The translation industry is one of the fastest growing industries worldwide. In order to become a successful Portuguese translator, one needs to acquire many skills. Apart from enhancing skills to learn languages, build vocabulary etc. one also needs to understand the importance of advanced technology in Portuguese translation. Gone are the days when a typewriter and pen were enough to carry out a for translation job. Now it is very important that a Portuguese translator knows how to operate a computer, fax, modems, scanners and the Internet as these have become extremely important tools to carry out professional Portuguese translations.

It is therefore pertinent to invest in these tools in terms of money and time to learn the practical importance of advanced technology in Portuguese Translation. It can be justified by understanding what advantages these tools offer to Portuguese translators when carrying out  Portuguese translations. Amongst all computers is the main tool that offers great deal of help. The investment made in a good personal computer such as a desktop PC or a portable notebook pays in to a great extent. One should try and get a PC of latest configuration and get it updated with required software. A portable notebook can be a better option but it depends on what you find more comfortable. Once you have been a professional translator for a long time it turns out to be your best friend as it offers many advantages such as storage of data, word processing and sending and receiving files through the Internet.

Another tool required is a printer. Although you can deliver your job through e-mails or on disks, the need of a hard copy is still strong; therefore it is advisable to have a printer.

A fax is the next tool in line to explain the importance of advanced technology in Portuguese Translation. A facsimile machine helps you to receive and send Portuguese translation assignments instantly from any corner of the world.

As a professional Portuguese translator your basic set can be completed with a modem as it will help you use the Internet. Internet can be used to search anything, from a word to finding new translation jobs. You can send and receive your work through e-mails. Internet also helps you to research and collect information about languages, cultures, geographical information and other such references that you may need to carry out Portuguese translations. Therefore having access to Internet is a must for someone who wants to make a successful career in Portuguese translation.

One can also invest in an optical scanner with Optical Character Reader. It helps to scan a page and to store into a computer. This saves much time and all the information required can be accessed from the computer at a click. It is also useful when you need to scan graphics. Foreign language software tools like WordPerfect and Trados prove the importance of advanced technology in Portuguese translation as they are very useful to deliver fast and quality Portuguese translations.