You will need a computer that is fast, very reliable, can be upgraded to a larger memory, and can not only connect to the Internet but also run standard business software such as word processors and spreadsheets.

There are two main types of computers you can buy:

1. a personal computer, often referred to as a PC
2. a Macintosh computer, often called an Apple Macintosh.

If you intend using your business computer for home use, as well as for games or for scientific or graphic design use, you may need to purchase a computer with more memory, a faster processor and more storage capacity than suggested here. Prior to committing to any purchase you should seek appropriate professional advice or assistance.  

When talking to a computer salesperson about your computer requirements, you might like to use the following as a reference.  

Windows personal desktop computer (or PC)  

These are the minimum specifications you should strive for as of June 2003.

• Processor: Intel compatible Pentium 3 or equivalent and 500MHz
• Memory: 256MB (megabytes) of Random Access Memory (RAM)
• Storage: 10GB (gigabytes) hard drive, 1.44MB 3.5inch floppy disk drive, CD or DVD reader & writer
• Modem: 56Kbps (kilobits per second)
• Operating system: Microsoft Windows XP
• Internet Software: Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape  

Expect to pay between $1,500 - $2,500 for well-known brands with this configuration. Computers assembled and sold by a local computer store may cost less than this.

Linux personal desktop computer (or Linux PC)

Linux is an alternative operating system to Windows. It is developed with source code that is open to anyone to use for free - usually referred to as open source.  You can run Linux on the same type of computer that you can run Windows on.  You can acquire Linux for free (via a download) but it is advisable that you purchase a boxed set for best support options.  You should also be able to order your PC with Linux pre-installed, or a PC that has both Windows XP and Linux pre-installed.  

The following are the minimum specifications you should strive for as of June 2003.

• Processor: Intel compatible Pentium 3 or equivalent and 500MHz
• Memory: 256MB (megabytes) of Random Access Memory (RAM)
• Storage: 10GB (gigabytes) hard drive, 1.44MB 3.5inch floppy disk drive, CD or DVD reader & writer
• Modem: 56Kbps (kilobits per second)
• Operating system: Red Hat Linux (www.redhat.com) or Suse Linux (www.suse.com) or Mandrake Linux (www.linux-mandrake.com)
• Internet Software: Netscape, Mozilla, Opera

Expect to pay between $750 - $1,500 for a Linux-based computer assembled and sold by a local computer store.  Linux PCs sometimes cost less, as you do not need to pay a software licence fee to use Linux and related software.

Apple computer

The following models, as of June 2003, would be adequate for Internet access and business use:

1. 800MHz eMac with 40GB hard drive, CD drive
2. 1GHz eMac with 60GB hard drive, CD read/write and DVD read drive.

Expect to pay between $1,500 -$2,000 for these configurations. Apple computers come with built-in modems and networking.  

The software

The software for using email and the Web is free. It comes already loaded on new computers or can be obtained free from the Internet or from promotional CD ROMs that accompany many computer magazines available in newsagents.

It is highly advisable to purchase business software at the time of ordering a new computer as it is usually much cheaper that way.   

A standard business software package includes a word processor, spreadsheet, scheduling and database software. The most commonly-used business software package in Australia is Microsoft Office, which includes the elements above. Expect to pay for Microsoft Office XP Professional package purchased separately from the computer - approximately $899 for the PC version or $699 for the Macintosh version (prices as advertised in September 2003 by national retailers). If packaged with a new computer, Microsoft Office XP Professional would cost much less. If you have an old version of Microsoft Office, then you may be able to upgrade to Office XP at a reduced price.

Alternatively, you can download a free business software package for Windows or the Macintosh from the OpenOffice.org site (www.openoffice.org)  This will give you the same functions offered by Microsoft Office XP.  You will also be able to share files with others that use Microsoft Office.  If you use a Linux PC, you will likely have OpenOffice.org installed already.

It is strongly advised that at the time of purchase you also buy and install anti-virus software to protect your computer system. Make sure you keep anti-virus software up-to-date.   Another requirement you will have for safe business operation on the Internet is the installation or configuration of a firewall - especially if you have a broadband connection to the Internet.  This will help protect your system from being broken into by malicious users on the Internet, called "hackers".  Linux PCs ship with an inbuilt firewall, and options are available for Windows and Macintosh computers.

Researching your computer needs - what to do

Prior to committing to any course of action you should seek appropriate professional advice or assistance. This is especially important because computer technology advances rapidly, so statements about specifications and costs are likely to date quickly.      

When researching the ideal computer for your business, you might like to access these sources and undertake these activities:

• contact or visit three computer stores and compare advice and prices
• look in your local newspapers for computer advertisements
• ask a colleague or friend who uses computers and the Web frequently
• ask a friend who works in the computer industry for advice
• ask your accountant or business advisor for advice
• visit computer manufacturers' websites
• visit Choice Magazine's website and find articles on computers.  

Issues to consider if researching on the Internet or talking to a salesperson in a computer store, include:

• the type of business you have
• the types and quantity of records and information you keep
• what else you will use the computer for other than the Internet - eg office software, managing your finances.  

Questions to ask

Once you have considered these issues, seek answers to these questions:

• Do I need a desktop computer or a portable notebook computer?
• How much does the computer cost, including the software installed on it?
• Is the computer model a reliable one - for how long has this make been produced?
• Are the businesses that are buying this particular model similar to my business?
• Is the computer Internet-ready? Does it have a modem and is it fast enough for my needs - eg 56Kbps? Does it have email software and an Internet browser installed?
• What type of processor does it have? What is its speed and is this sufficient?
• Will I be able to store everything I need on this computer over the next few years - eg all my files, the programs I want to run on it?
• Will I be able to read CD ROMs and backup my files onto a CD ROM using this computer?
• Is the amount of Random Access Memory large enough (usually expressed in advertisements as 128MB RAM, 256MB RAM) for the computer to run as fast as I require? What would it cost to add more memory if I need to now, and in the next twelve months?
• Will the computer allow me to use commonly-used small business office software - eg a word processor, accounting system, stock control?
• What are the warranty terms, what is covered and for how long is the warranty valid?
• Who can I contact if I have hardware or software problems? Is there any cost for getting help?
• If it breaks down, will you come to my business to fix it? If not, where does it have to go to be fixed and who pays for getting it there?
• Where are repairs carried out and how long do they take - eg disk drive failure?
• Are loan units available while repairs are being carried out?

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