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Hardware/Software Standards: Most small businesses have standardised on the IBM PC and Windows-based software. There are also widely used standards for linking PCs together and transferring data between software packages. Integrated Software Suites typically include a word-processor, spreadsheet, database, graphics and external communications. All the modules are designed to work together and share data. A Local Area Network: enables you to connect your PCs together so that you can transfer files between them, share printers etc., and send each other messages. | In the early days of PCs every computer and every software package was an island. Each one was impressive in its own way, but transferring data between them was often torturous and error-prone. Floppy disks were of different sizes and types, spreadsheet data was unreadable to word-processors and sharing a printer between computers involved unplugging and re-plugging. It was a nightmare. Much of the value of preparing information was lost because it was so difficult to pass it on to other people inside or outside the business. There have been three major advances since then - hardware/software standards, integrated software suites, and local area networks. Most work perfectly (most of the time), enabling you to transfer information quickly and easily. There are several implications for you and your businesses. Buying Hardware: Most small business PCs are now either IBM® PC or Macintosh® compatible, so there's no real problem. PC-compatibles are probably best unless the 'Mac' is widely used in your industry. Buying Software: Windows based packages, which easily share data and are designed to work together (e.g. Microsoft Office), are a good choice. Again - find out what is normally used in your industry, or by the people you will be sharing data with. Linking Computers: You can achieve a lot by transferring data on floppy discs, but if you want to share data, printers, or other peripherals you need a 'local area network', for instance using Windows NT. | |