THE COMPUTER : You must be aware that the computer is now a powerful tool in communications. Indeed, this unit was written and produced with the assistance of modern communications technology. The units were typed and stored on disk. You can also use a microcomputer as a word processor if you have the right programme available. As a word processor you can use a computer to generate all the written communications we've discussed in this unit.

Microcomputers are an indispensable tool in the modern working environment and you may also have access to a mini or mainframe computer. There are many software packages available for use in stock control and in keeping records of the kind we have discussed. There are packages which link stock control with accounts, and these are particularly useful if you bear financial responsibilities. Of the three basic types of propriety computer programmes available (namely word processing, database and spreadsheet),e database is the most useful for stock control.

You will also find spreadsheet programmes useful, particularly if you are involved on the accounting side. Needless to say, a printer to produce "hard copy" is essential for this kind of work so that you have a permanent record of your reports.

Some basic hints in using computers this way are:

1. Always try and enter data in the form that you want to see it printed out.

For example if you type in "kbr", don't expect the computer to print out "beaker".

2. Be consistent in the way that you enter data. Using the example in (1) enter either "bkr" or enter "beaker" for all beakers. If you enter a beaker as "bkr", and then ask the computer to list all "beaker's", don't be surprised if it misses out the "bkr".

3. Item (2) is allied to the GIGO principle. This is a universal and self explanatory principle which simply states "Garbage In - Garbage Out"!

4. Try and retain printouts (hard copy) of all your work as they invariably provide a useful reference.

5. Ensure that you have back-up copies of all of your data and programme disks (or tapes), and that your working data disks are copied onto your back-up disks regularly.