Community Newsletter: Q&A: New PC recommendations needed for graphic-intensive programs

New PC recommendation for graphic intensive programs

In reply to: New PC recommendations needed for graphic-intensive programs by Lee Koo (ADMIN) 

Lets start
I have worked in both the PC and Mac world concerning the very graphics programs you are referring to. If you are considering sticking to a PC you need to remember this.

1) Windows does not make PCs they write software that is required to fit a wide range of component parts, what this means is that the software has a broad and wide range and is not very specific. It is tested on the main stream of PCs to be workable and some of the mainstream software packages, to be functional (ie mostly Microsoft software).

2) PCs are just an assembly of component parts, that were are designed individually. If the assembly of these components is not tested to perform as a whole, using every functional piece of software you are expected to use, it can result in devastating operational issues. And most certainly it will mean major frustration for the person that has assembled a dysfunctional machine (gamers can attest to this fact).

For these reasons, most graphics people buy a Mac. Because Apple designs the hardware and software. This way they work in concert with each other and perform as expected.

This is not to say that you cannot purchase a PC that will do somewhat the same, you can. however its not limited to just purchasing some components and dropping them in a case. You will need to consider purchasing a graphics design machine that has been tested to work with the software you expect to use (form folks like SGI).

The other alternative is to go to each component hardware manufacturers web site and find the related components that have been tested to function together with the software you intend to use (this can be a daunting task at best)

Remember if you fall short and have one weak area in your design, you will always have issues while you are trying to perform your graphics work. Machine lockups and loss of important files will become common place. The frustration with loosing a file just minutes before the big meeting can be crushing to your career, and believe me poor explanations about your failed hardware, only tend to make you look more incompetent.

Even with a well designed PC, if you are using windows, they are prone to virus attacks, which destroy all of your hard work. There are virus junkies that spend most of their lives in an attempt to destroy you and your work. Its amusement for them, its disaster for you, especially if this is your lively hood. The reason I mention this is that you will need to consider all of the virus protection programs that you will have to run on your PC and how they will work in concert with your graphics programs. Out of the box I can tell you that Norton (nothing against Peter personally) does not play well with Adobe products. You would need to consider Avast professional.

In summary, there are many things to consider with building the right PC, and selecting the corresponding software. If you think that there is a $59.99 solution to your current issue, that logic is most likely flawed. My assumption is that you are asking this question because your current setup was not designed as a system and you are experiencing the very issues of failure discussed.

When you decide...go with a tested solution (Mac or PC).
Just remember for graphics design the solution will most likely not be inexpensive.
Also remember with with a Mac you can run both OSX and WIndows, this can not be done with any PC that exists currently.

If this is going to be your lively hood, you need a solution that will be reliable, There's nothing worse than futzing around with your hardware and software, during a presentation. You have to make excuses and wind up looking incompetent in front of your prospective clients. Once labeled as incompetent, word gets around fast which effects your career.
Choose wisely
Kzac Hawk