LESSON #9: Basic Computer Skills You Need to Have

By | June 27, 2008

We’ve talked about some things that you need to have in order to start an online business, so now we’re going to talk about some things you need to know.

Like I said back in lesson 3, you DON’T need to be a computer expert to be an internet marketer, but you do need to have some basic skills…

(Watch this video…)

Join my coaching club

Main points:

What you need to know…

1) Using your computer; turning it on, off, etc.
2) Mouse skills: Left click, right click, double click
3) Using Windows or whatever OS you have
4) Navigating your computer
5) Working with windows: Open, close, minimize, maximize, resize, move
6) Multitasking with multiple programs/windows open
7) Creating folders
8] Changing your folder “view”
9) Naming and renaming files
10) “Dragging and dropping”
11) Copying and moving files/folders
12) Zipping and unzipping files
13) Installing a software program
14) Opening a program
15) Copying and pasting text
16) Editing and saving files/documents
17) Save vs. Save As
18) Using a web browser to navigate the internet
19) “Googling” and other online research
20) Sending and receiving email
21) Opening a PDF file with Adobe reader
22) Using productivity software such as Word and Excel, or OpenOffice

Action steps:

1) Go through this list of skills, and if you don’t know how to do something, learn it.

If you’re truly a self-taught learner, then you can learn it all here on the internet for free, as long as you know how to click on a link and navigate some sites that I’ve provided below:

(UPDATE: Some of the links I mentioned in the video are no longer valid, but these ones should work…)

http://www.solvusoft.com/en/windows-10-troubleshooting-guide
http://tech.tln.lib.mi.us/tutor/
http://www.ctdlc.org/remediation/ (includes quizzes)
http://www.basiccomputerinformation.ca/

Alright, so now we’ve covered most of the basics… but when it comes to online business, there’s an entire vocabulary that you’ll need to be familiar with. I’ll cover those online business terms in the next lesson.

As always, you are welcome to post your questions and comments below.

Have a great day!

232 thoughts on “LESSON #9: Basic Computer Skills You Need to Have

  1. Gary

    Great Checklist of Basic Computer Skills to know before starting! I appreciate the added links you included for refreshing our memories!

    😉

    We Give You 120 Individual Turnkey Websites With Your Paypal ID On Each
    http://www.Instant-Paysites.com

    Reply
  2. Oscar

    Excellent video, I am thinking of starting a new website. I need to first research niches. I wanted to know, what keyword tool do you reccommend and are their any free options. I also want to know which keywords are high paying in terms of adsense.

    Thanks

    Oscar

    Reply
  3. Bryan Hee

    I’m argeed with you that we need the basic skills to run the online business. Although we can outsource. We need to equip basic skills so we can update the website anytime as we like.

    To Your Success
    Bryan Hee
    6 Figures Blogging Secrets
    http://howtoblogsecrets.pinurl.com

    Reply
  4. Amin

    Eric,

    when you look at a list like that you realize that even the basics (that we tend to take for granted) are actually more substantial than we think.

    I know I was surprised when I started seeing questions on my helpdesk about ‘where is the clipboard’. It’s a basic facility, but only if you already know about it.

    That’s why video tutorials are so popular these days – people can *see* what they need to learn. Sometimes, unfortunately, even the clearest explanation can be confusing. But a picture, as we know, is worth a thousands words.

    But a good list makes a good starting point for further exploration, so you’ve provided a good resource with that list and links.

    Reply
  5. kathy

    Eric, I’m lovin every lesson. You’re offereing so much value and great guidance. Thanks.

    Reply
  6. John Gontowicz

    I agree with the skills listed above. I teach classes and other basics are how to save a file, and where to put it. Also, you should know how to look at a link and see if it is real, or just a phishing scam. I cover all of these in my bi-weekly newsletters.

    For your subscribers I have a free computer tips newsletter and free articles on my site. I also gave this PDF as a giveaway which lists many of the items listed above. http://www.yourpcguide.com/tips2005.pdf

    There are many more computer tips in my newsletter – computers@sendfree.com

    Reply
  7. Gary

    Just a side note for anyone trying to decide which way to go with productivity software. While open office is a GREAT free program(and certainly can do the job just fine) I’ve found personally that microsoft word and microsoft excel have been a little more user friendly and also more widely used among computer users. However…like I stated this is a personal preference. If you decide to purchase your software I would recommend getting microsoft office home and student 2007. This includes both Word, Excel, organizational tools and much more. Its also cost a lot less than purchasing them individually. Usually the package runs around $149 but I found that Costco or Costco.com carries it for about $50 less! Either way you decide I wish you best of luck in your business

    😉

    Reply
  8. mamarose

    Hi Eric,

    Today, I think I need a refresher course in typing, my fingers just don’t want to hit the right keys.

