Small Business Computer Guide (eBook)
374 Seiten
Elsevier Science (Verlag)
978-1-4832-9608-1 (ISBN)
Anyone who needs information about computer systems for small or home businesses will find The Small Business Computer Guide to be an invaluable, thorough review of all aspects of computer systems and technology suited to small businesses.In clear, easy-to-understand language, The Small Business Computer Guide explains hardware components, software, and telecommunications, with an emphasis on productivity, efficiency, and how systems and components can be configured to best serve anindividual business' needs. Consideration is given to budgetary restraints, and Joseph S Beckman offers numerous tips and suggestions on how to put together the right system. Joseph S Beckman is a lawyer in private practice and has spent many yearsusing coputers in his legal work. He lives in Plantation, Florida.
Front Cover 1
The Small Business Computer Guide 3
Copyright Page 4
Table of Contents 7
Dedication 5
SECTION I: 10
Chapter 1. Energizing Your Business 10
2 THE SMALL BUSINESS COMPUTER GUIDE 11
3 ENERGIZING YOUR BUSINESS 12
4 THE SMALL BUSINESS COMPUTER GUIDE 13
5 ENERGIZING YOUR BUSINESS 14
SECTION II: 16
Chapter 2. Making Practical Choices 16
The problem may be your budget. 16
the solution is to pick your equipment wisely. 17
What is software? 17
What else will you need? How about a mouse and modem? 18
What about portable computers? 18
What is an operating system and what about Windows and OS/2? 19
Windows 3.1 is a decent yet flawed multi-tasking environment. 20
Windows 4.0 is a true 32 bit multi-tasking environment for your 486 or Pentium computer and network. 21
Windows 4.0 has built-in networking and better application/file manipulation. 22
YouHl have to upgrade your existing 16 bit Windows 3.1 software to get the true benefits of Windows 4.0. 22
Windows NT is overkill for small system networks but great for cross-platform integration. 23
OS/2 is a 32 bit multi-tasking system with much of the power of Windows NT but with Windows 4.0's economy of scale. 24
Make sure your business software is designed for your chosen operating system. 24
Chapter 3. The Computer Components 26
PROCESSOR CHIPS 26
COMPUTER BOARD ARCHITECTURE 35
VIDEO BOARDS AND PROCESSORS 37
HARD DISK STORAGE 39
RAM MEMORY 41
FLOPPY DISK DRIVES 43
EXPANSION SLOT CAPABILITIES 44
PORTS, PORTS AND MORE PORTS 45
KEYBOARDS 47
Chapter 4. Of Mice And Trackballs 50
Why get a mouse? 50
What about mouse alternatives? Trackballs and pens 51
What about mouse software? What's the difference? 52
What do all those specifications mean? Which ones are really important? 52
Chapter 5. Video Monitors 56
It's included with the system...so why worry about it? 56
VGA, SVGA and EVGA...what do they mean and which one do I want? 56
What is the dot pitch? 58
What is the refresh rate or scan rate and why do I care? 58
What is an ''interlaced'' monitor? 59
What is bandwidth? 59
I've heard a lot about monitor emission...what are they and what can I do about them? 60
What else do I need to know about my monitor? 60
Chapter 6. Printers 62
Dot-matrix printers are a viable choice for special needs or limited budgets 62
What's a wide carriage printer? 63
Do you print labels or multi-part forms on a regular basis? 63
Laser Printers...how do they work? 64
Ink-jet printers...are these as good as laser printers? 64
Color...what if I need color? 65
How fast a printer do I need and can I trust the manufacturer's advertising? 65
What resolution do I want and what's the difference to me? 66
What does HP-compatible mean and what are PCL and Postscript? 67
What other features can I expect to see? 69
Some practical considerations when shopping... 70
Here's how I decided what printer to purchase... 70
What if I get 2 smaller printers rather than 1 large network printer? 71
Chapter 7. Networks For The Small Busmess 74
This is an introduction to small networking system choices-all that you will likely need 74
What's ''client-server" networking? 75
What's "peer-to-peer" networking? 75
You get a lot of flexibility with peer-to-peer networking and give up very little 76
Even with a peer-to-peer network system you may want to consider setting aside one computer as a "server". 76
An introduction to networking software and Microsoft's solution 77
LANtastic is a solid networking system with a great track record 78
An introduction to network adapter cards 78
Network cabling choices for the small to medium network are thin coaxial and twisted pair 79
Wireless networks are an option with their own tradeoffs 79
Wireless infrared network systems boast high speed and low cost but require careful consideration of physical office layout 80
Radio frequency wireless networks can communicate through walls and fioors 80
Making good use of a network system includes using routing and shared faxing capabilities 81
