PICKING A
COMPUTER
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Business Computing Tips
By K&K Fainges kfainges@bigpond.net.au
What sort of computer do you need for your business?
Computers are notorious for becoming obsolete as you as you take them
out of the box. Even the tax office admits it! So how do you know what
computer you need to have for your business?
The easiest way is to think what software you are going to need. If
all you want to do is to write letters, an old electronic typewriter
would work. But most want to do a bit more. Keep accounts, draw up
advertising, computers have all sorts of uses.
So to work out what sort of computer programs you will need, ask your
accountant what they use, and see if you can save time and money by
using the same program. Check what programs local advertisers would like
you to submit copy with. Then check the box that software comes in.
On the side of each software box, there is a list of requirements
that program needs to be able to run. Steer clear of the minimum
requirements, that becomes a sure way to frustration. Go for the
recommended levels or one step above them. Computers normally have very
little price difference between middle of the range items.
Check that they can be repaired easily and kept supplied with
consumables. Ask a computer repair place if they touch that type of
computer. If three places say yes, it is normally a safe product to buy.
Then go to the local shopping centre and see if they have the paper, ink
and discs that machine uses. If you can pick them up in Woolworths and
Target, the machine should be useful for a while to come.
The other place to check is around friends, acquaintances and the
web. Check online discussions, ask the questions, will this do what I
want it to do? Most people like being asked to share their expertise.
They will be glad to share their experiences. But don't ask tech heads,
or computer nerds, ask other business people like you. They will have
done what you want to do and have the same level of general
knowledge.
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Please feel free to pass it on to your friends, just let them know I
wrote it.
Karen Fainges holds a Bachelor of Business, and a Grad. Cert of
Vocational and Educational Training. All this is nice but it's the 14
years of having to make sales or starve that makes her think she has
really learnt what does and doesn't work. A tutor for all ages, she
specialises in helping people get started on the long road to
technology.
"It has to be practical, it has to be cheap, and it has to
work."
