SHORT GUIDE TO: SETTING UP YOUR HOME OFFICE IN STYLE

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1 The IT factor: SHORT GUIDE TO: SETTING UP YOUR HOME OFFICE IN STYLE Getting your IT style right can give a small business a big benefit. Read inside for expert insights and technology top tips to help you get started. Created by Will Foot, Founder, Scooter Computer, 2008

2 The IT factor Setting up your home office in style As a start up your presence in the business world is often shaped by the technology you use. A dynamic website, integrated and other systems can give a small outfit a big virtual presence, increasing the perceived business brand value at minimal cost. But setting up the right technology for the first time can take hours of research and time online to get right. This short guide aims to give you the IT low down. We ve included some simple top tips and facts to get you started. Created by technical experts you ll find simple ways to get great standout for your business. Good luck with your venture and happy reading. With so many gadgets and gizmos, just the IT jargon alone can be baffling. 2

3 Simple set up The top tech tips for setting up at home 1 TO IMPRESS Your address is often the first thing clients see so it s important to make the right impression. The second part of your address, known as the domain name e.g. mynewbiz.co.uk can be registered for as little as 6. You can use your domain name to set up addresses and web pages. Google have started a slick service called Google Apps, from which they provide free addresses e.g. the front section of your [email protected] and web hosting. 3 BROADBAND BASICS Broadband is the quickest way to access the web. If looking for a provider consider the price and usage to secure the best deal for you. Award winning providers include Zen ( and Eclipse ( 4 WIRELESS WAYS If you enjoy working from different rooms or locations, wireless is a must. Most new laptops now have build in wireless and you can buy a router from most computer shops to help enable you to wander. 2 WEBSITE WONDERS It is not necessary to spend thousands of pounds on a feature-packed website when you first start out, but a holding page with your contact details and a little blurb is a must. This can be written within Google Apps for example, and will cost you nothing 5 FAX FANTASTIC Receiving faxes feels dated in the age of , but some signed documents have to be sent this way. Rather than plug a fax machine into a shared landline or having a dedicated fax line installed, why not use one of the virtual fax services available such as Yac Fax? They give you your own 0870 fax number and when you receive a fax they it to you. 3

4 Simple set up The top tech tips for setting up at home 4 6 FOCUS ON PHONES One of the easiest ways to get a new 0207 number is to register a number in Skype. This allows you to make and receive calls through your computer. 7 SOFTWARE FOR SUCCESS There s a huge number of software packages tailored for business success. Tailor your software according to your business needs whether it be for artwork or accounting. There are some packages that can be downloaded for free too, such as Open Office. 8 THE MAC OR PC DILEMA Deciding whether to invest in a Mac or PC can be tough. The keyboard and navigation is slightly different on each so can take some time to get used to. The most important thing to consider is the difference in availability of software. Nowadays Mac documents are compatible with most office systems and you can buy Mircosoft software to ensure that you re in sync with the rest of the business world. 9 BACKUP BASICS Remembering to back-up can seem like a chore but it s all important to keep a copy of your business files. Many of us don t realise the importance of backing up until it s too late. You can buy basic storage devices at any good computer store. Put a note in your calendar so that you remember to do so frequently. 10 SORTING SPAM Unwanted spam can test patience when clogging up your inbox, so it s worth ensuring your application will filter it for you. Providers such as Google Apps and Mozilla Thunderbird have a spam filters built in. 11 PRINT AND PRODUCE All in one copiers work well and are affordable nowadays too you can purchase a great system for around 100. For those extra special documents high street printers such as Prontaprint offer a professional service too.

5 Feeling sluggish? Speed up a sleepy computer SIMPLE SPACE Free up disk space via a disk clean utility found on your computer via Windows or you can find resources on the web to help MEMORY MATTERS Purchase memory from your local computer store or online at Crucial Memory website which will scan your computer for you, recommend the best upgrades, and post it out to you ( SAFETY AT SPEED SOSORTOT Invest in a speedy antivirus system Good antivirus software can be downloaded for free from leading providers DEFRAGMENT When files are fragmented, the computer searches to piece them back together slowing down your entire system. Click on your control panel or settings to run a defragmentation SOFTWARE SECRETS SOSORTOT Photography, music and other software takes time for your computer to recognise when you log on, so remove anything that s not necessary 5

6 In today s business world, the saying time is money is truer than ever before. With technology delivering harder and faster for us it s important to keep up with the pace. + Friendly tech help to your door Creative IT solutions can help you run your business efficiently, ensuring your computer systems are syncronised with software that best meets your needs. As knights of the IT world, Scooter Computer s technicians offer friendly tech help to your door. One of London s best kept secrets, clients call on the team s help for a wide range of IT needs from installing gadgets and software to speeding up a sleepy computer. With callouts starting from just 81 including VAT and the business operating a no fix no fee policy for home users, help is just a phone call away. + For more information contact: Scooter Computer 1 Putney Bridge Approach, London SW6 3JD Tel: [email protected]