Workgroup features abound in today's software applications—and they're put there just for your network 82
SECTION III: 84
Chapter 8. Your Software Needs 84
Maybe you need a software upgrade...not a hardware upgrade 84
What's available in software? 85
Why write about "Shareware"? 85
What is "Shareware" and how does it work? 86
Shareware applications also include creative and non-business applications 87
How do I get "shareware" software? Try mail-order or your modem
88
What does mail order "shareware" cost, what does it buy and why would I want to use mail order if I can download the files for free? 88
Bulletin Board Services (BBS) are a great source of shareware
88
Why pay the access fees for a BBS rather than use a mail-order catalog? Great selection and immediate deliveryj that's why
89
Private and local Bulletin Boards are a great source of shareware without hourly access charges
89
How do I sign up on a local BBS and what's the charge? 90
Local BBS's cost considerably less than retail BBS services...so you can afford to join more than one
91
How do I find out about BBS's in my area? Try your local computer store
92
Chapter 9. Word-Processing Software 94
Word processors can do more than print text 94
Why a Windows word processor? 94
WordPerfect is a popular word processor
95
Is WordPerfect 6.0 for DOS really that much better than WordPerfect 5.1...and does that mean I don't need a Windows word processor? 95
WordPerfect 6.0 is a great way to get Windows enhancements on computers that can't operate Windows
97
Why should I get WordPerfect for Windows instead of WordPerfect 6.0?
98
Multi-tasking is different from Task-switching 98
A practical example of multi-tasking and Windows integration
99
Truetype
100
Scaleable fonts require less hard disk space...a real advantage to small businesses
100
Object Linking and Embedding can save you time and effort
101
Lotus Ami Pro is a powerful Windows word processor
102
Ami Pro is a Windows word processor that takes integration to the edge
103
Oops! I made a mistakc.now what do I do? With Ami Pro, that's no problem
103
Microsoft Wordfor Windows gives Ami Pro a "run for its money" 104
What are "Templates" and "Styles"? 105
Why do Windows word processors make such a big deal about templates and styles? 107
One example of why you may want to use styles
107
Formatting in Windows word processors is easy
108
The power of "selection " in Windows
109
Tables, lists and columns...never use them, you say? You will in Windows
110
It's the finishing touches that separate the amateurs from the professionals
110
If you don't like the way it works, change it That's the beauty of Windows word processors
111
Windows word processors include macros and macro language for automating functions
111
Help...no problem in Windows. "I'll even teach you" says the word processor
111
What's "on-line" help and "context-sensitive" help and which do I want? 112
After all that, which one do Iget? 112
Chapter 10. Spreadsheet Software 114
An introduction to spreadsheets—the all-purpose tool of the software industry
114
Spreadsheet application upgrades are predominantly a "Windows" thing 114
All the major spreadsheets provide many, although not all, of the same features
115
If your spreadsheet must communicate with other software, purchase accordingly
115
Your investment in developing macros from a previous release may dictate your upgrade path. 116
What good are "multi-dimensional" spreadsheets? 117
A practical example of multi-dimensional modeling
117
What is Lotus Improv and can it replace my spreadsheet? 118
Microsoft ExceVs outlining feature is a good tool I've found is often ignored
120
Lotus 1-2-3 for Windows offers great workgroup support and a unique mapping feature
121
What doesn't 1-2-3 provide? 122
Excel provides plenty of power and plenty of help for its advanced features
124
Quattro Pro provides good workgroup support and will even help you chart your data
125
Chapter 11. Database Software 126
Database applications help you collect information
126
Database applications do more than just hold or sort information in tables
126
An everyday use for your dedicated database application 127
Relational databases should be your only choice
128
Primary keys are the tools which give your database flexibility
128
What's a "one-to-many" relationship? 130
Using the application's forms feature to input and update information without direct table access
131
What's a "query" and what can I do with it? 132
A practical use of queries to update information across the entire database
132
Designing your database takes some thought and effort
134
"Referential Integrity" is an IMPORTANT tool... USE IT 134
Using update functions to maintain your database tables while maintaining referential integrity
135
