Buying a computer advice

[slogger]

Hi Material Girl, dont know whether you are sorted yet but heres my view for what it is worth.....

1) Set yourself a budget - be clear about how much you want to spend on everything (not just the PC but think about software, cameras etc)

2) Know what you want to do with the computer on how you want to use it (eg is space an issue, are you going to do a lot of graphics work? Do you create a lot of documents)

3) Think about what sort of internet useage you need (eg are you going to be on there a long time, are you going to be moving big documents around via e-mail)

Once you have got all of that post the info onto the forum or PM me. Brands are one thing but their are so many other attributes to the humble PC its not just about the badge. For general home useage and the "average" small business you should not be paying more than £400 for a decent PC with free printer and £600 if you want a laptop.
Entry level for broadband is around the £15-17 a month mark and for an extra £60 on your capital cost you can set up a simple wirless network in your own home

Hope that helps a little
Rob

[Material Girl]

It does thanks.
Last week I was offered a partnership where someone else does the computer side of things and i make stuff to sell on the site, so I may not need to get one(tho I probably will eventually).

Thanks for the info.

[slogger]

Not a problem.

If you are entering onto a partnership and he is taking care of the computer side, make sure he has considered all of the risks (eg back ups, technical support etc)

As it looks like it will be a small operation to start with you really want to think about protection of your data as a minumum?

Have a look at my site (www.goitil.co.uk) - its about IT service management for small businesses. Its only WIP at the moment so Im not trying to sell you anything..... if I can help you structure any IT questions to help cement the partnership in a fair way, let me know. Im happy to help FOC

Rob

[Material Girl]

Thank you.

[Anne Currie]

For what you would be using it for, a laptop should work just as well as a PC. I find a laptop far more convenient - I find I carry it around with me all the time.

They are more expensive, but I think they're worth it.

Presumably you also need some advice on cheap web hosting and sites that can help you get set up with little computer expertise?

I don't know much about sites that assist you in setting up shops, but I know that a friend of mine, who is completely computer illiterate, set up a shop on webeden.co.uk very easily.