The primary objective is to provide information about how to maintain a small office computer network that will minimize downtime and keep your business running. It is based on the premise that in order for a business to run smoothly today, the computer network environment must be stable and reliable. In addition, we will discuss other computer technology that can help accounting firms run more efficiently.

Objectives
· Understand small office network design, management and hardware
· Learn how to protect the data on your network from common threats
· Gain exposure to other common computer issues facing accounting firms

Major Topics
· Basic network design concepts - many CPAs use a “peer-to-peer” style configuration. We will discuss other options.

· Server - a server is one of the most significant components in a reliable network. We will discuss the primary issues when buying, configuring and installing a server.

· Threats - we will discuss the methods and tools available to combat four primary threats to your network and data:
o Hardware failure
o Hackers
o Viruses
o Human error

· Internet content filtering - how to keep inappropriate websites out of your company to reduce liability

· Internet connection - dsl, cable modems and firewalls

· Remote Access - the various alternatives and methods for obtaining remote access to your office network from home

· Paperless office - we will discuss various alternatives for the paperless office, and we will use the one local CPA firm as a case study. We will explore the hardware components of the solution as well as the software alternatives.

· Domain name email - we will discuss domain name email.

· Intranet - we will discuss the efficiency that can be gained by implementing an intranet, and how easy it is to do.

· Web presence - we will discuss how to get a web presence, either by having a custom site built or by using a template service like Execusite or Accountant-city.

· Wireless networking - strengths and weaknesses