Installing Windows on your business computers

Ninety per cent of the world's computers run on a Microsoft Windows operating system. When setting up business computers, installing Windows is the best way to stay compatible with your clients, co-workers and customers. So what's involved in Windows computer installs?

Choosing a version

The current choice in Windows operating systems is between Windows XP and Windows Vista. It's important to ensure that your business computers meet the system requirements to run either option.

Windows Vista: 

• uses more advanced technology
• has a more user-friendly interface
• is more secure
• only runs versions of Windows programs from after 2007. 

Windows XP: 

• runs faster
• will run any program
• will work on less powerful machines
• has a less user-friendly interface.

John Mavroforas of JM Computer Repairs recommends XP for its adaptability. "Most businesses will have old software that still does the job for them and they might not like to use the newer version or be able to afford to upgrade."

Preparing your computer

Once you have purchased the best version of Windows for your business, you need to prepare your computers for installation:

• Ensure your copy of Windows has its Product Key, a unique 25-character string of letters and numbers.
• Back up important data onto external hard drives or media.
• Enter bios (accessible during your computer's boot-up process) and select your CD drive as the Primary Boot Device so your Windows install disc will run automatically.

Upgrade or clean install? 

Most computer experts recommend a clean install rather than upgrading. Therefore you will need to back up all important data and programs and format your hard drive. This way, your computer's operating system starts afresh, without conflicts between old and new operating systems.

Follow the prompts 

Insert your Windows CD or DVD and follow the prompts. Two issues may arise: partitioning hard drives and choosing network settings.

• Partitioning hard drives

You may be prompted with a list of available partitions on your hard drive and can choose to create multiple 'segments'. This can protect viruses from infecting your data by keeping it onto a different drive from your programs, or you can create separate drives to be used by different parts of your business.

• Network settings

If your business is on a domain network, these details can be entered when you are prompted to provide Network Setup. "Then your computer will automatically see the server and the other PCs around the network," John says.

Should I update all my business's computers?

"You want to keep all the software, all the versions, including the service-pack updates that Microsoft releases for Windows, the same," John recommends. "That means you won't get any incompatibility issues between the machines." 

Professional advice

Installing Windows can be a tricky process that doesn't always go smoothly. A professional can minimise the headaches and get your business up to speed in a flash, so contact an expert for assistance in updating your computer systems.