What Does The Term ‘Software’ Mean?
The term computer software is given to programmes which are installed onto a computer to enable it to perform a specific task, as opposed to the physical components of the computer system (hardware). Firstly an operating system needs to be installed which controls the overall activity of the computer (e.g. Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7 or Apple Mac OS X) by interfacing with the computer hardware and other software. On top of this, application software is added to perform specific functions such as word processing, spreadsheets or accountancy packages.
It is important to keep your software up to date by performing regular upgrades. This replaces a product with a newer or better version of the same product in order to bring the system up to date or to improve its characteristics.
What Software is Best Suited to My Business Needs?
Have a look at the software list below to see which type of software is best suited to your needs (the list shows examples, and is not exhaustive by any means):
Database software: Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server or Microsoft Access manage data in many forms, from basic lists through to complex material such as customer databases.
Word processing: Microsoft Word or OpenOffice Writer allow you to write letters, invoicing, design simple forms, quotes, reports and more.
Spreadsheets: Microsoft Excel or OpenOffice Calc assist in the analysis of financial information, performing calculations and creating forecasting models.
Presentation Software: Microsoft PowerPoint and Presentia™FX can design and edit presentations, either directly using a computer screen or projector. You may also publish your presentation on line to YouTube or your own website.
Graphics Software: Adobe Photoshop, Coral Paint Shop Pro or Serif PhotoPlus all create and edit images such as logos, drawings or pictures for use in desktop publishing, web sites and many other publications.
Accounting Packages: Sage or Oracle can manage an organisation's accounts including revenues/sales, purchases, bank accounts etc. A wide range of systems are available from basic packages suitable for small businesses through to much more sophisticated ones aimed at multinational companies.
Computer Aided Design - or CAD: Used in the world of 3D design and development, primarily in architecture, engineering, graphic design and electronics. CAD uses computer technology to aid in the design and particularly the drafting (technical drawing and engineering drawing) of a part or product, including entire buildings.
Customer Relations Management - or CRM: Microsoft CRM or SAGE ACT! allow your business to keep track of communication with current and perspective customers. Information about customers and customer interactions can be entered, stored and accessed by employees. Typical CRM aims are to improve customer services, and to use customer contact information for targeted marketing.
Enterprise Resource Planning - or ERP:
Similar to CRM but more convoluted Microsoft ERP or SAP Business Suite are enterprise-wide information systems designed to coordinate all the resources, information, and activities needed to complete business processes such as order fulfilment or billing. An ERP system supports most of the business system that maintains - in a single database - the data needed for a variety of business functions such as manufacturing, supply chain management, financials, projects, human resources and CRM. This type of software is typically used in larger companies with multiple departments.
If you need advice on which software to use or how to use it? Give us a call and we will send out one of our advisors to help you decide which is best suited to your needs.