Business applications

Keeping business separate from personal
As of now I have two computers. One for my business and another for all other applications.
The business computer is way over due for an upgrade. I just purchased the software to upgrade, that too was long over due.

Someone told me that instead of buying a new PC for the business, to just buy an external hard drive.
My personal computer has internet access and the upgrade for the business software could also utilize the internet. As it stands now, the old business computer does not have access.

First, I do not know much about external hard drives. Are they portable or expensive?
Will access to the internet compromise the safety of my business information? Or will having another hard drive eliminate that?

I'm running a couple different programs for viruses and such.

Should I just bight the bullet and upgrade with a new computer as I did with my software?

Thanks in advance! :sheepishgrin:

I would personally buy a new computer, they are so cheap nowadays that you would find for a little extra you could have a brand new PC with all new software for little over what you would have to pay going through the fuss of upgrading your work PC.

External HDs are cheap as chips and small so easilly portable if this is the route you wish to take, but getting an external harddrive is only going to increase the storage for the PC you still have to think of the memory etc..

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Adam

I would personally buy a new computer, they are so cheap nowadays that you would find for a little extra you could have a brand new PC with all new software for little over what you would have to pay going through the fuss of upgrading your work PC.

External HDs are cheap as chips and small so easilly portable if this is the route you wish to take, but getting an external harddrive is only going to increase the storage for the PC you still have to think of the memory etc..

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ahhh, Good point. Strorage/memory. Thanks.
I have entertained the idea of using this window (excuse) to get a lap top.

Although more expensive, I can see a lot of advantages too.
I don't know. Too many options. Too many variables to those options! :boggle:

Laptops are a good option especially for a business. I use a laptop for work and it means I have a portable workstation so I am not restricted to the office if I need work doing! I can do it when out on the road, when at home or in the office. And for a good laptop I think you could pick one up for what you will need it for, for about $700 maybe? Which is cheap for a laptop IMO.

Also given you dont pay VAT on a business expense makes it 17.5% cheaper anyway.... Unless you don't get tax advantages for business purchases?

Yes... I'd go what with Adam said, get a laptop. You can get a cheap External hard drive such as this one, http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822136060

which is about as small as two decks of playings cards side by side. I think a laptop with a small external is your best bet.

Thank you Adam - Grod! :sheepishgrin:

Yes, I do get tax write offs.

I also get deals on Dell computers through the NFIB. I had another post concerning that manufacturer.

You mentioned security as a concern for a business computer. Might I recommend Linux or Mac? Dell sells computers with Ubuntu preinstalled, but don't run windows programs all that well (although for most it has an equivalent.) Most servers use Linux because it has proven itself as extremely secure and robust. Both Linux PCs and Mac can dual or parallel boot windows if you really need it for business, but then your security is gone again. (I'm not sure if Linux does Parallel boot, but I know it will dual boot.)

External hard drives are extremely cheap, I have a 320gig one for my iTunes collection and Time Machine (another security measure) and it cost less than $150.