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IT Advice

IT Advice

Rapidly increasing numbers of farmers are embracing computer technology to improve the overall management of the farm business. However buying a computer can be a potential minefield. There are so many options to choose and so many questions to ask. This technology update outlines some of the answers and gives some guidelines as to the do’s and don’ts about buying a personal computer.
What can it help you with?
  • VAT, Accounts and Business Management.
  • Herd/Flock or Field Records.
  • Process Control for example. automatic milk recording, environmental control and so on.
  • Information access/Communication - the Internet, email
  • Family education and entertainment (including word processing).
  • APHIS online
Hardware
The equipment itself - you can see and touch it, for example CPU (Central Processing Unit), Memory Components, Input and Output Devices (monitor, keyboard, printer ) Communications Devices (modem), wireless router, laptop.
Laptop or Desktop
Choosing between a laptop and desktop can be a difficult decision. The bottom line comes down to whether you need to carry it about - portability. If you need to use the computer in several locations, then a laptop will be more beneficial. There is definitely an advantage to being able to use the computer at the kitchen table, living room or office. Many people now have wireless internet - this means that your laptop can be used to surf the internet anywhere within range of the signal, (assuming the laptop has a wireless card enabled).
If however you will only ever use the computer in one place, for example, in your office, then a desktop would make more sense. Desktops generally offer a better performance-to-price ration and will come with a larger monitor and full size keyboard. This also means they take up more room.
The choice is yours. Evaluate and review your computing needs and decide what's best for you
Software
  • The programs which allow you to understand, communicate with and control the hardware.
  • Allows you to enter data, store it, process it and easily retrieve information, for example. Word Processing, Presentations.
What to buy?
This is a typical recommended specification for a PC/laptop for home/business use: (options in brackets) at approx £450
  • Intel Core i5 processor or equivalent – (2.8 - 3.3Ghz) Higher Ghz may result in marginally better performance.
  • 4GB RAM
  • 500GB Hard Drive
  • DVD +/- RW Drive (read/write CD & DVD)
  • 19 inch monitor (15.4 inch for a laptop)
  • Windows 7 and "Office" type package for example, MS Works 9.0, MS Office 2010, (recommended) or Open Office (free download).
  • A colour inkjet printer - check the price of ink cartridges as some brands are a lot more expensive to replace
  • Sound, Speakers (perhaps built in)
  • Warranty - minimum of one year return to base
Buying second hand PCs is generally not recommended – it may be better to buy a lower spec new PC.
The best advice is to buy the best that you can afford to meet your own needs.
Printers
When choosing a printer, print quality and printer price will be closely linked.
  • Ink-Jet - quality is good, can print colour. Must be used in a dry atmosphere.
  • Laser - top quality – black and white (and now affordable). Mostly for business users.
  • You may also want to consider buying a printer/scanner/copier all-in-one. These affordable machines will function as a regular printer and you can also use them as a photocopier (for example. for photocopying permits, herd records ) without having your computer switched on.
Where to buy
  • Buy from a reputable source.
  • There are plenty of local suppliers. Ask around and you will find one close to you.
  • The bigger shops will have good deals but may not offer the same personal after sales service and warranty as a local person.
  • Good after sales service is essential.
What programs should I buy?
There are three main options:
1. Agriculture Software Packages (list of suppliers)
  • There are a several Northern Ireland suppliers of agriculture software.
  • There are also many other suppliers throughout the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.
  • They all offer accounts and enterprise recording packages.
  • Ask for a demonstration, a demonstration CD or trial before purchasing and enquire about training and level and cost of after sales service.
2. ‘Generic accounts packages’
  • These packages, which are not agriculture specific, can, if developed, be used to help keep VAT records and manage accounts.
  • They may not be suitable for all farmers and growers.
3. Design your own records
  • Use spreadsheets or databases packages to design your own records tailored to your own needs.
  • These are best used for simple calculations and records but will not be able to do all that a specific agriculture software package can do.
  • There are a variety of computer training courses available from Greenmount Campus which can help you develop your computer skills.
To find out more about buying computers online