Computers
Information is the lifeblood of any successful organization. The key to leveraging information to your advantage is purchasing and implementing the right computers and software for your business. You will also want to explore systems for backing up your business data. There are many online services available now that will save you from having to invest in secure and reliable on-site backup equipment for your office.
Laptops
Laptop computers give you extra mobility, with the ability to bring your work to meetings, presentations, conferences, and anywhere else you need to travel. Advances in storage, display, and computing power mean laptops are robust enough to serve as a primary computer for all but the most memory-intensive work.
Monitors
Computer monitors can be connected to desktop or laptop computers as a primary or secondary display, making it easier to work. Larger monitors also make it easy to share your screen with others in the room, such as during presentations or meetings.
Telephones
A common means for communicating with customers and vendors will be the telephone. Understanding what services, features, and options are available with your business phone will help buy the right size phone system for the right price for your business.
Smartphones
A smartphone allows you to access your work email and make phone calls from anywhere. It can also help you stay organized and on time. A seemingly infinite variety of smartphone apps for business let you work efficiently and intelligently.
Landlines
Landline phones will be especially useful for larger companies with multiple employees who need to talk to customers and each other throughout the day. It’s easy to route phone calls to the appropriate party when your business uses a landline phone system.
Internet
If information is the lifeblood of the business, then computer networks are the veins and arteries that channel that information—via the internet—throughout all the parts of your business. For your business to access the internet, you’ll need Ethernet cables and a router. You’ll also need a modem for connecting your network to the outside world, and with that modem, you’ll need Internet service from a provider.
Software
Computers can’t help you without software to run on them. The specific types of software you’ll need will depend on the type of business you’re running, but nearly every business will need access to word processing and spreadsheet software.
Security Software
Another critical piece of software is your security software, which is what protects your computers and networks from spam, hackers, and malware. Cyberattacks cost the U.S. economy billions every year, so firewall protection, antivirus software, and authentication software are a must when dealing with sensitive information.
Operating Systems
Windows or MacOS? Your business hardware will work the best if it all operates on the same basic operating system.
Printer
Information is organized, manipulated, and moved electronically but people still love and depend on paper. If it’s electronic, we want to print it. If it’s printed, we want to scan it. Buying one machine to do it all, like an all-in-one printer, can save you time and money.
Shredder
Just as quickly as we generate paper we must destroy it. Your business is responsible for the information it possesses, whether that’s an employee’s personal information, a customer list, a client’s sensitive materials, or a confidential memo. A paper shredder lets you safely destroy sensitive material before something goes wrong.
Mailing Equipment
Documents, product samples, catalogs, and billing statements are just a few examples of items that may be shipped out of your company. The proper mailing equipment, such as scales and postage software, can save your company valuable time and money.
Furniture
Of course, you must have desks and tables for your office equipment to rest on—and chairs for yourself and your employees to rest on, too. Other important pieces of office furniture include bookshelves, filing cabinets, and storage systems. Want to read more content like this? Sign up for The Balance’s newsletter for daily insights, analysis, and financial tips, all delivered straight to your inbox every morning!
