Need some advice Job interview, and recomendations

[Ulfwald]

I am interviewing for a job tomorrow, and it is a fairly high level tech support position, while also making recommendations to the VP of IT for future hardware purchases. While AT is a good source of information on internal compnents, I need a a few sites that can help me review complete business systems, suchs as Dell, Gateway, HP, Compaq, etc. I will need to be able to review, compare, and contrast each of the systems. I will also need to be able to generate reports and document my recommendations as well. What are the best sites for doing this?

 

[Fausto]

I can't help you with the sites, but just wanted to wish you good luck!

Fausto

 

[ATLien247]

Rather than rely on websites for your information, I would contact the manufacturer directly. They'll have an outside sales representative out to your location in no time. They will be the best source for information, in my opinion. Hell, they might demo for you whatever you're looking for, even maybe let you "try before you buy".

 

[Miramonti]

Be sure to ask for a retainer during the interview. If they are serious they should be able to come up with a couple hundred bucks, cash, in the interview or else they are suspect!

- Chuckie (as Will), Good Will Hunting


good luck man!

 

[kranky]

I haven't checked there for a while, but look at zdnet.com - they often have reviews.

You need all that stuff for tomorrow? Or for when you get the job?

 

[axelfox]

REEEEEEEEEEETAINEEEEEEEEEEEEEERRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Ulfwald]

I would need the resources to name for the interview, but be able to use them if I got the job.

Retainer?????? WTF you guys smoking????

Right now I just need a job that pays the bills and has benefits so I can pay for the baby that is on the way.

 

[kranky]

Here's what I would say:

The way I select systems and servers is first, do a requirements analysis for the server, or for the types of desktop/laptop systems. I have found that in most companies there are perhaps three or four different types of desktop/laptop configurations needed to satisfy user requirements, and I would analyze the user needs (types of applications).

Then I would get up-to-date information from the first-tier vendors (Dell/Gateway/Compaq/HP) to evaluate not only system performance and available options but also warranty and lease options. I would then decide on the handful of standard configurations we should use. The advantage of vendors like Dell, Compaq, and HP is that they will offer the same configuration for a period of time, allowing us to be able to stay with a few different configurations to reduce support costs.

For servers, a more thorough needs analysis would be done including forecasting storage requirements, processing power, maintenance costs, and upgradability.

I would consult independent reviews to learn of any unusual experiences the reviewer may have had, but no review can address the specific needs our firm would need to satisfy.

 

[EagleKeeper]

Follow Kranky's advice, however, do not name names of give specifics.

If they want those details, they need to hire you and/or pay you for that info.