(FORTUNE Small Business) – Q How should a small business pick between "home" and "enterprise" versions?

A Unfortunately most tech companies don't address the interests of small businesses well. Although you really have to decide case by case, the general rule to follow is that if you have a dedicated tech person on staff, you've outgrown home products. That said, there are a few cases where your pick may not be what you'd expect.

--Antivirus software Once you have more than about ten people on your network, set up network antivirus protection. Yes, it's more expensive, but with "home" antivirus products, you have to manage every single system on the network individually, wasting everyone's time.

--Remote access The best way to reach your network when out of the office is through a virtual private network (VPN), but VPNs are complicated enough to give techies angina. Install a good remote-control program, like 3AM Labs' RemotelyAnywhere, for a secure-enough entry.

--Internet connections "Business class" high-speed Net access isn't worth it. Most firms don't need "synchronous" service (same speeds both in and out) or multiple IP network addresses. (See "Expand Your Pipes" for tips on cheap broadband.)

--Instant messaging Don't believe the hype on corporate IM. AOL, Microsoft, and Yahoo software may be for teenage banter , but they're free and perfectly adequate for business conversations. --LARRY SELTZER