Question From A Reader…

Steve,
 
I am going to be needing to buy a new computer soon.  What should I be thinking about getting (amount of RAM, hard drive space etc.) to support an internet business?  Also, I am wondering about the legal end of things.  What should I be aware of, or what are some legal areas we should be looking into?
 
Thanks.
Randy Hansen

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Randy,

Just about ANY new computer you buy today that has Internet connectivity will do. I have run my online business with $1200 laptops …and with $500 laptops. And there has not been a lot of difference between them!

Just make sure you have plenty of hard drive space if you plan on doing videos – or get an external hard drive like a Maxtor. You should probably have one of those to back up your computer anyway.

I have found that a laptop lasts about 2.5 – 3 years. I rarely have one that lasts longer no matter how much I pay, so you might as well pay less (and I have owned probably 25 laptops over the years!). The only caveat is if you can get an on site warranty – I find it worth the money. Meaning, they come to your house to fix the computer. Very convenient and keeps you from sending your computer back to the manufacturer and waiting 3 weeks to get your computer back!

As far as legal issues, here’s my standard reply. Only spend money for protection when you have something valuable to protect. Meaning, don’t buy a $5000 safe for a $100 pistol. Same with information products. Don’t spend $2000 incorporating yourself when you’ve only sold 10 ebooks. Wait until you are making a six-figure income on the internet before you start creating legal entities. However, I am not a lawyer …nor do I play one on TV!

Under-promise and over-deliver and you should be fine.