Can You Use Your Netbook For Your Business?

One of the main appeals of netbooks is that they are basically low-cost alternatives to desktop computers and regular-sized laptops. Priced within the $300 to $500, it is no wonder that everyone wants to have at least one netbook, but can you use it for business though?

The answer would definitely be a 'yes', especially if you don't have any issues using a computer with a smaller screen and an even smaller keyboard.

Most netbooks being sold are already pre-loaded with Windows XP Home or one version of Linux or another. What this means is that you can basically do basic office functions on your netbook because of pre-installed office software like MS Office on Windows XP and Open Office on Linux.

If you have an Asus Eee PC netbook, you can supplement your existing office suite by downloading useful office software like the photo editing software GIMP, page design software Scribus, double-entry accounting software KMyMoney, and the label maker Glabels.

If you are running a small office or a home-based business (and thus have three other computers in your possession), connect your computers with Windows XP using the Network Setup Wizard. Ideally, your computers should all be running on Windows XP.

Networking your computers can be summed up in these steps:

1. Take note of your computer's location and hardware.

2. If you are sharing the Internet connection, choose which computer will be your Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) host. This should be your most powerful computer (not necessarily your netbook).

3. Choose whether you want to network through Ethernet LAN or Wireless LAN. You will need to install a Network Interface Card (NIC) in each computer. If you opt for Ethernet LAN you need to run cabling between the computers.

4. Run the Network Setup Wizard on your ICS host computer.

5. Run the Network Setup Wizard on the other computers. There are many advantages to networking your netbook, along with other computers, if you are running a business. One main advantage is that you can share printers and drives between computers. You also eliminate the need for transferring files through CDs or flash disk, thus minimizing the risk of virus infection from computer to computer. You also get to save up on storage space since you can work on a shared file, yet store it only in one computer.

Visit the website http://www.compareminilaptops.com/ for more information netbooks.

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