Exchanging database files and information across platforms with "ODBC" and "IDAPI"
136
Lotus Approach can make your design choices for you
137
Microsoft Access is a solid, safe and powerful application with all the "bells and whistles"
137
Borland's Paradox provides excellent programming power but lacks ODBC support
138
Alpha IV is a well supported DOS application with good database development tools
139
Chapter 12. Accounting & Finance Software
INTRODUCTION 142
DEDICATED BUSINESS ACCOUNTING SOFTWARE 144
FINANCE MANAGEMENT & PERSONAL FINANCE
TAX PREPARATION SOFTWARE 155
Chapter 13. Schedulers & Information Managers
What's a PIM? 164
Like your Rolodex, your PIM must organize and work with data the way you want it to work
164
Test-driving PIMs even if the store won't let you return software
165
Time & Chaos works like I want a PIM to work
165
A good PIM should do more than just keep names, addresses and calendar dates
166
Why do I like Time & Chaos for keeping my appointment schedule?
Almanac is another good PIM and Calendar application. 167
Calendar overlays allow birthdays, anniversaries and holidays to be displayed or hidden at will
168
My problem with Almanac is screen space and print options
169
Above & Beyond is another sophisticated PIM
169
The "P" in PIM stands for "Personal", so try these products out for yourself 171
Window Ware's Reminder is a capable PIM easy on hard disk space but with the advantages of Windows
172
Reminder is another PIM without a rolodex or capable means of maintaining contact logs
173
Polaris Packrat is a task manager for your computer as well as your life. 173
Packrat is not only a PIM, it's a complete computer organizer
174
ACT! is for logging client and customer contacts...a sophisticated contact manager more than a PIM
174
Organizer is just like your familiar daybook organizer
175
My final caveat: Don . get more PIM than you need..it will just take up storage space and throw more information at you than you want or need 177
Chapter 14. Utilities & Disk Management Software
What's a "shell", "utility" or "add-on" and what will it do for me? 178
A little history...why are utilities so popular now? 179
Doesn . DOS come with all the utilities I need? 179
Why add to DOS? Are other utilities really that much better? 180
Memory Management allows your computer to efficiently use its available memory
180
Why wasn U MS-DOS 5's Memory Manager good enough ? 181
386MAX improves upon MemMaker but it will cost you money. By the way, despite the name, it can be used on 486 computers
181
NetRoom is a very advanced Memory Manager using "cloaking" technology
182
QEMM-386 is a 32 bit Memory Manager using "Stealth" technology. 182
Which Memory Manager do I need? 183
Backup Applications let you protect your investment in your business data. 183
Backups can be difficult with great amounts of data...but there are solutions. 184
Tape drives will back up large hard drives at a reasonable cost. 184
What's a "full" backup and how does it differ from "incremental" or "differential" backups? 184
Which type of backup do I want to use? 185
With 140 MB of data, what's my solution to backing up my computer? How about two different ^fulV backups
186
How do backup utilities differ and what do I look out for? 186
What backup utilities are included with DOS? 187
Norton Backup for DOS and Windows makes backups easy
188
Central Point Backup for DOS and Windows is on par with Norton Backup
189
Fastback Plus has features of benefit to network systems. 189
Which backup utility do Iget? My suggestion is Norton Backup
189
Hard disk compression...you can really get twice the capacity from your hard disk! 190
How does compression work and what is "on-the-fly" compression? 190
DoubleSpace is a disk compression utility included in the price of MS-DOS
191
Stacker provides a margin of safety and performance unequaled by other disk compression utilities
191
What are computer viruses and why are Anti-Virus utilities a "must" for all computers
192
Norton Anti-Virus is a top-notch virus fighter
193
How do Anti-Virus utilities identify and protect against viruses? 193
Central Point^s Anti-Virus is another good anti-virus utility
195
What do I do if a file is accidentally deleted? Use an undelete utility
195
How long after a file is deleted can I recover it? 195
MS-DOS includes an Undelete utility. Why buy another? 196
Central Point's PC Tools includes an Undelete utility with file viewers and manual recovery. 197
Norton Utilities and Norton Desktop also include a full-featured Undelete utility
197
"Shells" provide a number of advanced utilities at a reasonable cost
198
What is Norton Utilities and what does it include? 198
PC Tools allows customization of DOS and Windows to work with you...not against you
198
Norton Desktop for DOS and Windows includes many Norton Utilities and additional enhancements to the DOS and Windows desktops
