Selecting and maintaining a supported office computer system.

Many costly errors can be made in selecting an in-office computer system. When selecting a system, several guidelines should be followed carefully: A professional computer consultant perhaps should be considered, depending on your level of experience and knowledge of computers. Look specifically at what you want your hardware and software to do, for this will determine the size and character of your system. Evaluate the size and potential size of your practice, as this will also determine the size and expansion capabilities of your system. Carefully evaluate your hardware and software for reputation, system support, maintenance costs, flexibility, and expandability. Carefully evaluate your cost/benefit ratio: is it worth your money to buy a computer in the first place? When evaluating the costs, don't forget the many hidden costs that may be present, in addition to the hardware/software purchase price. Computers will serve you well in the practice and business of medicine. However, in this rapidly changing technologic/informational field, the key words are knowledge and caution.