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Get your office in gear with software basics.

Article Excerpt
When it comes to technology, many lawyers are far from the cutting edge. Some of them are practicing law as though the computer had just been invented. Many others claim to be technologically savvy, but they still manage their cases with note cards, pads of pa per, and wads of inefficiency.

One of the most common questions I am asked is, "What are the most essential computer programs my office needs?" The answer (in no particular order): Microsoft Outlook for e-mail and calendaring, a word processor (such as Microsoft Word or Corel WordPerfect), Adobe Acrobat Professional, and case management software (CMS). In addition, every office needs a high-speed Internet connection, not dial-up. Here's why these programs are essential.

Microsoft Outlook. This product has become the e-mail and calendaring program of choice in most law firms. The software is easy to use and can be customized for each user's preferences. More important, the program easily works with Blackberries, iPods, Palms, and other mobile devices. But at its core, Outlook wins out by being a solid calendaring program in addition to being a good e-mail program, one free...