    I agree that we don’t realize that there are a lot of people who haven’t had the advantage of learning to use a computer. I think you are about to reach the end of my knowledge.

    I am enjoying the lessons. They let us know that we aren’t completely without skills. After many computer classes and years of working at a computer some of this seems pretty simple but I remember how complicated most of it was when I started.

    My first experience with computers, they filled a whole room. We keyed and the machine punched holes in cards. Those were fed into gigantic machines that computed pay, income tax, social security and any other deductions and spit out checks once a week. Boards, about 2×2 ft were rewired by one of my bosses to convert from socia security and income tax on the day of the checks. It took most of the day to print about 3000 checks. When they returned from the bank, they had to be sorted before someone manually balanced the books.

    Boy, that was a long time ago and I was a lot younger!

    Keep the lessons coming!

    Rose

    Reply
  9. Grandpa Bill

    Boy, Eric,
    You really gave them a mouth full on this lesson.

    AAAHHH The good old days of “DOS” and doing everything line by line; making sure you didn’t miss a comma or a period in the code… then came the ‘learning curve’ of win95.

    Now all they have to do is click a mouse button.

    Grandpa Bill

    Reply
  10. shailendra shrestha

    I do not understand such lession but I need only to earn money an how to work and how earn daily 100$ I tried but not sucess yet. Can you solve my problem?

    Reply
  11. Rae

    I’ve been reading your tips for a long time and found them very helpful. Looking at the list of things I need to know about my computer seems a little daunting but I really want to have a business so will follow your guidance because I’ve found you know what you are doing.

    Reply
  12. John

    Hi Eric, I’m tagging along from lesson to lesson. You are doing a great job, and I hope I can hang with you on this class. I can do most of the things you pointed out, but I am slow with some of them. So I will practice. What you are doing with those kids is a wonderful thing. God bless you and your family

    Reply
  13. iris

    Dear Eric

    I can’t wait to see the next lesson, please release all your tips asap. Thank you very much.

    Reply
  14. Petre Tudor

    Hi Eric,

    The all above enumeration skills there are well-known for me.Be sure I’ll use your offered links when I’ll need more details.
    For 2 of them I need some details as follows:

    #12. Zipping and unzipping files.I have downloaded Winzip,WinRar and WinAce but they all ask me to buy them.Therefore I downloaded your 7Zip 4.57 (x64 Edition) because I have Windows XPx64 Edition.But I haven;t got any executable file to try to use it.
    Have you any details to help me to zipp and unzipp a file?

    #20. Sending and receiving email. Of course I know to snd and receive emails,butI do like the appearance of your emails sent to us.I want to follow you if you agree me.If so ,please,give some of your skills for this subject.

    Respectfully,
    Petre Tudor

    Reply
  15. Eddie

    I’ve decided to unsubscribe from your emails as I don’t believe the aims you appear to be promoting ie that of being an internet millionaire etc are consistent with true Christianity. Christ taught one can’t love God and money whereas you appear to believe they can be compatible to some degree.

    Reply
  16. Pinchas

    Hello, Eric
    Seems that I’m familiar with all this
    necessary to know points.
    OK, waiting for continuation!

    Reply
  17. Nik Nasruddin

    You’re right, Eric.You don’t have to have an IT background to have a simple website. I’m an accountancy student, I know nothing about IT before this but with some tips from Gurus like you, I manage to have a website offering my most passionate hobby – arts and crafts.

    Thanks, Eric.
    http://www.easyartscraftstips.com

    Reply
  18. Chakspin

    Hi Eric:
    I have been getting your video tips lessons and I would like you to please help me with this question:
    If I have $2000 to start my internet marketing business, where or how do you suggest that I start?
    I would appreciate your sincere answer.
    Thank you.

    Reply
  19. mike

    HI ERIC,
    I HAVE SAID IT BEFORE AND I AM SAYING IT AGAIN.YOU ARE THE BOMB.WHAT YOU ARE TEACHING FOR FREE WILL COST TONS OF DOLLARS TO BUY AND HERE YOU ARE GIVING IT ALL FREE.I AM SURE OTHER ‘INTERNET BIZ GURUS’ ARE GOING TO ASK FOR YOUR HEAD.BUT THEY WON’T SUCCEED.YOU MUST BE AN ANGEL TO BE DOING WHAT YOU ARE DOING.GOD WILL BLESS YOU ABUNDANYLY.THANKS A ZILLION.

