I haven't seen this question or thread anywhere, unless I missed it. What type of software should VA's have on their systems. I know the obvious Microsoft Office, but what other software should I be looking into while I'm getting set up?


Thanks,

Stephanie

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Valentine VA Services
http://valenva.com

Software solutions is my passion. Feel free to listen to my podcast series specific to this question. I also will be posting a list of software a virtual business should be investing in to run effeciently. If there's a specific software you'd like to hear more about please PM me.

Thank you very much Collette, I will be sure to listen in. I have been pondering that question for some time now. I know some software would be specific towards certain types of services, but I really would like to know the basics that I should start with

I am looking forward to your software list posting and I will be checking into your podcast as well!


Stephanie

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Valentine VA Services
http://valenva.com

I'm wondering about what software others have as well. I currently have Microsoft Office and some other general office software, and am thinking about getting QuickBooks as well. I'm wondering if there is any legal software that other VA paralegals have that I should be considering getting?

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Denyse Giguere
Cimarron Business Solutions

Hi Denyse,

So far, I haven't gotten pretty far in my search, but I will let you know as soon as I find something out.

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Valentine VA Services
http://valenva.com

This is great. I too am interested in what type of software to use in my va business.

Ivette

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Ivette Matos, Excel Virtual Services
http://www.excelvirtualservices.com

Software needs will depend on what services you offer; you should also have some type of personal accounting software, and, of course, the basic MS Office 'stuff.'

Most attorneys will provide login access for their required legal software so it is rare for a VA (in my experience) to need to purchase it themselves. In addition, some of the legal software CANNOT BE PURCHASED by anyone other than a registered attorney.

The programs I use most are: MS Office, QuickBooks (3 versions), ACT! (a contact tracking software), Paint.net, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Acrobat 9, Endnote, SnagIt, Dragon Naturally Speaking, MindMapper, Virtual PC, Spybot, AdAware, F-PROT, and Symantec (as well as some software I'm beta-testing). I also have several freeware programs for personal use.

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Lily Chambers, The Virtual Office Goddess, LLC
Author "How to Do Your Own Small Business Bookkeeping"

Thanks Lily! This is a great list to start with. I guess I am pretty much on my way, I have MS Office, QuickBooks (haven't used it yet) and Acrobat already. I guess I'm still developing my Niche and what skills I really plan to narrow down. I will definitely google these and see how they can benefit me!

Thanks again,
Stephanie

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Valentine VA Services
http://valenva.com

Thanks, Lily. As I do work for a lawyer, I do have extensive experience with most legal software.

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Denyse Giguere
Cimarron Business Solutions