Specifying and Purchasing IT

4. The Basic Ingredients

4.1 Standard PC-compatible desktop computers suit typical tasks such as word-processing.

• Complex tasks, such as the graphic processing for computer-aided design, may require more sophisticated hardware.
• Mobility is becoming an increasingly common requirement as flexible working and homeworking become more widespread. See Mobile computing.
• The right printer can be an important element. See Computer printers.

4.2 Most solutions can be built from standard software.

• Employees are more likely to be familiar with widely used software.
• Where appropriate, look for software packages which can easily share data.
• Be careful about accepting any specialist software. Check there is an established user base, and ask for references.

4.3 Most businesses with more than one or two computers find a network worthwhile.

• A simple network can improve file-sharing and data security. See Networks and communications, Network servers and Security and the Internet.
• An intranet further improves collaboration.
• Most businesses can benefit from connecting to the Internet.