What it Takes to Start a Virus Removal Business
Don't rent office space. Here's what you do need:
Absolute Requirements: Unless you've already perfected virus removal, you're going to need a spare computer for practicing and testing (minimum Pentium-4, 256 MB Ram). I don't recommend practicing on your own computer, much less your customer's.
Strongly Recommended: A car helps significantly. A cell phone and laptop will facilitate mobility. Finally, as with any business, you need to spend money to make money. Recommended start-up cash: $500. You're also going to need cash to live off of while you build your customer base.
Your target demographic: wealthy home computer owners. Do you live around them? Are there other small-to-medium-sized businesses around?
Nice to Have: A good office space. You can easily, legally work from your own home in most areas, and I do not recommend renting office space right away.
Is Computer Repair for You?
You are aspiring to start your own tech business, or perhaps leave Geek Squad and quadruple your hourly rate. You have decent social skills; you know how to talk to people. Repairing your family and friends' computers comes easily to you, and you know you can do a better job than the guys you've seen at the local computer repair shop.
If you just read a description of yourself, then you are likely positioned to start up your own business. Determine whether there is a local demand, and if so, get to it!
Start with a Web Page
Perhaps the best return on your money begins with a web page. If you are a frugal businessman, like I was when I started, then start here. Come up with your name. You might simply adapt an out-of-state competitor's name to your own business; just be sure the name is not registered in your own state and the dot-com is available (try to register your name with Google).
After creating your web page and brand, get business cards. Search for free business card services online, if you want, or pay for high-quality ones that don't have advertisements on the back.