Tips on How to Setup an Internet Cafe

Posted by derixc in September 20th 2007

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I am receiving a lot of e-mails recently regarding my internet cafe earnings that I posted few months back and asking what are the most common things to be considered when setting up an internet cafe. To answer all those questions, here are some of my tips based on my own personal experience.

Location

A must. Having it on a highly populated area will definitely increase your chances of having your investment back and at the same time gain more repeat customers. It is best to setup near public markets, schools and residential areas.

The Budget

How many computers would you like to have?

Price normally is at Php12K-Php15K ($250-$350) and typically the ideal number is 10 PC’s. The reason behind this is that the rising popularity of online and LAN games. Kids and young adult will normally play in batches, so the more computers you have the more you’re about to gain loyal players, I mean customers.

Computer Specifications

I will suggest to check first the system requirements of various online-games. You don’t want to purchase a PC that may become obsolete in the next coming months. The demand for higher graphics display, memory and processor speed are the most common specs that your customers maybe looking at. Also, having a reasonable high-end PC will avoid the hassles of upgrading your computer often. AMD computer setup is highly recommended. You can have both speed and quality at an affordable price, unlike with Pentium based PC.

Technical Knowhow, Networking

If you happen to know the basics of installing you’re operating system then you’re good to go. Previously, I am having a hard time connecting all the PC’s together, it’s windows 98 back then that I am trying to hook up. I’ve notice the huge improvement in Windows XP, it is really Plug-and-Play. Just install your OS and during setup, leave the workgroup to it’s default configuration and then plug all the cables to your switch hub and you’re done!

Suggested Freewares

That’s all for today. Feel free to drop me a comment, if you think I miss something.

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14 Comments

phillip Said,

October 22nd, 2007 @7:02 pm

hi your link to think!server takes u to think!client and in any case think!server cant be downloaded can u send me a copy to my e-mail address. i hope u can thank u

derixc Said,

October 23rd, 2007 @12:45 am

Phillip,

thanks for pointing it out. I have already updated the links.

neal Said,

November 6th, 2007 @11:46 am

how is your rent only $40?

what do you have in each of your pc?

Lino Said,

February 26th, 2008 @1:50 pm

hi Derixc,
good day to you. your site is great and very interesting from business to intertainment it helps me a lot i owned a small internet cafe’ here in cavite. keep up the good work. thanks

Lino

rambler Said,

February 26th, 2008 @9:28 pm

hi derixc,
i read you article in setting up an internet cafe. i am planning to put one and the location is near a school. can you send me some examples of specs that is ideal and right on the budget in putting up an internet cafe business? either AMD or Intel processors. thanks and i will wait for your reply.

rahul Said,

March 28th, 2008 @3:41 pm

its suggestive but initially what are the networking requirements and procedure to be installed in the PC.

March 28th, 2008 @9:34 pm

@ rambler

AMD setup will do. I think price range now for a typical gaming PC is 14-16 PHP. I suggest to go to Cubao in Gilmore.

@rahul

networking requirements? we’ll just a basic hub and router will do. of course, the LAN cables. You can go wireless as well. FOr the PC as long as it is setup br default, meaning the workgroup still remains “workgroup” all should be ok. just plug all the cables and you’re good to go. Just change the PC names of the individual computers.

supladodaw Said,

July 7th, 2008 @9:40 am

Hi Derixc, i just found this forum this morning, and I am glad to read this this coz Im planning to start a small biz like internet cafe,I konw a little in basic problem in regards of computer but poor in networking , i would like to ask help on how to set up a computer server in my cafe, ur help is highly appreciated.

patrick Said,

July 23rd, 2008 @8:52 pm

Good stuff, i’ve learn’t something

krisogbe Said,

August 7th, 2008 @1:17 pm

I am planning to set up an internet cafe. I really dont have much technical IT knowledge other that Microsoft Office application package - Access, Excel, Word, PP, Email and internet.

I need advice and support in terms of all relevant information to enable me start the project.

Could you send information to me through my email and I would like a follow up.

Chris.