Small Office Computer Setup Basics

small business IT workstations networks reliability backups wi-fi north liberty corridor

Small Office Computer Setup Basics

If you’re a very small business (1–10 people), it’s easy to end up with a mix of computers, printers, and Wi‑Fi that “just sort of grew” over time. This short guide covers the basics of a simple, reliable setup.

1. Use business‑class computers when possible

Home PCs can work in a pinch, but for daily business use, look for:

  • A recent business‑class model (often labeled “Pro” or “Business”)
  • At least 16 GB of RAM for general office work
  • A solid‑state drive (SSD) instead of an older spinning hard drive
  • Windows Pro (not Home) when you need more control and security

If you’re not sure what to buy, ELLTX can help you choose a system that fits your budget and how you actually work.

2. Keep your Wi‑Fi and router simple but solid

For a typical small office:

  • Use a single, good‑quality router or access point rather than multiple cheap units.
  • Place it in a central location if you can.
  • Make sure you know your Wi‑Fi network name and password, and that they’re written down somewhere secure.
  • Change the default router password from what the sticker or manual lists.

Unreliable Wi‑Fi causes a surprising number of “computer problems” that aren’t really on the computer at all.

3. Printers and scanners: less is more

For very small offices:

  • One reliable network printer/scanner is usually better than several cheap ones.
  • Connect it to the network (Ethernet or Wi‑Fi) so everyone can use the same device.
  • Avoid “mystery USB cables” moved from desk to desk.

ELLTX can help you set up shared printers and scanners so they “just work” from each workstation.

4. Basic backup and protection

Even a simple setup should have:

  • Automatic backups of important files (to an external drive, a NAS, or secure cloud storage)
  • Antivirus/antimalware protection
  • System updates applied regularly (but not blindly in the middle of the workday)

If you’re not sure whether anything is currently backing up your data, assume it’s not and take a closer look.

5. Write down the essentials

A very small business often depends on one person “who remembers how everything is set up.” That’s risky.

At minimum, write down:

  • Internet provider and account details
  • Router make, model, and admin password
  • Wi‑Fi network name(s) and password(s)
  • Where your important files are stored (local, shared drive, cloud)
  • Any backup tools in use and where they back up to

Keep this in a safe place that at least one other trusted person can access.

If you’d like help reviewing your current setup or planning a new one for a small office, ELLTX can assist with:

  • Computer and network planning
  • Setup and migration
  • Ongoing remote and on‑site support

Contact ELLTX to tell us about your situation and we’ll help you figure out the next step.

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