What software should I purchase/use for my PC Repair business...
- Thread starter archie42
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If you search the forums, you will see this topic has been covered many times over.
Personally, I wouldnt purchase any software, apart from your windows, for your pc, and either office, or download open office which is foc.
Only purchase software for clients, on a as and when needed basis. You will have to fork out enough money, so why have it tied up in stock, which could take ages to sell.
Get yourself a few usb sticks, and load them up with the various a/v, malware packages etc. Hard drive testing tools, and take it from there.
Personally, I wouldnt purchase any software, apart from your windows, for your pc, and either office, or download open office which is foc.
Only purchase software for clients, on a as and when needed basis. You will have to fork out enough money, so why have it tied up in stock, which could take ages to sell.
Get yourself a few usb sticks, and load them up with the various a/v, malware packages etc. Hard drive testing tools, and take it from there.
xxsilk109xx
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I agree, the only other thing that I would buy is a technet subscription. It comes in handy...
iisjman07
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The software I'd recommend you buy is:
-Fabs Autobackup (for backing up computers even if they don't turn on)
-Data recovery software (GetDataBack, R-Studio are two popular softwares)
-Paragon Drive Backup (Paragon Adaptive Restore™ allows you to image windows to another pc (I know Acronis has a similar product but I think this one's cheaper))
-BurnInTest (it's cheap and does a mighty fine job at stress testing and diagnostic (sort of), so it's worth it)
Other than that you can do pretty much everything else with freeware. Grab a copy of Ubuntu, UBCD4WIN and UBCD (strange, they all being with 'U') and you could do the vast majority of jobs. Of course you'll need computer repair experience and experience using the software
-Fabs Autobackup (for backing up computers even if they don't turn on)
-Data recovery software (GetDataBack, R-Studio are two popular softwares)
-Paragon Drive Backup (Paragon Adaptive Restore™ allows you to image windows to another pc (I know Acronis has a similar product but I think this one's cheaper))
-BurnInTest (it's cheap and does a mighty fine job at stress testing and diagnostic (sort of), so it's worth it)
Other than that you can do pretty much everything else with freeware. Grab a copy of Ubuntu, UBCD4WIN and UBCD (strange, they all being with 'U') and you could do the vast majority of jobs. Of course you'll need computer repair experience and experience using the software
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joydivision
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I agree with Nige though when you start out the last thing you want to do is waste money on software. Backups can be done via Ubuntu (free) and there is a neat program called HDclone it takes a couple of hours to clone a drive but it works flawlessy and the basic version is free even for commercial use.
When the income starts to come in then you can buy software.
Another handy free software is called photorec it is great for finding out old JPEGs on formatted or damaged file systems.
When the income starts to come in then you can buy software.
Another handy free software is called photorec it is great for finding out old JPEGs on formatted or damaged file systems.
lgtechcomputers
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Here you can find lots of free software.
http://www.techsupportalert.com/
Also I would purchase either the Technet or MS Action pack.
With the action pack, you can use the licenses for business purposes.
I'd follow iisjman07 suggestions.
For cloning and imaging, I use CloneZilla. It works very well.
Good luck!
http://www.techsupportalert.com/
Also I would purchase either the Technet or MS Action pack.
With the action pack, you can use the licenses for business purposes.
I'd follow iisjman07 suggestions.
For cloning and imaging, I use CloneZilla. It works very well.
Good luck!
16k_zx81
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Two things I think are a good idea to get right form the outset:
1. A decent accounting package. Managing incoming and outgoings is core to the business. If you have run a business before you will already have knowledge about how this works. If not, then I strongly recommend getting something so you can keep track of what you're spending, what you're earning, and what your actual profits are.
2. Some sort of customer / repair database. Pen and paper are not a great way to do this (as I found out) because its incredibly useful to have something searchable, so you can look up customer information for return customers, and reference repairs you have already done, hardware specs of machines etc.
Theres a few threads about PC Repair Tracker on here. I bought the software last week but havent had enough of a chance to trial it to provide a recommendation.
One note or an Access database would be another option.
Others will be able to advise you and there are existing threads on this subject about other options.
Apart from these two types of software, I think the best way to proceed would be to get a technet sub, all the free software you have time to test and utilise, and then only pay for anything you need as you go.
1. A decent accounting package. Managing incoming and outgoings is core to the business. If you have run a business before you will already have knowledge about how this works. If not, then I strongly recommend getting something so you can keep track of what you're spending, what you're earning, and what your actual profits are.
2. Some sort of customer / repair database. Pen and paper are not a great way to do this (as I found out) because its incredibly useful to have something searchable, so you can look up customer information for return customers, and reference repairs you have already done, hardware specs of machines etc.
Theres a few threads about PC Repair Tracker on here. I bought the software last week but havent had enough of a chance to trial it to provide a recommendation.
One note or an Access database would be another option.
Others will be able to advise you and there are existing threads on this subject about other options.
Apart from these two types of software, I think the best way to proceed would be to get a technet sub, all the free software you have time to test and utilise, and then only pay for anything you need as you go.
Martyn
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I'm not so sure an accounting package if your budget is tight. I use Excel with a couple of tabs, sales and purchases then just added formula to suit.
I probably spent way too much on things that I didn't need to but I had the money to do it and would have bought them anyway. I would buy a good data recovery software which works well. I bought Getdataback for NTFS and it's served me well and Acronis. I think a tech version of Fabs Autobackup will save you time.
I probably spent way too much on things that I didn't need to but I had the money to do it and would have bought them anyway. I would buy a good data recovery software which works well. I bought Getdataback for NTFS and it's served me well and Acronis. I think a tech version of Fabs Autobackup will save you time.
16k_zx81
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Yep. They are expensive. My experience was that I handt run a business before and after initially trialling a few 'free' options and having some pointed discussions with my accountant, he ended up recommending something which has been incredibly valuable to me learning about the money side of things. I should also add that Im just over 12 months into the business.
But absolutely if OP is confident to manage this himself with something like Excel that may be a more sensible option in terms of setup costs.
Martyn
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I am looking at going with an accounts package at the moment. My computer of choice is a Mac so I'm looking at an online package. For invoicing I use Invoice2go on my Iphone and have done all my invoicing from the phone. Good, cheap option that looks professional as well. I mentioned the new online version of Quickbooks in another thread that it was only the US and not the UK. I applied to become a beta tester and got accepted for the UK version yesterday.
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