Every retailer and foodservice operator needs point of sale software, but there are at least 10 other software programs that are important to have in hand. Here’s a list of five such programs; watch our next blog for the other five.

1.    Internet security solutions, including antivirus software, antispyware software, and firewall software. The antivirus piece ensures that your computer cannot be maliciously destroyed by outside hackers. With antispyware, unwanted ads will not pop up on your screen. Most importantly, firewalls prevent outsiders from stealing your data.

2.    “File synching” software. You can use such a program to synchronize your files and folders between two computers, or to synchronize your computer files with a flash drive or a USB drive.  The benefit of “file synching” software is convenience:  At the end of the day, the touch of a button sends all of the important files you’ve changed on your computer to your flash drive or USB drive. Alternatively, you can have all of your changed files automatically sent to another computer on your home or business network.

3.    Password management/form completion software. With software of this kind, you simply select a single master password. When you want to log on to any password-protected Web site—for example, the Web site of one of your merchandise or food vendors—you simply fire up the software and either entire the site information or click the appropriate site on a list of sites maintained by some programs. The software automatically fills in the user ID and password you have set up for that particular Web site. Beats scratching your head and repeatedly changing forgotten passwords and user IDs.

4.    Backup and recovery programs. Without fail, you must back up your data files, such as spreadsheets and inventory data, to an external hard drive, flash drive, or other computer. You must also back up your software programs—including Cash Register Express and Restaurant Pro Express, to one of those same three locations. Some programs allow you to create an entire image of your hard drive and copy it to an external USB hard drive you can use in case something happens to your computer. Other programs enable files to be backed up daily or for all data and programs to be constantly updated to an external hard drive.

5.    Malware removal program. A malware removal program eliminates malware—in plain English, viruses and spyware—from your computer. Some people question why a program of this kind is necessary if they also run an anti-malware program that prevents malware from entering a computer in the first place. The reason: Some malware is too smart to be defeated and will infiltrate your computer no matter what. You need a malware removal program to get rid of it.

For specific program recommendations, contact pcAmerica.