In these difficult economic conditions, being prepared for the worst is paramount, and sadly, being prepared for a new job search or Career Plan B may be a necessity.

Below are some tips from Ft. Lauderdale computer repair experts, who are pooling ideas and weighing in to help you decide whether you can make do with what you have, or should consider buying new technology to boost your new career:

Update Your Software: Make sure you have the updated versions of office software as you move forward. If you aren't running at least MS Office 2007 make sure to get the Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack. If you use a Mac, perhaps consider investing in MS Office for Macs, because most people don't have them, awesome as they are.

Consider Netbooks: Then opt for something else. In most cases, of course. Job seekers need a solid multitasking machine, yes, but for the most part, slower speed, limited software and small keyboards that define Netbooks will lead to more frustration than good. A used or low-end laptop will provide easier use and the most bang for the buck.

PDFs: Get PDF995 or Adobe for converting your resume and other documents into PDF format for emailing to recruiters and managers. MS Word 2007 has a built in function that will do this. Make sure to have your resume in PDF format so it cannot be altered or edited. If you have a Smart Phone such as a BlackBerry or iPhone, keep it with you.

New Email: ASAP, send an email out to all your contacts letting them know your new contact information, and the best way to reach you. If you don't already have one (or better yet, two) free email accounts, you can get them quickly though Gmail or Yahoo! Oh, and you don't need a Fort Lauderdale computer repair expert to tell you to use a professional name. No one wants to hire GossipGirlFan203.

Social Networking: Get serious about joining Linked In, Facebook, and other social networking sites. It sound silly, but a ton of business is garnered through personal connections, and you can really get your job search off the ground with little money invested this way.

Computer 411: Assess whether your home PC can pull you through a job search or starting your own company. At minimum, you'll need to own a computer running either XP or Vista with at least 1 GB of memory, 1.4 GHz or higher on the processor, and 80GB minimum, 120 GB preferable on hard disk, with broadband capabilities of course. If you can't boast that right now, spend the money. It will help you get a job or get your company going faster and thus recoup the investment soon.

Invest in a Printer. It's not all about the operating system you have. Don't forget to have a good quality printer for presenting your resume or previous work samples in hard copy. You don't have to go top of the line, but you should have something that functions. Chances are you will need it.