Start-Up Software Checklist

Author: Youth 2 Youth.

Different types of businesses require different types of software, and at different times. During start-up, you may find that suddenly you need software to be able to do things like keep your accounting up to date, create order forms/booking forms or create your business cards. This is important because in the beginning, you may not have the funds to outsource these things to contractors or to hire employees with these skills. There are a variety of software options available that are quite inexpensive and are at the simple level required for start-up businesses. Generally, the inexpensive software options tend to be for PCs rather than Macs, so keep that in mind (but if you need the type of programs that work best on Macs - design, etc - then make sure you choose your computer for the level you know you'll need in time, and not based on software you can afford now).

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Your Checklist

Once you've identified what type of software you need and can afford, you need to find it! Youth 2 Youth has conducted some research into inexpensive programs available. Of course, we won't endorse these - but we know they're out there! Many of these sites showcase the alternative options available to the larger brand names of software (which may be just as suitable for your needs).

www.freestylemedia.com.au

www.sohosoft.com.au

www.sitesell.com

Please email us at info@youth2youth.com.au if you have any suggestions for other members as to what inexpensive small biz software is available. You don't need to have used it before, as we are just keen to be made aware as to what is out there for young entrepreneurs!

Training

Many local adult education , evening and community colleges offer quick and inexpensive training in small business software. Check with your local college. If you're from a regional or remote area you may be able to do training online, so contact the software supplier for details.

A note about piracy

The Government has recently been cracking down on small businesses using pirated software for commercial purposes. Do the right thing and ensure your software is registered, licensed if necessary, and legal. The first step to ensure that new software is in line with the law is to get it from a reputable dealer (either offline or online). If you have existing software that is pirated, trash it. Invest in the real deal, or download free (legal) versions from the net. If in any doubt about your compliancy with the law, check out these awesome university lecture notes (copyright to author Curtis Dyreson) on software piracy at: www.cs.jcu.edu.au/ftp/web/teaching/Subjects/cp1500/1998/foils/piracy.html#section1

'Copyright 2003 Youth 2 Youth'

Disclaimer: This article is for your information, but it may not apply to or be suitable for your situation, so seek professional advice. Youth 2 Youth cannot be held liable for anything resulting from how you use the information provided in this article.