Purchasing a Computer

How do you plan to use the computer?

Notes from a "Computer Literacy For Busy Physicians" course taught by Dr. Barrie McCombs at the University of Calgary.  Some information may now be out of date.

When purchasing a new computer, it is important to consider what your needs will be over the three to five year useful life of the machine.

Computer Users

General
Who will use the computer?

Physician Only
Use a password to control unwanted access.

Physician & Staff
Where will the computer be located? Will you need access when your staff are doing billing or other tasks?

Physician & Family
Will your children ever let you near the computer? Password-protect any sensitive medical information.

Laptop Computer

General
Purchase a security cable to secure your laptop to a desk or other fixed object.

Laptop Alone
Consider a docking station to connect to a printer or other peripherals.

Laptop & Desktop Together
Consider creating a network to share information between the computers and peripherals.

Home Computer

Resist your children's requests for a high-end machine that will run the latest games. Consider adding speakers so that you can listen to CDs or Internet-based CME presentations.

Office Computer – Physician Only

The computer is your personal information station – probably located in your personal office. Consider a laptop if your office or desk space are small.

Office Computer – Shared

This is difficult if you plan to have the staff using the computer for scheduling or billing. Those time-consuming tasks make it difficult for the physician to use the computer for medical purposes.

Office Computer – Network

The best option for most offices – several computers networked to share information.

After-Sale Service

• Give preference to a vendor who has their own service and repair facilities
• Ask your computer-literate friends who provides good service in your community
• Extended service contracts benefit the vendor more than the user