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How to Buy a Computer for a Home Business

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By eHow Contributing Writer
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You're considering starting a home business, or you're already running one. There are lots of things you may need to effectively run your home business, but one of the most important things to keep your business on track is a computer. Now you need to decide which computer best meets your home business needs.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions
  1. Step 1

    Determine your budget. For new or refurbished computers, prices can range from less than $300 to more than $3,000. Because you may see a computer that you like that is higher than your budget and want to buy it anyway, you're better off setting a "high as you'll go" price and not looking at computers above that.

  2. Step 2

    Narrow down your choices. Before beginning to shop, you need to weigh some very basic options--whether you want a MAC or a PC, choosing a processor (on a PC, you've got a choice of processors), selecting your memory and hard drive amounts, as well as your additional components such as CD-R/DVD drives and/or 3.5-inch floppy drives.

  3. Step 3

    Consider your computer uses. If your home business involves graphic designing or working with photos and/or videos, you're going to need high quality video and sound cards. For word processing, make sure you're looking at a computer with a full software package, such as Microsoft Office, and not just a "demo" package that will expire after so many uses.

  4. Step 4

    Ask for recommendations from other home businesses. If you network with businesses like yours, you can learn from them which computers they recommend and what ones they say to avoid. You can also ask them specifics concerning memory and space issues, as well as which manufacturers top their list.

  5. Step 5

    Read reviews on a website such as CNET. Through CNET, you can search for computers based on price range, operating system, manufacturer type, sound output, graphics processor and more (see Resources below).

  6. Step 6

    Compare your top two to three picks. View your top choices online through the manufacturer's website. You can also have a computer built specifically for your needs and add features that are important to your home business.

  7. Step 7

    Purchase your computer. Be sure to ask about warranties, as well as in-home or telephone support contracts.

Tips & Warnings
  • For computer processing information, it's important to note that one brand of processors may have different types.

Comments  

zemzem82 said

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on 1/11/2009 we sell computers- zemzem.ecrater.com

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