Converting My Landlords Store Into A LAN Shop

Setting Up a Small LAN Shop: A Venture into the World of Internet Cafes

Excitement fills the air as my landlord returns from the United States with a new business plan in mind. Dissatisfied with the performance of the current sari-sari store managed by his brother-in-law, he has set his sights on transforming it into a LAN shop or internet cafe, catering to the digital needs of the local community. As a technology enthusiast, he approached me for guidance in this new venture.

Given the limited space available, we concluded that a 10-workstation shop with a dedicated server would be the most practical setup. The server would serve as a point-of-sale system and provide desktop services such as printing, photocopying, scanning, and CD burning.

To gain insights into existing LAN shops, we visited similar establishments in Fairview, Lagro, and Bankers Village. This served as a valuable learning experience and gave my landlord a better understanding of what to expect in his own shop.

The next step was to consult a supplier and obtain a quotation for the required computer equipment. For me, reliability takes precedence when it comes to selecting components. While budget considerations are important, the long-term savings achieved by minimizing maintenance and parts replacement outweigh the initial higher costs. However, opinions on this matter may differ among LAN shop owners who prioritize lower specs and cheaper prices.

Given my landlord's willingness to invest in quality, I recommended trusted brands such as Intel, ASUS, Kingston, Seagate, Nvidia, LG, Logitech, and A4. As for the computer casing, we opted for models equipped with a 500W power supply.

In terms of workstation configuration, one key difference between the server and the workstations lies in the video card. While workstations require a dedicated PCI-E video card, the server can rely on the built-in video capabilities of the motherboard. This not only saves around two thousand pesos but also enhances reliability.

Additional components included in the server setup were a DVDRW drive, an uninterruptible power supply (UPS), and an automatic voltage regulator (AVR). Considering customer requests, we allocated headsets and webcams for their occasional use. These peripherals were not included in the workstation PCs, resulting in a significant saving of ten thousand pesos.

For the desktop services, we selected a printer with an integrated scanner. To reduce ink expenses, we decided to attach a continuous ink supply system (CIS), despite the warranty implications. However, we have confidence in the reliability of our chosen service centers to address any potential issues.

To interconnect all the computers, we calculated the need for a switch, network cables, RJ 45 connectors, cable ties, and wall mounts. This estimated cost was approximately five thousand pesos (P5,000).

Setting up a small LAN shop or internet cafe involves careful planning, consideration of customer needs, and a balance between budget and reliability. By making informed decisions and choosing trusted brands, my landlord and I aim to create a thriving business that offers quality digital services to the local community.

Sources:
- Personal experience and knowledge of LAN shop setups.

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