Using technology as a business tool...
Computer Shopping, Software Expectations. |
Using technology as a business tool... Computer Shopping, Software Expectations. |
|
Once you have set some general expectations, the next step in computer shopping is figuring out what software you need to do the tasks you wish to accomplish. Word processing is still at the top of the list of applications. The desktop computer has made the desktop typewriter a distant memory in most offices. You'll see a lot of fill in the blanks programs that help you to organize your money, do your book keeping, organize your mailing lists, address books, and any other type of files you have. While most of these programs do things you could set up yourself in a database or spreadsheet, they make things easy by being more specific to your needs. The possibilities here are endless, but it is good to learn the basics and explore from there. Like it or not, Microsoft is the standard from which all other packages are compared. "Works" is the integrated package that has the simple word processor, data base, spreadsheet, and utilities. There are several versions of Works that sell for less than $100. Works is designed for the home user. The professional version, also know as the office suite, is Microsoft's "Office". While Office is also a word processor, database, and spreadsheet program, depending on which version you buy, expect to pay in the $500 to $700 price range. While just knowing which version of a Microsoft product is current can be a class all to itself, having a good idea of what the product is, and how it works may be a place to start in assessing your technology needs. Since Microsoft is considered the standard by many institutions, most community colleges offer classes in the Microsoft office suite products. Basic flyers and brochures can be done with a word processing packing, however desktop publishing is a topic all to itself. Is graphic arts part of your business or pleasure? Graphic arts software will have a great impact on what hardware you buy. If you have any thoughts of using a computer for graphics arts, talk to people in the field, or pick up a magazine devoted to that topic. This is one area where not doing your homework can lead to many unfulfilled expectations. The last software questions to answer involve what's special about your needs, what are the unique applications that may be special to your hobby or profession? Trade publications and other members of your industry may introduce you to these types of programs. Once you have a wish list of what a computer can do for you, you may need an accountant to help you see what you can afford. Application software can cost from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Careful planning will narrow down the range. Careful choices in software can be more of evaluating how much time it saves you, rather than how much it costs you. The software you choose will determine what hardware you need. Software that is "thrown in" as part of a hardware purchase may not be what you need. When you view software as the tool that accomplishes your tasks, your choices in buying a system, rather than buying "a box", will make more sense. In our next column we'll discuss choosing a vendor to help you with putting your system together. |
||
  |
||
|
|
|
