I work in a mom and pop used computer store where we sell and fix computers, and I have my own small biz on the side. I'd have more time now, and I'd like to branch out.
I do "geek squad" type stuff with my small biz, but I'd like to add Web design and support most things that have to do with the Internet.
I don't have any real experience with servers of any kind, neither hardware or software, neither Windows or Linux. I have a limited capacity to learn new things, and the server support market seems saturated, whereas I get a lot of requests for Web design that I can't satisfy.
Do I really have to include server support to remain viable if I completely branched out on my own?
2006-08-09 07:51:33 · 4 answers · asked by homer742 3 in Computers & Internet ➔ Computer Networking
It depends on how large of a business you wish to have and what type of customers you wish to serve. You can restrict your help to only home users or include busineses as well. Including businesses will of course drastically increase how much you can earn with your business. If you include businesses then, absolutely you need to have a high degree of knowlege regarding servers. By the way, servers are NOT hardware, but rather a software OS inside a computer. Like Windows Server 2003. It is an OS inside a computer. The computer running the OS is the server comptuter.
I think there is plenty of room for having a very viable business just helping home users. I know there is a huge demand for help in this department. I think if you are the only one who is taking service calls then it may be just too much to add businesses as well. I believe you would need employees to branch out in such a large fashion.
So, as you already said you do not have any server experiance why bother with it? There are millions of home users who need help and I think you will do fine just sticking to what you know. You can refer web design requests out to those who know how to do this type of service. When you refer out it garners good will as it is just plain good business practice to send those who need assistance with that which you do not provide to those who do. This will be remembered and these types will refer you to others who have the smaller needs of home computer and networking assistance.
One individual can only do so much. Stick to what you do well, and you should be just fine. Only decide to branch out if you have the time, energy, and capability in learning additional technical skills. Listen, there is so many different computer related areas one person could never fullfill all the needs or know everything in all areas. This is just plain illogical. It is Ok to specialize in a few areas and refer customers to those who work in other areas.
Good luck with your business and have a nice day.
2006-08-09 08:11:35 · answer #1 · answered by Serenity 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Server support is not that easy. You need the idea of Win and Linux server OSes as well as server hardware like Motherboard, Special processors like Xeon or Intel, Raid arrays, SCSI disk etc. Take a course if you can before you chip in
2006-08-09 15:04:30 · answer #2 · answered by jay 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on your target market.
Corporations and some smaller businesses run domain based networks and you will need vendor qualifications in servers and Active Directory before you can even sweep the floor.
Really small businesses and domestic users typically run peer to peer networks not using servers or AD.
None of this is directly related to web design.
My advice is to buy yourself a copy of dreamweaver and see how you go with it.
2006-08-09 15:18:26 · answer #3 · answered by notsyd 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
don't use any windows server software it sucks and is insecure. Check out www.aprelium.com it is easy,reliable, and secure. email me at aciapiacommunity@yahoo.com for more help and or services
2006-08-09 15:15:21 · answer #4 · answered by aciapiacommunity 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