“OK,” I hear you say, “So it sounds like a good business to get into but what are my start-up costs going to be?”

It depends on if you have your own computer. If you have your own IBM compatible PC then you have a blazing head start. If you don’t, then don’t worry.

You can either buy a cheap second hand machine to get started on or use your local library, school, adult education centre, friends PC, etc. Be resourceful and brainstorm all the ways you can think of to get low-cost or no-cost hands on experience. It can be done.

Let me outline the essentials of what you need:
• A computer that runs Windows 3.1 or 95
• A telephone
• Microsoft Word and Excel

In additional, the following would be useful
• A printer (LaserJet or Bubble-jet)
• Microsoft Works, Microsoft Access
• A message pad
• Business cards
• An email and Internet account

The essentials are what you need to get started but you will find the additional list above useful. This can be bought once you start earning decent money.

Computer
If you’ve got a 486 PC or above running Window 3.1 or Windows 95, then you’re half way there. You only need a copy of Word and Excel and you can start very soon indeed.

Just in case you are not aware of the different types of computers out there, I will briefly summarise them for you here.

There are 4 main types:
• IBM compatible computers - these run Windows and are used by most businesses
• Apple Mac’s - they tend to be used by graphic design people
• Amiga - a home computer good for games and video
• Gameboys, Sony Playstation etc. - video games machines only

You will want to focus on the first in the list, the IBM compatible machines.

The History of the IBM Compatible Computer
In 1980, IBM launched the first PC as we know it. They made it an “Open Architecture” design, which meant that other companies could copy it and so join in on the band wagon producing machines. Intel was the company that supplied the computers main processing chip (the “brain” that did the calculations).

The first chip was called an 8086. Next was the 286 and so on as shown below.

The History of Intel Chips
8086 - you’d be hard pushed to find one of these in use now
286 - not very common anymore
386 - still around
486 - common
Pentium - new, entry level machine
Pentium Pro - at the cutting edge but starting to gain market share.

In a nutshell, the difference between the chips is all to do with the speed with which they make the computer run. A Pentium, for example, will run a lot faster than a 286. This is the most popular spreadsheet and accounts for around 80% of market share. As you may know, a spreadsheet is used to make calculations for any number of purposes. Examples may be to predict future sales, cashflow, VAT calculations, graphs, and trends. The list is endless.

What Should I Buy?

If you’ve got the money then go for a Pentium. If not, a 486 will do the job but it will be slower and more frustrating to use. For those of you who have bought a machine from new within the last year, then it is likely that this is more than up to the job.
Software
Windows 3.1 & 95
You will need Windows 3.1 AND Windows 95. Windows is what they call the “Operating System” and it is the “look and feel” of the way programs run on your computer. Windows 95 is the latest version with Windows 3.1 its predecessor.

Microsoft Word
This is the most popular wordprocessor on the market. Competitors include WordPerfect and Ami-Pro (now Word Pro). However, Microsoft Word holds approximately 80% of the market in offices throughout the UK. Therefore, it makes sense to specialise on this particular brand of Wordprocessor.

Apart from its popularity, training on Word is the most frequently asked training requirement. Word processing is such an essential business skill that nearly everyone needs a modicum of knowledge of how to churn out letters, reports and so forth.

Microsoft Excel
While most people can use Word to a limited degree, many shy away from a spreadsheet because of its apparent complexity. This is an illusion, as you will find. It doesn’t take long at all for you to master the basics of using a spreadsheet. The good news is your client’s fear of spreadsheets can bring in more valuable business for you.

Microsoft Access
This is a database and it is also the most complex of the applications to master. Don’t tackle this area until you have established a good grasp of Word & Excel. The learning curve is steep and it can be difficult to get into.

However, because it is difficult at first, the rewards are higher. You can charge a greater hourly fee for database work and you can often be involved in designing a database for your client, which tends to clock up the hours.

Overall, designing databases tends to be the most lucrative of my work.