Some Remarks on Computer Acquisition

Computer acquisition is an activity which is often carried out improperly, and results in a poor selection. It is claimed that to make a good selection, one doesn't need to be specially trained. A compromise between the objective and subjective approaches is suggested. It is pointed out that benchmark design and mix design do not necessarily coincide. While numerous authors have stressed the mix design, little attention has been given to the operational design of the benchmark. It is claimed that for a good selection, the future operational mode as well as the projected load must be simulated in a benchmark. A case study involving four configurations of four major computer manufacturers, is presented at the end.