Keep Up with the Computer Industry

The computer business changes fast, and your users probably expect you to be abreast of all the latest trends and developments. They ask, "What do you think about the new version of SkyWriter? Should we upgrade or stick with Version 23?"

"We need an Intranet Web site. What's the best Web page editor for under $200?"

"My kid wants video-editing software. Which is better, VideoPro or MovieNow?"

The only way to give halfway intelligent answers to questions like these is to read about the industry. Visit your local newsstand and pick out a few computer magazines that appeal to you. Here are some more tips for keeping up:

• Subscribe to at least one general-interest computer magazine and one magazine specifically written for network users. That way, you can keep abreast of general trends and the specific stuff that applies just to networks.

• Subscribe to e-mail newsletters that cover the systems you use.

• Look for magazines that have a mix of good how-to articles and reviews of new products.

• Don't overlook the value of the advertisements in many of the larger computer magazines. Some people (I'm one of 'em) subscribe to certain magazines to read the ads as much as to read the articles.

• Most computer magazines are quite technical. Look for magazines written to your current level of expertise. You may discover that you outgrow one magazine and are ready to replace it with one that's more technical.