Starting a Business | SEO & Google

Business Software

All new computers now come with a software bundle of some description, but there are no free lunches and you'll need to go shopping for more.

Computers have become so mainstream that many of us have practically forgotten how to do proper joined-up writing with a pen. There are armies of the very young and very old surfing the web and submitting their 'What I did on my holidays' essay in word-processed type. Knowing what software to buy or download can be a minefield; the simple rule is to work with what you know but keep your eyes open for improvements.

THE BASICS

Every business is going to need a word processing package to compile letters, invoices and most importantly your business plan. Microsoft certainly has a lot to answer for, but there's no denying that their operating systems and Office software is the most recognised. By installing Office you will be able to communicate with most other users and companies. Office will give you an email client (Outlook), spreadsheet software (Excel), wordprocessing capabilities (Word), a reasonably powerful database (Access), and the ability to create presentations (PowerPoint). If you need to create flowcharts or system maps, then Visio is your boy. For the in-depth planning of projects there's Microsoft Project, and when your business is almost running itself and you fancy an afternoon off dominating the ancient world, you'd do well to install 'Age of Mythology'. For accountancy software there is a whole host of options available and the size of your business (or your accountant) will probably dictate which software best fits. Sage, in my view, is a good all rounder.

HIDDEN TALENTS

There is now a piece of software to do pretty much anything, from designing labels for envelopes to designing and typesetting books, all for the home or small office user. As with the price of hardware, the price of software is now very affordable. Quite simply the more packages you and your staff are able to use, the more money you will save. When hiring, no matter what the role is, be sure to find out what software packages your future employee can use. A business that can work independently with data and images and can produce effective results and presentable information is very strong indeed.

GOT A LICENCE FOR THAT?

The avoidance of paying for software licences can be a short-term gain financially but you and your business will be running a huge risk. It is often tempting to install the same piece of software onto multiple machines with only a single-user licence. In the vast majority of cases you might well get away with it. But the software manufacturers do come down hard on you if you are caught and are wising up to the fact by insisting that your software is registered online before it becomes fully operational. Buy the multiple-user licence and sleep better at night. Take a software audit off the main machine in the business. List each and every piece of software installed on your machine and ensure that you install the same software on to any further computers purchased.


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