200
SECTION IV: 210
Chapter 15. Portable Computers 210
Why Portables now? 210
Is a portable necessarily what your business needs? 211
"Luggables" or "clamshell" portables are designed for heavy processing and sophisticated video presentations
211
"Notebook" computers are the most popular portables
211
What's a ^^sub-notebook'' and is it better for me than a notebook computer? 212
Personal Digital Assistants (PDA) are computers but their size limits their universal acceptance as necessary business tools
212
What equipment is included on a portable and how does it compare with a desktop computer? 212
PCMCIA cards and PCMCIA slots...whai are they and do I need one? 213
Look for 3.3 volt or SL enhanced processors in portables. Low power versions of main processor chips extend a portable's battery life
215
486 Portables are the practical minimum for a smart business purchase
216
While portable's hard drives are smaller than desktop computers, you still want the largest you can afford
217
RAM Memory upgrades for portables can be more expensive than desktop upgrades but just as important to effectively use today's large applications
218
Do I really need a floppy disk drive on my notebook computer? 220
Color notebooks...what's available and what's the difference? 220
Even among displays using the same technology, there are "winners'' and "losers"
221
What else do I have to know about portable computer displays? 222
The notebook's keyboard design is VERY important. Really? What do I need to know? 223
What are "full-size" keys and why do I want them on my portable? 224
What's "tactile response" and do I care? 224
What are ^^embedded'' and "dedicated'' keys and which keys do I definitely want on my portable's keyboard?
225
Using a pointing device with your portable
227
Microsoft and Logitech make two good trackballs for portable computers
227
What if I want something different from a mouse or trackball? 227
What about portable's with built-in pointing devices...are they all the same? Absolutely not
228
IBM's Trackpoint is an innovative and ergonomic alternative to most pointing devices
229
Batteries and AC Adapters come in different flavors
230
Which type of battery do I want...is Nickel Hydride worth the higher price? 230
This is why you always want Nickel Hydride batteries
231
Why doesn V my battery last as long as advertised? 232
What else do I need to know about batteries? 233
What other features do I want on my portable computer? 234
What are "rest and resume", "sleep" and "hibernation" modes and how effective are they? 234
How to test a portable for its ability to use ^^resf and ^^sleep'' modes
236
"Rest" and "sleep" modes are effective features to protect your work when the battery dies
237
Warranty and Service policies are important considerations when shopping for a portable
238
Some actual portable computer recommendations. These are the ones I would buy today
239
Sub-notebook computer recommendations
239
Notebook computer recommendations
240
High-end notebook computer recommendations
241
Chapter 16. Portable Accessories 242
Portable Printers lack the niceties of desktop units but provide a needed service to the frequent traveler
242
Parallel Port Tape Drives provide the convenience and safety of tape backups to portable owners
243
Portable CD-ROM Drives allow even notebooks to access large databases on the road
244
Reduced performance in portable CD-ROM drives makes them less desirable for multi-media (video) presentations
245
If your portable's hard disk is full, try a portable hard disk drive. Using removable media, these storage units provide virtually unlimited storage capacity to the portable
246
Niscan's portable scanner provides medium resolution scanning to portables hampered by the lack of expansion capabilities
246
Sheet-fed scanners are a better bet than hand-held scanners
247
Docking stations provide "desktop" expansion possibilities to your portable—but at a hefty price
248
Taking it with you...picking the right computer case for your needs is important
248
SECTION V: 250
Chapter 17. Modems, Faxes & Tele-Computing
Why be concerned with computer communications? 250
What's a ''modem" and what's a 'fax/modem"? 250
Do I want an external modem or internal modem and what^s the difference to me? 251
If I have a portable computer, what are my modem and fax/modem options? 252
How fast should my modem communicate? 252
What about MNP 5 and V.42? What are they and do I need them? 254
What other specifications do I need to know about? 255
Communication applications make the modem work? 255
What should modem software include? 256
What^s "Z-modem" and why do I want it in my communication software? 257
FAX software makes fax/modems act like the office fax machine., but also offer so much more
260
What's "remote computing" and will I use it?
