It happens to best of us. A complete operating system failure. One day you might turn on your p.c. and that dreadful message is on your screen as plain as day. You don't know what you could have possibly done, as your computer was working fine just a little while ago.

Panic is usually first thing to set in. Something like an operating system failure can literally put home business owners out of business indefinitely. The cost and time involved in trying to repair a p.c. and months or even years of lost information is overwhelming and frightening to think about.

This doesn't have to happen to you if you are prepared.

When you think about it, our businesses are at mercy of technology. The technology is only as good as long as it's working properly. What a wonderful world we would live in if technology were flawless.

The reality is that systems fail. Computers are machines and machines sometimes break down. It doesn't get any simpler that than. We have no other choice than to be prepared for when those times come, especially IF we want to make sure our home business suffers very little down time.

There are some very easy things you can do right now to make ensure your peace of mind for your business. You need to be back up and running as quickly as possible in event of an operating system crash.

First, there are generally two types of home travel businesses:

• Referral agencies
• Booking and selling agencies

Home based travel businesses that fall into referral agency category do just that: they refer people to a travel agency. They may have several agencies they refer people to, but most generally have one travel agency that they work with on a regular basis. In return for referrals from a home based business travel agent, travel agency pays a referral fee or commission percentage on what travel agency receives from supplier. Part-time referral agents can earn up to $500 on each sale, and sometimes even more.

The home based travel businesses that fall into booking and selling agencies category usually work with one travel agency. These booking and selling travel agencies actually do booking and planning involved in making all necessary arrangements for great trips.

These are people who enjoy attending to all little details. They serve, more or less, as facilitators between their clients and a travel agency. Booking and selling home based travel business agents earn a lot higher percentage of overall commission—but they DO do a great deal more work. A full-timer at this, however, can earn $50,000 or more a year.

Some things you want to consider before you decide to open your own home based travel business are:

• Do I need any special training or education?
• Should I pursue this part-time or full-time?
• Is my family supportive of my decision?
• Do I have a room in my home where I can set up an office?
• Should I get an extra phone line?
• What sort of office equipment do I need?
• What will I do about accounting?
• How do I manage my tax needs?
• Is this a job I will love?
• How much money do I want to make?
• Should I do any advertising?
• Do I have contacts I need to pursue this business opportunity?
• If I don’t, how do I make contacts I need?
• Am I willing to put necessary effort into this business?
• Does my state require me to have a business license?