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How to set up a home office

If you want to set up a home office or you're thinking of setting up as any kind of consultant or web entrepreneur you'll need a decent work space and the right equipment to help you on your way. 

This is what we think you will need to get started - clicking on the links will take you to the suppliers' sites. There are plenty of others you can use of course, however, this is a reasonable selection for starters.




 

• Office furniture and fittings - a desk, storage cabinet and a back supportive computer chair in a place with good natural light - preferably in a spot where no one else will disturb your thoughts or paperwork. Don't forget things like wrist guards, gel mouse pads etc. to ensure that you don't suffer from nasty repetitive strain injuries (RSI) if you use the computer a lot. You can find most of what you need from PC World Business with good prices here.
• Web site and professional email address - build a basic web site quickly and cheaply without the need for programming skills you can find out more at the Microsoft business website below.
• A computer with as much memory as you can afford with the most up to date operating system - Windows or Mac compatible. If you need to go and visit clients or work on their site then get a laptop - as light as possible with a good quality carrying case. If you do a lot of writing, however, using a laptop keyboard can cause RSI and back/neck problems so get a plug-in mouse and make sure you work at the right height. Shop around and see what you like before you buy because it's a very important investment. You can get great deals at Laptops Direct here.
• Mac or Microsoft? Some people are definitely Mac fans not Microsoft fans as they are highly reliable, stylish and easy to use. Either will do the job though and that's what's really important after all. Also consider investing in an external hard drive to back up your valuable files or a portable flash drive to download the odd file you might need if you're using a computer at a clients office or for doing presentations. PC World Business have a good selection and a 'collect from store' service - to find out more click here.
• Software - just get what you actually need. MS Office, Adobe reader, a firewall to protect your system, anti-virus and malware software etc (you don't need this for a Mac - another big advantage). Don't forget to empty your recycle bin and run basic maintenance like a disc defrag via your control panel (it's like tidying up your cupboards!) and run virus scans regularly so as to keep your computer running quickly and efficiently.
• Printers - get a decent one that is man enough for the job - there are some great all in one deals now at PC World here.
• Broadband - you really must have good broadband access if you are going to use the internet and work from home. Various providers have packages of varying speed and price but check with your BT exchange first, however, to see what your line quality is. There is no point in paying for a high speed link if your exchange/line won't support it.
• A telephone with an answering machine (and a polite & friendly recorded message) and a basic mobile phone so customers can reach you wherever you are is also a must.
• Basic stationery and office supplies - order online and have it delivered directly to your home address to avoid lugging heavy boxes around. Set up an account at Rymans or Viking Direct.  
• Business cards - buy as good quality as you can afford if you need business cards; it's your representation of your personal and company brand after all. 

Career Article: Is your desk killing you? Research by ViewSonic Europe revealed today provides fresh evidence of chronic health issues for UK desk workers.  77% of workers suffer eye fatigue 71% suffer backaches 67%...

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