It's easy to take computer software for granted. Like your printer and your voice mail system, it's always there, doing its part to keep your business running. Or is it? If the software on your business computers is too basic, too advanced, or too generic to meet your company's needs, productivity will suffer. How the right business software solutions can reap a multitude of rewards:
Start with computer software that takes care of basic chores
At a minimum, you need word processing, spreadsheet, e-mail, Web browser and bookkeeping software. Microsoft has become the unofficial standard for most of these fundamental business software solutions, for both Macs and PCs.
I recommend: You can get Microsoft's
Word,
Excel,
PowerPoint,
Outlook and
Internet Explorer programs separately, or buy
Microsoft Office, which includes all those programs except the Web browser. Or, check out
alternatives to Microsoft Office. Intuit's
QuickBooks is the is the computer-software favorite for accounting and bookkeeping among small business owners
Improve tax and business planning with computer software
Let your computer handle the tedious number-crunching tasks.
I recommend: TurboTax from Intuit is the leading tax preparation software solution for small businesses. For help developing a business plan and monitoring how well you are sticking to it, Palo Alto Software's
Business Plan Pro Premier is the top pick. Check the Business.com directory for providers of
accounting software,
payroll software,
budgeting software and
project management software.
Discover what reviewers have to say
Find out how the newest applications stack up when software reviewers scrutinize them.
I recommend: ZDNet publishes computer software reviews on a regular basis.
Small Business Computing covers essential small business software solutions on a continuing basis.
Test drive computer software
It's not always obvious which programs will suit your needs. Try them out before you buy.
I recommend: CNET's
Download.com links you to thousands of business software solutions that you can try for free. User reviews and comments can help you decide where to start.