Do You Know The Bare Basics Of Computer Use?

Posted by on January 22, 2008 · Leave a Comment 

You’ve Got to Be Computer Literate Before You Tackle Internet Marketing

A good knowledge of BASIC computer functions and tasks is a must before you can even think about launching an online internet marketing business. I hope this makes total sense to anyone who is reading this. Like most everything we do in life, a sequence is important for a successful outcome. We have to follow the recipe correctly … we have to follow the instructions correctly, etc.

So, before you jump in head first and purchase a domain name and attempt to set up a website or blog, make sure you have the following “bare bones” computer basics under your belt. OK? OK!

#1 – Starting at the Very Beginning, I’d Suggest You:

  • Have a computer in very good working order (don’t be running bootleg operating systems, etc.).
  • Know how to back-up your files.
  • Have a reliable ISP (internet service provider) with decent connection speed.
  • Know how to browse the internet using IE and Firefox. You should become familiar with Firefox. You can download Firefox for free.
  • Know how to bookmark pages.
  • Have the free Adobe Reader installed on your computer to view and print PDF documents.
  • Have a Zip file extractor installed on your computer (most computers now have a built-in zip extractor), know its intended purpose and learn how to use it. If you do need one, I can recommend this free program: FreeZip.

#2 – Be Proficient in the Following Computer Basics Areas:

  • Be comfortable with all aspects of email tasks (composing, sending, receiving, forwarding, etc.).
  • Know how to download files and images into the location and/or folder of your choice.
  • Create new folders for your desktop (or in your C-drive, as example).
  • Find a file stored in your computer.
  • Know how to compose and save a document in Microsoft Word, Notepad and/or Wordpad.
  • Know how to copy and paste text into your document.
  • Know how to copy files and move files (do you know the difference between the two functions?).
  • Know how to open, read and save PDF files.
  • Know what a Zip file is and how to unzip one.
  • Know what a “directory” is.
  • Know how to create a shortcut on your desktop.

Now, the tasks listed above are the bare computer basics as far as I am concerned. This list could be greatly expanded, however that’s for another post. But without being able to have the ability to move about your computer and perform these entry-level tasks, it’s not yet time for you to jump head first into your online internet marketing career.

Trust me … get these basics under your belt! Then you’ll be ready to move to the next step, which will be thinking about issues such as your domain name, who your hosting provider will be … do you want to use a site builder to quickly build your site, or do you want to hand code everything? Oh boy, if you are a total newbie, then what I’ve mentioned here is already sounding a bit overwhelming, right? ;-)

But in the not too distant future, it won’t be so intimidating. I promise.

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