Word processors — deliver professional-looking documents such as letters and proposals. You can create letterheads yourself and save fees for graphic artists and printers.

Databases — the ultimate tool for tracking customers and expenses. One can "query" a database, (ask it questions). Where does most of your business come from? Which advertising mediums provide the greatest returns? Which customers provide the most business? What is the status of a particular account? The questions you ask are a direct function of the information you put in, taken directly from your invoices.

Bookkeeping — Computerized books allow you to calculate company projections, current financial status, payroll, billings, profit/loss statements, prepare year-end tax returns and just about anything else related to your company's finances.

Performing all of these tasks manually will consume your time. There's no doubt about it; computers are the only way to go.