This article uses ‘translator workstation’ to describe the hardware/software system used by a translator. The hardware exists only to support the hardware. The software, in turn, exists only to serve the translator. This article emphasizes three ways in which a translator workstation can serve the translator: (1) allowing the translator to effectively serve remote clients through electronic transmission of text, (2) assisting the translator in maintaining high-quality translations through consistent use of terminology, and (3) permitting efficient document production through electronic information retrieval and integration with the rest of the document production path. Translators should consider at least these three points when acquiring or upgrading a translator workstation. This article distinguishes three components of a translator workstation: (a) the hardware, (b) the operating environment, and (c) the application software. It also illustrates what a translator workstation is, and explains the three-level model that is used to describe translator workstations.