Computers: There are many options
Computer systems are no longer reserved for the elite. They can be found in churches and are used to spread the gospel across borders. One such church is on the verge of the digital age, and I am its pastor. It was hard to decide which computer system would best suit our needs, and even more difficult to know how to implement them after we made our decision. Like all great adventures, this has been amazing so far.
You are likely to face decisions similar to ….., like me.
- Apple vs. the PC.
- Is it compatible with USB 3?
- Is it capable of running a church media system, or a live streaming system for the church?
Also, the price is something to consider because we are limited and on a budget. Do I want an affordable option that can meet my needs and still be powerful? Or should I spend more money now, knowing that these products last longer and offer better customer service when it needs to be fixed?
Instead of just running away and doing research, I decided to share what I discovered about computers that can be used to build a budget-friendly church computer system.
Church Computer System Buyers’ Guide
Some might feel that shopping for a church’s computer system can be too difficult without having to think about all the things it needs to do. We have some great tips and tricks to help you find the perfect one. It takes a lot to find the right features for a laptop or desktop model. Keep these in mind before you buy anything.
Apple vs. PC
Apple has been the computer of preference for many over the years. My volunteers grew up using PCs and are familiar with the operating system. We decided to use a Windows-based computer instead of an Apple product to allow them to be more productive at work. They don’t have to learn new software programs to run PowerPoint presentations or other media applications we use during church services.
Memory
You need enough RAM to deliver high-quality media presentations. Too little memory can lead to slow presentations and slow response times when switching between slides. This is true if your goal is to live stream video quality, upload speeds, or both!
It is essential that you have sufficient computer resources to deliver a sermon outline. Your pastor or presenter may experience slow performance and delays when transitioning between slides.
The majority of the software suggests that 4GB is sufficient, but 8GB or more is preferred.
USB 3 Inputs
USB 3 input ports will be the future for signal transfer on PCs. Many camcorders and capture card manufacturers are now using USB 3 input ports for live streaming. This allows for more data to be transferred between devices.
Look no further if you’re looking for a computer capable of handling all your digital needs. If the tab on the inside is black, it means that they have USB 2 input. Blue tabs indicate that this machine has a USB 3.
Here are the Computers I have Chosen for You to Consider For Your Church
Memory was the most important consideration when I was choosing a computer to host our media and live streaming. Since I have had to deal with computers with low memory when trying to run modern programs, I’ve always been frustrated by volunteers using these machines. Each of these computers is equipped with enough memory to run the latest software without any problems.
Video outputs were the second thing I considered. Many churches require a computer to support their media ministry. Many churches have multiple monitors in their media booth. My church has two monitors at the back for the media and one at the front.
When buying a computer for your church, video outputs are an important consideration. There are two options when it comes to sending signals out: HDMI cables or DVI cables. Most churches will use these two types of monitors, and both have their advantages/disadvantages depending on how many screens you want in front of people during services. We could go full HD if we wanted, but that is not always possible.
All other features are dependent on your specific needs.
My top picks for church media and video recording projects are these six computers.
6 Great Church Computers
Final Thoughts on These Computers for Your Church
Here you are. These are five great recommendations for church computers. I hope my research and work helped narrow down your selection for a church computer system to support your multi-media or live streaming system.
We are grateful that you read our article about Church Computers.
