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How to choose the right computer equipment for your business to increase your productivity and efficiency without it costing the earth.

Business software helps you complete a range of tasks. Choose the right software, provide support and train your staff with our introduction.

It is highly likely that you depend on the internet for some aspects of your business. Find out how you can use the internet more effectively.

Good communication with customers, partners and suppliers is vital for business success. This summary explores business communication methods.

How would you cope if your IT system failed or was breached? We cover the main IT security issues and how to protect against them.

Good IT management can help you choose, use and implement IT. Our overview helps you manage IT in a way that maximises the return on your investment.

IT support is vital if you rely on your IT system. But how can you set up an effective safety net in case things go wrong? We explore the options.

Getting the right IT is just the first step. Appropriate training, policies and working practices can help you maximise return on your IT investment.

Five free collaboration tools

You don’t need a big budget to try out online collaboration in your business. These five tools can help you work together – and they won’t cost you a penny

1. HubSpot Project Management

Plan your marketing with HubSpot's Project Management Software. Integration with HubSpot's other marketing tools allows you manage all your marketing on one platform. Set targets, assign them to team members, connect tasks to your calendars and email and set reminders. Complete with ready-made to-do lists, team projects need never go astray again.

2. Google Docs

Google Docs is just one of the tools from Google's suite of tools, Google Workspace, that can help you run your business. What's great is that many of these tools will already be familiar. Gmail, Google Docs, Calendar - these are all free tools that millions of us use every day. It has lots of document sharing functions built in, so you can work on a document together with other people in your company. All you need to start using it is an internet connection.

3. Trello

Bring your tasks and team mates together with Trello. Keep tasks organised and moving in the right direction with lists and cards for each project. Set deadlines and assign tasks and monitor progress with Trello's simple visual platform. The free version allows unlimited cards, up to ten boards, unlimited storage and and activity logs,  assignees and due dates.

4. Bubbl.us

With Bubbl.us, you can run a team brainstorming session online. You can create mind-maps and bubble diagrams online, then share them with other people across the internet. The free version allows you to create and share up to three mind-maps.

5. Doodle

Doodle helps you schedule online meetings and get-togethers with ease. You can make information about when you're free available online, and it's designed to work with existing calendar tools like Outlook or Google Calendar. The free version allows unlimited group polls, one sign-up sheet and booking page.

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