and I remember buying my first own computer that was a P3 800 for like over a grand.
I paid less than half of that for the office computer.
Enough is enough.
Ska
Wow. So many Pentium people. Can I ask why?
I would venture to say that it's probably because most businesses are buying their computers from one of the big manufacturers like Dell, IBM, Compaq, etc. Rarely do I see companies that are building their own systems. Not that it doesn't happen of course, but Dell in particular has some fantastic deals that I haven't been able to beat even going to computer shows. P4 systems with flat screen monitors, etc. for under $400 when you buy multiple quantity. And of course that comes with Windows XP, and everything is ready to just turn it on and start using it. If you buy from a computer show or wholesaler, you might be able to find the parts for less than that but then you have to take the time to put it together, and purchase and install software. When I buy from Dell I'll never have to worry about licensing or anything, and if something goes wrong they send a tech out the next day to replace/repair it. That's why I'm using Pentium :P
I have to admit I the LCD in that takes up little space, however I think the CRTs at work more accurately present colors.
Good for me for photoshop, IIS, Visual Studio, etc. Might get myself a 17" LCD (more space for junk on the desk!) and add some more ram soon...
How much power your computer has isn't that important after 1ghz. I find it's keeping windows error free that makes the most difference. Even with all this speed the computer slows down to a crawl if windows is acting up.
Antoine
I disagree with the people who think the boss is an idiot simply because he doesn't want to upgrade a computer. Yes, for 500 bucks you can get a nice computer that does the job faster. For extra 500 bucks you can also get buy the graphics people an extra stock photos collections, or you can buy the set of marketing CDs for your nagging marketing people, or you can get the new payroll system for your administration people, or you can purchase a barcode system for the inventory folks...etc.
There is also the "jealousy" factor. Worker A gets a computer upgrade, worker B then will want an upgrade too. Worker C sees these people getting new toys, he now wants the cubicle next to the windows.
I am sure your boss knows how efficient you can be with a brand new computer. Employees always think their job is more "important" than the guy in the next cubicle. Every employee has their own little requests, management just can't (and shouldn't) fulfill them all. There are MANY reasons to NOT always fulfill an employee's request, even when money is not a concern.
Employees always think their job is more "important" than the guy in the next cubicle. Every employee has their own little requests, management just can't (and shouldn't) fulfill them all. There are MANY reasons to NOT always fulfill an employee's request, even when money is not a concern.
Ha, isn't that the truth! :)
With most companies, the I.T. people only exist to make sure that everyone else can do their jobs. So unfortunately the needs of the technical staff usually outweighs the needs of the sales and customer service people. If the website isn't the company's primary point of sale, the company really isn't going to care if designing that website takes you an extra hour or an extra day.
I'm running Adobe Photoshop CS, Thumbs, Interdev, Firefox, Outlook and some others all at once.
(WOW, my coworker just now opened his new work PC, P4 3.0GHz with 1 gig of RAM), now I'm jealous!
kde/gnome with virtual desktops or nvidia/ati drivers mimicing this functionality give the ability to run a program in a monitor centric enviornment while allowing seperation (not segregation) of work onto (your other 4+) desktops. They serve in many senses the same function of dual monitor setups - but allow this concept taken to its logical extreme - a large number of monitors which operate coherently and with the space constraints of one.
Conceptually its kinda like throwing together a machine with 4 or 6 or 8 vga outs and putting it behind a kvm switch but without the annoying hotkeys.
