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COMPUTERS IN BUSINESS and THE RIGHT CHOICEToday computers in business are as essential as the telephone. I suppose it is still possible to operate a business without a computer, but what a pain that would be! This because, without a computer, you would need to employ more people to do all the tasks that only computers can perform so quickly, accurately and profitably. The uses of computers in business are many and varied, so are a must, and with a little knowledge can be chosen to meet your specific needs at no great expense. So let’s take a look at the how of buying a computer and what you need for it to do to help with your business. The need for computers in a business must be decided on what you need them to do. Before you buy Realize that the computer market is vast with hundreds if not thousands of different variations in makes, types, abilities and features to choose from, not to mention price. Before you even consider buying you therefore need to have some basic computer understanding and the terminology to help you decide. Hopefully I can give you some basic information on computers that will help you make the right choice. Get what you need - not what you want! You are buying a computer to meet the needs of your business, right? Work on satisfying those needs and you will have your decision made for you. What do you need to process in your business? Decide this and you will then know what software you need to meet these process requirements. Let’s have a look now at some of those needs from computers in business:-
Further on we will go into more detail on the software that will satisfy those needs, but here you only need to decide on what your business needs. Remember that the use of computers in business is to make life easier and more productive. If your business needs are simple, a low cost computer with minimum software will suffice. On the other hand, if your business has a large staff and many complex transactions, it will need a more expensive, powerful, faster computer with a larger variety of software. Now that you have some idea of your needs you need to decide where to buy. As always you will have to decide between less expensive and so-so service, or the best service, but more expensive! I have always preferred the latter choice and not regretted it. Where to Buy Where you need computers in business, buy where you get help and not hype. Here are my tips.
The best computers in business There are many different types of computers manufactured and available for purchase, but for the business environment only a desktop PC (personal computer) is needed. Strictly speaking both Windows and Macintosh computers are desktop PC’s but only Windows is commonly called a PC as opposed to Macintosh being called a Mac. All desktop PC computers are designed to sit on a desk top permanently, which is where you need them in your business. They are more powerful, have greater storage, are a lot more versatile and cost less than portables. They are also less vulnerable to theft than a laptop! Amongst the portables are the laptop, also called a notebook and the Palmtop, often known as a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant). Unless your business involves you or your employees having to travel a lot with a constant computer need, a portable is a luxury. Whether you choose a PC or a Mac is a matter of taste. Both will handle all and any of your computing needs. Minimum Requirements As with everything you get what you pay for, but that does not mean that you have to buy the best of everything or even everything on offer. When you have decided to buy a computer for your business, base your purchase on what you need and not the ultimate in performance. That way you will have a good business computer at a reasonable price. Here is what I consider the minimum requirements for computers in business:-
Okay, that’s it for your computers in business needs. Don’t go over the top, you I am sure can find more profitable ways of spending your money. Software As discussed at the beginning of this article, you decide your computer needs based on your business needs. Lets have a look at some of the software needs that are common to most businesses.
Computers in Business None of the above have to be bought individually and it is often cheaper to buy a Productivity Suite that includes at least two or more software programs. Such suites can be found in MS Office, Corel’s Word Perfect and Lotus” SmartSuite. These suites combine a word processor, database, spreadsheet, presentation and other software in the one package. Now that you know what your business needs, negotiate the suite you want included in your computer purchase. Finally on your program software, try and buy all your software from the same manufacturer. This ensures the compatibility of all your computers in business software. Virus, Virus, Virus They are everywhere on the Internet and unless you never connect to the net, sooner or later you will be infected and that can be very serious for your hardware and data files. The only way to prevent a virus infection is to have installed anti-virus protection software from day one. Buy it at the same time you buy your computer. Norton, McAfee and Dr. Solomon are all good. Back Up those Files All your business data is in your computer and as such is vulnerable to theft, virus infection and destruction. So what do you do? You back up, always back up. No back up and your data, if lost or damaged, is gone forever. Use your DVD-ROM to backup your important data files everyday and store them off-site at home. A backup DVD lying next to your computer, when the place goes up in flames, is no good to you. I cannot stress this enough, you must backup your data and save the backup off-site.Computers in business situations are very vulnerable. Printer/scanner A combined printer/scanner is a virtual must for any modern business. Inkjet and laser printers are both suitable, but if you are likely to be doing a lot of printing, then go for the faster laser printer. Good makes are Epson, Hewlett Packard and Cannon. Bits and Pieces No, you have not yet finished with your buying. Having spent so much money on your computer setup it seems foolish not to protect your investment. With computers, lightening strikes and power surges can be deadly, so it pays to protect against such potential disasters, by buying yourself a surge protector. A UPS (uninterruptible power supply) is another must to protect against power outages and power surges. This battery backup will allow you time to shutdown your open programs without loss of data. It is very important to protect computers in business situations from data loss or destruction, so don’t penny pinch here. Comfort If you have ever had to spend a lot of time in front of a computer, you and your staff will appreciate the need for a good computer desk and printer stand, together with a ergonomic swivel chair. They are not expensive and will save your body a lot of unnecessary punishment. Insurance Make sure that your computers, peripheral devices, software and supplies are covered by insurance. Don’t assume that your office or business insurance will cover your computers, in many cases it wont, so check Literature If you are really keen, you can always subscribe to one of the many computer magazines that will give you articles on computers and computers in business in general. Purchasing computers in business situations, if you let it, can be confusing, so simplify it by:- Return from Computers in Business to Business Management Basics Home Page Subscribe to Business Buzz, the monthly newsletter that will keep you up-to-date on new, site business content, business news, tips and other items of interest. Be assured that your email address will be safe and that is why you will be asked to confirm your subscription by double opt-in. This will keep you safe from spammers and other malicious persons. Hope you enjoy Business Buzz. Subscribe here.
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