261
Chapter 18. Computer On-Line Services 264
What do on-line services have that I can't get from my local BBS?
264
How do you choose an on-line service? 266
On-line service costs vary depending on your needs
267
Some business-specific services include financial and stock updates, databases, e-mail and fax services
268
Just a little about CompuServe, perhaps the most informationoriented service available
269
If you are into computers, Ziffnet is primarily a computer-oriented on-line service available separately or accessible through other online services like CompuServe and Prodigy. 270
Prodigy On-line Service has the largest number of subscribers and offers a wide variety of business andfamily oriented possibilities
271
Prodigy's ''core" and "plus"services
271
America On-line is another on-line service offering a balanced choice of business and entertainment options
272
If you^ve never heard of the Delphi On-line Service, you will. Its perhaps the cheapest way onto the Internet
273
The Internet
273
The Internet may be a little daunting for computer novices
274
The Internet proves you can sometimes have too much information for your own good
275
There are other business-oriented services out there...try the Small Business Administration ^s BBS for Free
277
Some specific business forums available on the commercial on-line services may be what your "networking" needs
277
SECTION VI: 282
Chapter 19. Mail Order, Discount & Computer Superstores
Discount and office supply houses have the price but not the selection to choose from
282
Office warehouse superstores have a better selection but don V offer customized or upgraded configurations
283
The higher price but greater personal attention and service at local
284
Superstores may seem to offer everything...but they don't
285
Mail order purchasing offers a great combination of selection, price and delivery
286
If the sales department can't answer your questions, the tech department is standing by
286
Mail order shopping means price savings but watch out for the conditions of sale
287
PAY BY CREDIT CARD !! 288
Check the advertisements carefully
289
Verify shipping or you may be waiting for a computer that never left the shipping dock
290
Consumer rights for mail order purchases
291
Avoiding problems with mail order companies through a little "homework"
292
SECTION VII: 294
Chapter 20. Computerizing Your Service Business 294
Many businesses live and breath on word processors
294
What's "document assembly" software and is it worth the money? 294
The transition to a Windows word processor does not necessarily have to be "rocky
296
Handling document conversion when switching word processing platforms just requires some forethought
297
WordPerfect for Windows may be a good choice for those offices already using WordPerfect for DOS
297
The training needs of your employees are probably met by features built into today ^s word processors 298
Timekeeping and Billing software is "key" for lawyers and other service-oriented (and money-oriented) people
299
Computerized timeslips provide interim reporting and reduce bookkeeping chores
299
Timeslips Corporation's Timeslips is a popular, reasonably priced time and billing application
300
There are calendaring software applications that do more than your average PIM
301
Some thoughts on keeping your purchases in perspective...don't overbuy
302
Your business needs, now and for the foreseeable future, are your primary investment criteria
303
/ consider macros an indispensable tool for automating your computer applications
304
Fields are another useful word processing feature too often ignored
305
Glossaries can contain "boilerplate" text or other commonly used terms for easy insertion into documents
305
A practical example of what we have discussed so far
306
Windows word processors provide some help in implementing their macro features
309
Customer support can help even if your word processor is working properly
313
On-line services for attorneys provide peer support and legal updates
