Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Look for basic computer industry degrees online

There are a multitude of online schools that provide intensive two- and four-year degree programs for those who want to work at computer firms developing and managing applications, building databases, operating networks or maintaining computer hardware.

I recommend: Everest University Online offers an associate of science degree with an emphasis in computer information science that you can earn from their distance learning department. Earn an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in computer hardware technology from Tarrant County College.

Acquire an advanced degree for better options at computer companies

Consider staying in school to get a master's degree or take courses through an online university to receive additional training in the computer sciences. After working for awhile with a computer manufacturer or software developing company, you may have a better idea of the direction you want to take with your advanced training. Consider a master of science degree or master of information systems management to advance.

I recommend: Get involved with the Society for Information Management to enter the master's program in information systems that is offered through a partnership with the Stevens Institute of Technology, as well as other advanced training. Earn a master of science in computer engineering from the Armor College of Engineering at the Illinois Institute of Technology.

Join computer business associations that offer members professional development

Most trade associations offer continuing education and professional development courses for their members. Look for organizations that offer members updates on the latest computer systems and training for how to implement them. If you are in management, find groups that serve the executive computer professional.

I recommend: Find mentors and information that can lead you to the right kinds of training through the Association for Computing Machinery. SDForum is a place to find training that suits entrepreneurs, managers and developers, with current training in new systems and applications.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  To make yourself more marketable as you continue your computers and software training, add courses that provide skills that cover emerging trends such as gaming on mobile phones and GPS technology.

Guide to Choosing the Best Technology for Your Business

With the right application choice, the rest is easy

By Chris Maxcer, Freelance Writer

1. Choose your core business applications first.
2. Make each following technology decision based on your current technology and business needs.
3. Double-check hardware and software compatibility before you commit.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Choose your core business application

If you're a restaurant business, look for a restaurant application. If you're into retail, look for retail-focused applications. If your business doesn't fall into a common category, start with the basic applications you might need, like word processors, spreadsheets, or financial management programs.

I recommend: Best Buy for Business offers business-specific software, as does Staples and Office Depot.

Choose your support applications

In addition to software supporting your core application, make sure you think about such common tasks as email, Web site creation or customer relationship management.

I recommend: Best Buy for Business is very comprehensive, but for e-mail and Web solutions, most Web hosting companies offer a package of hosted services to get your Web site or online store up and running. For help, visit companies such as Yahoo! Small Business or Network Solutions.

Choose your computer hardware

Once you know what kind of software applications you want to use, you need to by the right hardware for it. For instance, if you want to a use a program that requires a PC with Windows XP, you don't want to buy Apple Mac computers (or vice-versa).

I recommend: Best Buy for Business and Amazon.com offer many choices, or you can go straight to the manufacturer – Dell and Apple consistently produce quality computers.

Find the best of the best

The easiest way to find the best hardware and software solutions is to look at online reviews, including sites that contain reviews from ordinary customers. Not only can you find flaws, but you'll often learn about the features you really need or can ignore.

I recommend: The best review sites include editor reviews as well as customer reviews. Check out CNET and ZDNet.

Find a Local IT Consultant

Ideally, you want to spend the bulk of your time running your business, not trying to track down the best of tech. As your time becomes more valuable to your business, find a local information technology (IT) consultant who can give you an annual technology checkup.

I recommend: Start with GeeksOnTime.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Don't forget seemingly unrelated technology like cell phones or VoIP business phones. For instance, with cell phones, you might want to connect those phones to your PCs to let your employees pack your customer contact information at all times. If you buy a business cell phone plan with phones that are incompatible or have tiny address books, you're in trouble.
• •  Most importantly, remember that you're buying technology for a business. As with any expenditure, the best money you can spend is on technology that will actually improve your productivity.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Compare vendors of computers and software

There are many choices in personal computers for business. Some options include choosing a computer from popular manufacturers, ordering wholesale computers and having computers custom built for your office. Before making a choice, check out reviews and advice articles and explore the configuration offerings and prices of popular computer providers.

I recommend: To get help with choosing the right computer, check out an article from PC World or view the desktop review page at CNET. Check out popular manufacturers, too. Check out the Apple website for Mac computers. Dell offers a range of personal computers for small business. The site includes a selection tool to find the right processing power, memory and hardware. Hewlett Packard offers desktop computers as well as workstations and laptops.

Get the basics in computers and software

Once you've chosen a computer, you'll need some basic software to use it effectively. Some basic needs for business computer users include office productivity software, anti-virus programs and email management.

I recommend: Microsoft is one of the most popular software providers. Their Office product line includes everything your business needs for managing email, producing documents and spreadsheets and creating web pages and presentations. Another basic that you'll need is anti-virus software. check out PC Magazine for reviews and rankings of anti-virus software providers. Another basic is email. Check out alternative free email account options from Google, Mozilla Thunderbird and Eudora.

Check out specialized options in computers and software

Once you've covered the basics, you may also have a need for specialized software to run your business. Getting advice from local software companies and other businesses is one way to find options. There are also many choices online that allow you to browse available software capabilities and programs.

I recommend: The DMOZ Open Directory Project has links to free software programs offered by open source developers. Software includes everything from accounting programs to system tools. CNET's Download website contains a wide variety of software programs. Many are free, while some require a purchasing fee or request a donation. Software lists software downloads for Windows, Mac and Linux operating systems. The Software Network provides an overview of business software and links to dozens of options.