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Hardware
Essentially, the hardware requirements for e-business
are a computer with the latest standards, and a modem. If you
do not already have a computer, it is advisable to conduct cost comparisons
among many companies. Since the living cycle of a computer system
is relatively short, it is important to regularly update and revise
the system.
You should buy a computer with the latest standards
of memory and computing power. Opting for a cheaper computer with
older standards will inevitably result in problems implementing new
software. To find the standard price for the latest computer standards,
consult with hardware dealers and newspaper circulars/ advertisements.
Software
Following is a checklist of basic software you will need to become
e-business ready. Some software may be directly downloaded
at no charge from the Web:
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Browser software to access the web such as Netscape
Navigator or Microsoft's Internet Explorer
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E-mail software such as Eudora or Microsoft's Outlook
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Office software package such as Microsoft Office
that often includes compatible software packages such as word processing,
spreadsheet calculating, an Internet browser, an e-mail program, and
a slide-show presentation software such as PowerPoint
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Virus Scan Software such as Norton or McAfee.
It is important to note that virus scan software is essential once
you are connected to the Internet as you will be exposed to external
viruses through simple downloads of information. It is important
to install Virus Scan software, and also increase the frequency of
your back-ups once you have an Internet connection. This will
help guard against the increased likelihood of unknowingly downloading
a software virus from the Internet.
Buy-Side Auctions (Where Buyers List Their Needs)
Supply-Side Auctions (Where Sellers List Their Offers)
The zdnet web site offers a section for small
online businesses with software and networking advice at http://www.zdnet.com/smallbusiness.
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