Step 2.  Decide how many computers you want to share information with, and what this information is.

For example in a business you might have a database with details of your suppliers and customers. Sales staff may need access to this for recording orders, or preparing quotes. Finance staff may need access to send invoices, purchasing staff may need access to buy stock.

If you are self employed or a home user this may all be on a single computer.

Step 3. Decide whether you need to access information remotely, from home, another office , or abroad for example.

Step 4. Decide what do you want to connect e.g. cameras, TV, printer, Scanner.  

Step 5. Consider backup solutions.

You should make regular backups (copies) of your important information whether this is your accounts system, or you collection of photographs. Computers do fail so be prepared. Backup hard drives and memory sticks, write-able DVD’s and other solutions are relatively inexpensive but worth their weight in gold when you need to recover your valuable data!

Tips

Tips on Testing. Over many years I have come across a number of situations where what was actually backed up was not the information intended…so test your system.

Tips on Contact management systems (CMS).  I have seen many businesses using word processors, email systems , and spreadsheets to list and store details of customers and suppliers. This can sometimes work well if dealing with small numbers of contacts. A powerful and relatively inexpensive database solution can have a dramatic effect on the hidden value of the information you hold. These databases are commonly referred to as ‘CMS’ or contact management systems ,  and they can underpin your ‘CRM’ or customer relationship management’ approach. A powerful solution whether you are a sole trader or employ hundreds of people.

info: Computer Hardware components. In general , you have to consider the following : Ram (memory), processor, hard disk storage, display adapter and video memory. Most equipment now comes with wireless connectivity for internet access, some with bluetooth. Physical ports (or sockets) typically include external keyboard, mouse, monitor, HDMI, and ethernet( for cabled network  connections).

Cheaper equipment generally has less RAM, and slower processors. This is rarely a problem if you will only be doing work processing, however any kind of multimedia, video , graphics , games, etc. can suffer, so always keep the suggestions in step 1 in mind.

Info: Computer Software. Keep in mind that the computer is a means to an end, and for most people this means software over and above the programs that come with the computer. There are vast numbers of programs around including freeware (free to download and use) shareware (where you pay a license fee) and of course commercially available software. My advice here is research the available options and ensure the programs you choose do the job you want.