Computer jobs at home - starting with the tools.
(While working on this I realized I could add more detail to the requirements so I'm writing two articles instead of one. This one is where I cover the hardware. The second article will give you the software options for your home business).
Your main tool for your business will be your computer, and if you're just starting out then you probably don't have one of your own. There are several options if you are on a tight budget, like buying used computers from your family, your neighbours, old employers, schools or libraries. Internet Cafe's are constantly updating their equipment so you can pay them a visit and see if they have something available now or on the future.
That's the good thing about computers, that you don't need the latest technology to start your business. Work for a while, and once you get a few dollars, buy yourself a couple of upgrades. Right now, you need to cover the minimum specifications:
- an old hard drive will do, maybe a capacity of 80 gigabytes aprox;
- not too much memory, 512 megabytes to start with;
- a compact disc or dvd reader;
- networking equipment, at least an internal network card;
- a CRT Monitor is cheap, not yet obsolete, and does the job.
- try to get a new keyboard and mouse, they're cheap.
Expect to pay around 60-80 dollars for the parts I mentioned above. If you care to look further, there is a chance you can pay as little as 30 dollars.
Don't mind if the specifications I'm mentioning here are old (because they are, and I'm wrinting this on December 2009); you can still get the parts from computer shops and they probably have some of this parts in their original packages, so you get a pc assembled by experts at a very low price.
What you can get from a computer shop, I mean an assembled computer, not one with a brand on it like HP or Dell etc. is going to be around $200 or $300 and will probably be something like:
- a bigger hard disk
- at least 1 gig of ram
- CD/DVD reader
- the network card for your internet
- a sound system
- LCD monitor
- a mouse and a keyboard
Maybe you want to spend more than $400 dollars, in that case, you will get more space on your hard disk, more gigabytes of RAM - this is always a plus -, definitely a DVD recorder, one microphone, maybe wireless, speakers and/or headphones or both, you choose. Now that you are willing to spend a little more, your choices now include a small laptop, with the obvious advantage of being able to carry it with you anywhere you go and do presentations to your clients.
Don't get disscouraged if at first you don't get the computer of your dreams. Instead, let it motivate you. While you work, look at your old, big CRT monitor and make it a goal to change it for a flat LCD. Or wish to be able to get a sound card and speaker where you can listen to your music (and talk to your clients by the way).
But, get yourself a computer. Come on, you're almost there!
Remember to visit my blog for more articles related to Computer Jobs at Home.
I'll be seeing you soon!
Metalorn.
Aditional resources:
Work from Home Opportunities
Running Your Business From Home For Starters
Setting Up Your Work From Home Business
Your main tool for your business will be your computer, and if you're just starting out then you probably don't have one of your own. There are several options if you are on a tight budget, like buying used computers from your family, your neighbours, old employers, schools or libraries. Internet Cafe's are constantly updating their equipment so you can pay them a visit and see if they have something available now or on the future.
That's the good thing about computers, that you don't need the latest technology to start your business. Work for a while, and once you get a few dollars, buy yourself a couple of upgrades. Right now, you need to cover the minimum specifications:
- an old hard drive will do, maybe a capacity of 80 gigabytes aprox;
- not too much memory, 512 megabytes to start with;
- a compact disc or dvd reader;
- networking equipment, at least an internal network card;
- a CRT Monitor is cheap, not yet obsolete, and does the job.
- try to get a new keyboard and mouse, they're cheap.
Expect to pay around 60-80 dollars for the parts I mentioned above. If you care to look further, there is a chance you can pay as little as 30 dollars.
Don't mind if the specifications I'm mentioning here are old (because they are, and I'm wrinting this on December 2009); you can still get the parts from computer shops and they probably have some of this parts in their original packages, so you get a pc assembled by experts at a very low price.
What you can get from a computer shop, I mean an assembled computer, not one with a brand on it like HP or Dell etc. is going to be around $200 or $300 and will probably be something like:
- a bigger hard disk
- at least 1 gig of ram
- CD/DVD reader
- the network card for your internet
- a sound system
- LCD monitor
- a mouse and a keyboard
Maybe you want to spend more than $400 dollars, in that case, you will get more space on your hard disk, more gigabytes of RAM - this is always a plus -, definitely a DVD recorder, one microphone, maybe wireless, speakers and/or headphones or both, you choose. Now that you are willing to spend a little more, your choices now include a small laptop, with the obvious advantage of being able to carry it with you anywhere you go and do presentations to your clients.
Don't get disscouraged if at first you don't get the computer of your dreams. Instead, let it motivate you. While you work, look at your old, big CRT monitor and make it a goal to change it for a flat LCD. Or wish to be able to get a sound card and speaker where you can listen to your music (and talk to your clients by the way).
But, get yourself a computer. Come on, you're almost there!
Remember to visit my blog for more articles related to Computer Jobs at Home.
I'll be seeing you soon!
Metalorn.
Aditional resources:
Work from Home Opportunities
Running Your Business From Home For Starters
Setting Up Your Work From Home Business
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