Information technology changes on an almost daily basis. While the information in this book is based on the most up-todate information available, the reader is advised that due to the incredible speed of technological advance, some of this information is likely to be outdated by the time it is published. There will be some websites listed in the Appendix where information on the latest advances in I.T. is published regularly.

Why I.T.?

There are those who say that in order to start a business, all you really need is a table, a chair and a telephone, along with some writing materials and a calculator. This may be true in the very beginning – depending on what sort of business it is and what it is you’re selling – but (hopefully!) your needs will expand along with the business.

For example, if your business involves doing research for second and third parties, local libraries, universities and colleges and state and county government offices are great places to access, and may be necessary.

However, as more and more information is posted online, you’ll find it possible to save a great deal in travel costs by accessing the information on the Web, or at least confirming that the information you’re seeking is there and the trip is justified. (You could call on the phone and ask, but anymore, chances are you’ll spend considerable amounts of time wading through menus and trying to get to the person with whom you need to speak.)

Basically, information technology for small and home-based businesses is about two things: (A) saving time and (B) providing secure access to data.

Table Of Contents – Information Technology For Small And Home-Based Businesses

Table Of Contents:

• Disclosure 5
• Introduction: Why I.T.? 6
• Chapter 1 – I.T. – A Primer 8
• A Short History of Information Technology 9
• The Neolithic Period and the Bronze Age 9
• The Hellenistic World 11
• Early Programmable Devices 12
• Communications and Information Storage 14
• Information Technology Since 1980 16
• Information Technology Today 17
• Types of Information Tools and Media 19
• Personal Computer 19
• Storage Media 21
• Internet Options and Communication 24
• Chapter 2 – Getting Started 26
• Assessing Your I.T. Needs 27
• Desk and chair 27
• Bookcase/Shelves 29
• Table 29
• Telephone (And Phone System) 30
• Computer and Monitor 32
• Printer, Copier, FAX Machine 34
• Other I.T. Options 35
• All Those Bells And Whistles; Do You Really Need Them? 36
• Getting It Cheap 40
• Chapter 3: Getting Set Up 43
• Setting Up Your Workspace 43
• Organizing the Worktop 44
• Peripherals and Office Supplies 45
• About Wireless Technology 46
• Getting Online 48
• Dial-Up 49
• Satellite 49
• DSL 50
• T1 and T3 51
• A Word Of Caution 51
• Networking: The Intranet 51
• Sharing Printers and Programs 58
• About Sharing Programs 62
• Protecting Yourself And Your Business 66
• E-mail Issues 68
• Computer Care And Maintenance 71
• Protecting The Hardware 72
• Software Maintenance 74
• Chapter 4 – Taking It On The Road 83
• Staying Connected 83
• The Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) 84
• Accessing The Office Computer 86
• I.T. In The Great Outdoors 86
• Notes 89
• Appendix 1: Taking Advantage of Tax Savings 90
• Appendix 2: An Short I.T. Glossary 92
• Appendix 3: Where To Keep Up With The Latest News 103
• Bibliography 104

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