Why do router and network installations cost so much? I have a quote for $250/hour for labor rates to install routers to connect my second office location.

Proper configuration of network routers is an advanced task. Network engineers have rigorous technical training to deal with the arcane subtleties of networking. They must deal with internet service providers, your networks, connectivity providers, application servers, coordinating all those involved to generate a system that is reliable and correct. They are constructing your business enterprise central nervous system.  A poorly designed unreliable system becomes a liability rather than an asset.

How can I move data between systems? I'm adding a XYZ interface to my business and I need to share data with it from my server.

The simple answer is, "it depends!" As networks are complicated, interface devices are diverse and security is always important, almost every situation calls for a unique application. However, there are some basic guidelines that can be applied. See the Transfers article for more information.  

What system should I buy for an office workstation?

Purchase a name brand system that offers local hardware service. Avoid consumer quality machines that you find in the local retail stores. Those systems are designed for light duty home use, and usually include software and connectivity options you will have no use for in your business. Avoid HOME versions of Microsoft Windows.  If you have a critical older application, it may not operate with newer systems running Vista.  Dell Vostro systems are an example of business class workstations - they do not have useless trial software installed.

What can I do to upgrade or improve my networked systems that doesn't cost a lot?

The best thing to do is make sure all your workstations are adequate. It is not productive for an employee to be constantly waiting on a slow computer, or having trouble seeing a dim or out of focus screen, or putting up with frequent system crashes. You should not have to turn out the lights to read a computer screen, reboot your workstation frequently, or get more than an occasion mystery error message.

Could you be more specific on improving my workstation?

Put 2GB in workstations running XP.  More for Vista.  Memory is inexpensive. If a particular workstation won't handle that much memory it needs to be replaced. Phase out crash-prone out of date desktop systems like Windows 95, 98, ME.

What about my server? It has an older operating system but it works fine.

I don't advocate fixing things that aren't broken, but newer versions of operating systems are much better in terms of security and efficiency. Keep your server's operating systems up to date and secure. Your server needs memory, too. Keep your server's hardware and OS maintenance contracts up to date. Most vendors now will not assist you with problems unless you have a current contract.

I have employees that need to telecommute from home. How can I do that?

If the employee has good Internet connectivity (cable or DSL) then set up private connections to your server via the Internet. You will need a firewall and proper configuration to make the connections secure. Get experienced help as this is not a trivial project.