Computer or Not: What’s Your Excuse? By Bob Thomas Here are the top ; four reasons most rebuilders will give for not having a computer. Cannot afford one. (Translation: “I would rather spend my money on something important like NASCAR souvenirs, a big screen TV, or more Snap-On tools.’’) Do not want one. (Translation: “I have no desire to own acomputer because, quite frankly, Iam afraid of them.’’) Do not need one. (Translation: “TI have absolutely no idea what in the world they can do.”’) Computers may cause brain damage. (Translation: “I already have brain damage.”’) Do you own a computer? Do you use a computer in your shop to search for information on new units before you tear into them? Do you use the Internet to find parts and information? If you answered “‘yes” to those three ques- tions, you can skip the rest of this ar- ticle. Wait! Not those who answered “no”! You need to read the rest of this more than you realize. That way, at least you’ ll know what you’re missing. First, let me share my apprehension in getting a computer. I confess that just five short years ago I, too, was using all four of the excuses listed above, along with: “I’m waiting for the next, more advanced generation, and lower prices.” After being prodded, chastised and criticized by parent, friend and spouse, I finally bought one in Novem- ber 1996. With a little help, I learned to easily write letters, run a parts data base I leased for a reasonable fee, and play computer games like the “Red Baron” (which later led to flying les- sons, but that is another story). The computer, I discovered, could be a fun and useful tool in both running an elec- trical rebuilding business and enjoying everyday life. “Why,” I asked myself, “did I wait so long?” Every day I discover new things that can be done with this tool, and the computer is a tool. Right now is the best time to buy one. The prices are lower than they have ever been. Com- puters are much easier to learn to use. In fact, they practically teach you them- selves. You can buy a basic system for about a third of what I paid for my first one in 1996. And it would be 10 times faster with 20 times the storage capac- ity, and come with much easier to use programs. Below I’ve listed just a few of the things you could be using a com- puter for right now, if you only had one. Bookkeeping—Inexpensive pro- grams can make your bookkeeping a snap. They can keep track of your customers and inventory, print your invoices and statements as well as handle price changes. Information on who bought what, when and how they paid is at your fingertips. Parts Database— My personal favorite use of “Jethro” is looking up parts. Seldom do I have to open a parts catalog. Simply putin a unit num- ber, punch a few keys and you can have application information, complete list of parts from various vendors, parts prices, unit prices from major rebuilders and even a space to add your own notes if you choose. This kind of program saves so much time, JUNE, 2001 it can pay for itself and the computer. Mine did! Gateway to the Internet—A whole new ballgame awaits you here. When you plug a telephone line into this ver- satile tool and buy the relatively inex- pensive service of an Internet provider, you can jump onto the World Wide Web and go anywhere you choose. I mean anywhere! I know that this sounds unreal. It is unreal. Anything you can think of (as well as anything you can’t) can be found with very little effort. The most difficult part of using the Internet is not spending all your time there. Powerful search engines help you find what you’re looking for and they are free to use as much as you want. Can you believe that? Communication—Writing busi- ness letters has never been easier. Can’t spell worth a damn? No prob- lem. This thing checks your spelling and grammar for you, tells you when you’ ve made a mistake, and automati- cally corrects it. You can print a copy to mail and save the original inside the computer. No need to file it in a file cabinet. Have you heard of e-mail? You can send a message to a friend any- where in the world, without a stamp, and it gets there the same day. They can likewise write you back, the same day. This service is included at no ex- tra charge with Internet service. You can communicate with other rebuilders, share ideas and ask and answer ques- tions. Can’t type? No problem, most users just hunt and peck anyway. EREN (Electrical Rebuilder’s Ex- change Network) —So you want to check on something you read in the Exchange six months ago? EREN lets you quickly look it up and your new computer will print a copy if you like. EREN also lets you post technical Page 1 of 2