What kind of technology do you need? This article and this article from the ABA GP/Solo & Small Firm section provide guidance on what factors to consider when selecting technology for your office.
The SC Bar PMA's List:
- Use the Internet to find the best prices on technology (for example: www.pricegrabber.com). Even if you buy locally, you will know how much to pay.
- Computers - One for each attorney and secretary/legal assistant. Decide whether you need a notebook PC or a desktop PC
- Back-up system - options include tapes, external hard drives, and Internet storage
- For two or more computers decide what kind of network will you need - peer-to-peer, a central fileserver, or a wireless network.
- Printer, Copier, Scanner, or an All-In-One?
- Telephone system
- Fax Machine (if you have a scanner, consider electronic faxing instead of purchasing a fax machine)
- Digital dictation software and transcription equipment
- UPS (uninterruptible power supply) for PCs and network
- For more info go to this link or contact the Practice Management Advisor.
- Access to online legal research service (Casemaker, Westlaw, Lexis-Nexis)
- Software (see software for more info)
- Network operating software (Novell, Windows, Linux)
- Desktop operating software (Windows XP Professional is standard)
- Office suite - word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation software (Microsoft or Corel) WordPerfect 12 is available at a special price for SC Bar members.
- Calendaring, Docket Control
- Time and Billing
- Accounting, payroll
- Case Management
- Conflict of Interest Checking (usually done with case management or time/billing/accounting software)
- Practice area-specific (real estate, bankruptcy, estate planning, probate, foreclosure, tax, etc.)
- Electronics
- Television set with VCR and DVD
- Video camera
- 35 mm camera
- Instant camera/digital camera
- Stereo system
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