Basic Internet Cafe Requirement

Some named it internet cafe or cyber cafe. There are many names for that type of business premise for example net cafe, internet shop. In Malaysia the most popular name is cybercafe. In Indonesia they call it Warnet and in South Korea it’s called PC Bang. Every internet cafe has its’ own and different requirement, but this is the basic requirement for every cyber cafes.


This is the most basic requirement for an Internet Cafe as a reference. However, every Internet Cafe or Gaming Center has their special requirement.

Hardware needed

1. 20 x Client PCs
2. 1 x PC to control Clients a.k.a Server
3. 1 x 24 ports Switch (or Hub?)
4. 1 x Modem with built-in Router because it is easier to have modem with built-in router (broadband modem).
5. 1 x Printer – any brand
6. 1 x Scanner – any brand
7. 20 x USB extender (If only the USB ports are in the back)

Client PCs x 20 units


Minimum specification required to run internet applications, office applications and games. It is important to have the same specification on all the clients system to minimum maintenance job.

1. Processor – at least Pentium 4
2. 40 GB Hard Disk Drive
3. 256MB RAM Memory
4. Monitor – 15″ or 17″ or 21″!
5. Motherboard – Good brand with integrated sound and VGA but separated AGP card is the best!
6. Keyboard & Mouse – Any good brand keyboard and mouse with scroll.
7. Speaker or Headphone with Microphone
8. 100Mbps Network Card
9. CDRW Drive (optional)
10. Web Cam (optional)

Server PC x 1 unit


Not so important, at least can run cyber cafe management software is good enough. But more number of clients means higher specification needed.

1. Processor – at least Pentium 4
2. 20 – 40 GB Hard Disk Drive
3. 256MB RAM Memory
4. Monitor – 15″
5. Motherboard – Good brand with integrated sound and VGA
6. Keyboard & Mouse – Any good brand keyboard and mouse with scroll.
7. 100Mbps Network Card
8. CDRW Drive (optional)
9. Web Cam (optional)

Software in Clients

Most needed application by customers. It is important to have the same applications on all the clients system to minimum maintenance job.

1. Operating System – Windows 98, Windows Me or Windows XP
2. Office Suite – Ms Office or OpenOffice.org
3. Browser – Internet Explorer, FireFox or Netscape Navigator
4. Adobe Reader
5. File Compressor – Winzip or WinRar
6. QuickTime
7. Media Player – WinAmp5 and Window Media Player
8. Messenger – ICQ, Yahoo, MSN and AOL
9. Anti-Virus – Norton AntiVirus or McAffee
10. CD Burning Utility – Nero or Alcohol (optional)
11. Reboot Restoration Utility – Deepfreeze or Norton GoBack, or Juzt Reboot card (optional). Although it is optional, I think it will reduce almost 95% of internet cafe’s maintenance. Think about it!

Software in Server

Preferably the same with clients, because it is easier to troubleshoot problem if something happen.

1. Operating System – Win98, WinMe or WinXP
2. Office Suite – Ms Office or OpenOffice.org
3. Browser – Internet Explorer, FireFox or Netscape Navigator
4. Adobe Reader
5. File Compressor – Winzip or WinRar
6. QuickTime
7. Media Player – WinAmp5 and Window Media Player
8. Messenger – ICQ, Yahoo, MSN and AOL
9. Anti Virus – Norton AntiVirus or McAffee
10. CD Burning Utility – Nero or Alcohol (optional)
11. Internet Cafe Management Software – CCAutoSoft

Games to Choose

These are the most wanted games in the Internet Cafe or Gaming Center.

1. Half-Life, Half-Life2
2. Conter Strike
3. Need For Speed Underground 1 & 2
4. Warcraft 3
5. Doom 3
6. Everquest2
7. Galaxy LightSpeed
8. Halo for PC
9. Star Wars Galaxies
10. Battlefield 1942
11. Secret Weapons and Vietnam
12. Rise of Nations
13. Home World 2
14. Soldier of Fortune
15. City of Heroes
16. Final Fantasy XI
17. Command and Conquer
18. Midtown Madness 1 & 2
19. Bass Fishing
20. House of the Dead 1 & 2

(The article was written in 2005, so it has some outdated information)