Equipment and Software Needed to Start an Online Business

What do you require to start and operate an online business? The list is not very long.

• Computer with at least 4Gb hard drive, 96Mg RAM, Pentium II processor and 56K modem
• Internet Service Provider
• Current browser and email program
• Website design program if you plan to maintain your own website
• Web host with secure server for taking credit card information online
• Merchant account so you can accept credit cards
• Scanner to copy and publish pictures or documents
• Fax machine/copier/printer
• Graphics program if you will be designing your own graphics
• Bookkeeping software to record your transactions
• FTP program to facilitate uploading files to your website
• Web statistics program to monitor your Internet visitors

Required Skills

• Operating a Computer
• Browsing the Internet
• Basic Website Design Knowledge