314
CD-ROM products are increasingly useful to businesses. 315
There are a number of CD-ROM products that provide statutes, codes and caselaw to attorneys and other professionals
316
There are some pros and cons to each of the CD-ROM products, so shop carefully
318
You want a real demonstration of the product's research capabilities, not a "canned" presentation
319
Scanners, document storage and management and OCR are other tools that are helpful to any business managing large numbers of text documents
320
Scanners are graphical devices, not text based devices
321
OCR is capable but not perfect technology
321
Business card scanners can be helpful and the software can be used with your existing scanner
326
Finding a needle in a haystack is the job of indexing and document management software
327
Some document management software can also store and index graphical images
328
Free-form database software is useful for adapting the computer to store unconventional information
329
People can also use sound to enhance their productivity around the office
330
Some software applications provide password security to protect confidential information
330
Using portable computers in public requires some consideration of etiquette
331
What about hardware compatibility? 331
If there's a dot matrix printer in your future, there is more to consider than just 9 pin or 24 pin
332
Chapter 21. Computers for Home Busmess 334
Home based business or consulting just may be a factor in your future
334
If you operate a home business, you need the same equipment as your office counterparts
334
What's wrong with "home computers" ? 335
What about "Works", that all-in-one package that came with my computer? 336
Most "add-ins" are offered only for the popular mainstream software applications
337
What about software suites? 338
If you don . use 2/3 of the suite package, don V pay for it
338
Hardware recommendations are as follows
339
/ don . use mailing labels and I don 7 think you should either
340
Choosing your software is harder than choosing your hardware
340
Some thoughts on choosing your "key" software application
341
Service-oriented businesses have to keep track of clients, not inventory
342
Some key points to consider when shopping for business software
343
Avoiding "dead-end" software is a must
344
Some thoughts on support software for your business
344
Project Scheduling software may be helpful in your business
345
What about presentation and graphics applications? 347
Getting the most from your presentation application means being honest with yourself regarding realistic output choices
348
What about video and sound, the "multimedia" element of presentations
348
Does MPC compliance mean the product is multimedia capable, yes... but 349
Software applications designed primarily with multimedia in mind
351
What is "MPEG" and do I need it? 352
Shareware software for the home or consulting business
352
One final note is in order
357
SECTION VIII: 360
Chapter 22. Practical Tips and Tricks 360
TIP #0-KEEP REGULAR BACKUPS OF YOUR HARD DISK 360
TIP #1-FAX MACHINES ARE GREAT SCANNERS 361
TIP #2- ORGANIZE HARD DISK DIRECTORIES BY CLIENT OR PROJECT 362
TIP #3-USE SPECIALIZED BACKUP SETS TO REDUCE BACKUP TIME 363
TIP #4- KEEP BACKUP SETS AT BOTH HOME AND THE OFFICE 364
TIP #5- WHEN PURCHASING NEW SOFTWARE APPLICATIONS, FIRST MAKE COPIES 364
TIP #6- USE AUTOMATIC BACKUP FEATURES 365
TIP #7- GREAT SOFTWARE NAMES NEVER END IN "0" 366
TIP #8- IF YOU USE DOS, EVEN OCCASIONALLY
366
Index 370
| Erscheint lt. Verlag | 28.6.2014 |
|---|---|
| Sprache | englisch |
| Themenwelt | Mathematik / Informatik ► Informatik ► Theorie / Studium |
| Wirtschaft ► Betriebswirtschaft / Management ► Planung / Organisation | |
| ISBN-10 | 1-4832-9608-3 / 1483296083 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1-4832-9608-1 / 9781483296081 |
| Informationen gemäß Produktsicherheitsverordnung (GPSR) | |
| Haben Sie eine Frage zum Produkt? |
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