Almost all new and major brand of PCs come with bundled software packages that can handle both business and personal needs.

However, if you purchase a stripped down model, you might have to spend considerable time and money to add appropriate software packages you vitally need.

Should that be the case, there are certain steps and factor you will need to consider to select the correct software for your computer.

Write down your machines' vital statistics: i.e., operating system, amount of RAM and hard disk space available. You can access this information by going to the control panel and finally to system. If you have difficulty, select Help.

In all likelihood, your needs will fall into the Internet applications category which includes web browsers and email. As with every other home business purchase decision, clarify what technical support you will have access to. Find out if there is any additional charge, if the support is live and if so, the hours. This is imperative if you cannot install or run it on your own.

You will also require utility programs which include firewalls, anti-virus programs, backup and recovery and disk management. If appropriate, check out graphics and multimedia software which provides your business with the means to do digital photo manipulation, drawing, video editing and sound.

Learn about which specific software will best serve your needs by talking with family and friends, business associates, and also by gleaning appropriate software books and magazines.