What You Need in Your Home Workspace - How to Start a Home-based Computer Repair Business - page 53

shortcut right to your desktop. You'll also need a calculator. I use the free calculator pro-
gram that came with my Mac. It's amazing how often I call on my calculator to work up
a number or a price quote or help me with a simple math problem when my brain is fried
after a long day.
Each business will need its own software programs, and if you plan on starting and hosting
your own website, you may need a whole suite of other programs to do so. There are other
options here, such as having your website hosted “offsite,” and in many cases all you will
need is your website browser to manipulate and program changes or new pages, which we
will talk about later in this topic. Try not to be overcome with software purchases in the
beginning—keep it simple if you can.
Tools of the Trade
The tools of the electronics technician are as important as the knowledge he possesses.
Without tools, there would be no repairs. With no repairs, there would be no business.
While it's going to be difficult to explain all of the tools that are needed for every type of
repair on every type of device, we can talk in some generalities.
Good tools are good, but great tools make all the difference. You want professional quality
tools. There are lines of tools that are specific to the industry, for example Wiha tools,
which offer a 100 percent lifetime satisfaction guarantee. They provide a warranty against
defects in workmanship and materials and will replace tools that fail under normal use,
forever. You can find these tools at distributors online like kctool.com and others. What
makes these tools worth the price? They are high quality, German-made pieces that don't
damage customer screws and can “grip” screw heads, torx screws, and other types of
screws well. Additionally, they are comfortable to work with. The handles are easy to hold
and the tools are light.
Who cares about comfort and weight? You will. Hopefully you'll get an onslaught of busi-
ness and repair orders will be stacked up. When this happens, if you have a cheap set of
“jewelers screwdrivers” that are chewed up and hard to work with, you'll want to throw
in the towel. Order the right tools up front, fall in love with a brand, and become a loyal
customer.
A simple computer repair technician's tool kit will consist of the following:
1. Precision slotted and Phillips screwdrivers, size 00, 0, 1, and 2
2. A screwdriver magnetizer/demagnetizer
3. Precision nut drivers, size 9/64, 5/32, 3/16, 7/32, 1/4, 5/16, 11/32, 3/8, and 7/16