    Reply
  20. Kristina Lim

    #12 If you got a .msi file, you may have issues with your Windows XP installer. There are downloads to fix it but you’ll have to search for that yourself on the microsoft website. I use Freezip instead. You can do a search for freezip download. The file is freezip.exe so it is executable to install.

    Reply
  21. Mary

    This might seem tedious but these are some of the simple yet paralyzing stumbling blocks some people encounter that stops them in their tracks!! Eric, you have the patience of a saint!!

    Reply
  22. Gary

    Me too! Also…thanks Eric for the email about xsitepro! I purchased the software and love it so far. I’m amazed at everything it can do…just have to get past the small learning curve first!

    🙂

    Reply
  23. Eric Post author

    I recommend getting an external hard drive to keep a backup of your entire PC, or at least of your most important files and programs. A decent external hard drive can be purchased for $100 – $400. It’s not so important what kind of drive you get; what’s important is that you use it to backup all the files on your computer on a regular basis. I’ve bought several hard drives (including Maxtor, Lacie, and Western Digital) from Buy.com with good luck.

    Reply
  24. Eric Post author

    I don’t think I am teaching people to love money. I view money as a tool we can use…

    Reply
  25. Eric Post author

    Honestly I recommend starting with these lessons, and do not make any unecessary purchases. Lesson #8 covers the things you need to start.

    Reply
  26. patye

    Hi Eric, I wanted to ask you about hostgator, if you can help me.

    I am trying to figure out how to integrate
    the WHM billing system with my paypal buttons…any advice?
    I would greatly appreciate it!!!
    Thank you,
    PATYE

    Reply
  27. Sid

    I’ve finished the first 9 lessons. How do I find the others?

    Reply
  28. Eric Post author

    I’m adding them as I make them. The next one will be up tomorrow.

    Reply
  29. Michaela

    Hi! Eric,
    The first 9 lessons are grate; it is true that is good to lay out the foundation of skills, and other needs from the beginning.
    I cannot wait to get to 16th, and start to build; the businesses you have chosen are perfect for me.
    By the way, I have 2-3 domains to sell. Can you indicate a good website where I can sell them with some profit?

    Regards Michaela

    Reply
  30. Edward Han

    Great for those who are afraid to use computers. I remember one of my friends told me that she is afraid to use the computer with the mouse as she fears that she might spoil it by clicking mouse. I told her that you will not spoil it. Try it and soon she overcome her fear.

    Reply
  31. Harry

    Eric I would like to know , what to do with a website i just recieved, how to get it on the web to make money, i hear all kinds of advise but nobody shows and tell , i love your lessons where have you been thank you i am an old newbie Harry

    Reply
  32. Eric Post author

    If you’ve got some great domains, you might consider selling them on Ebay. The key there is to try to drive some extra traffic to your auction from other sources. For example, post some ads in various domain-related forums where business owners and webmasters hang out. There are also some decent forums where domain sales take place, such as http://www.dnforum.com/

    Reply
  33. Eric Post author

    I will be showing and telling how to do it in these lessons. If you want some quick tutorials, these ones might be applicable to your situation (starting on step 2):

    http://www.irthelp.com

    Reply
  34. Valerie

    Hi Gramps
    Good to know you’ve called the ‘Bill’ Joke or is it Cherokee. Wehheh!!!
    Tata

    Reply
  35. Dave

    Dave is a follower of Jesus, Baby Boomer, Successfully Scarred Father, Entrepreneur, and AD/HD survivor, and is committed to this VISON:

    I will develop a successful product (built around my Passion to Help ADD ADHD people and my entrepreneurial business background) that will be launched via the internet using the methods and strategies I learn from Eric. THis product will within 6 months give me the financial freedom to allow me to continue to pursue 2 of my passions.

    1. My Passion (strengthened by life’s Scares) will allow me to help AD/HD individuals and families find success despite the AD/HD Label (attention Deficit Disorder) used to negatively depict we who actually have an “attention surplus” (a true gift ). A Gift many talented *historical figures were blessed to possess.

    2. Continue helping other AD/HD entrepreneurs
    build their Online & Brick & Mortar
    businesses (I currently have 4 projects I
    have partnerships or JV relationships
    established)

    Personal Goals:

    Being a Giver . . . with God’s direction
    My own home (Paid FOR – No Debt)
    A Newer Vehicle – Paid off
    Pay off all Debt and Never again be indebted
    to anyone
    I work less and spend more time with
    friends and family
    I have time to attend kids and grand kids
    ball games etc.
    I give a significant portion of my income
    away to Charities
    I will fly my family to a fun vacation spot
    2 times a year for 1 week.
    I am in a position to help my parents
    financially.
    I will take a unique vacation with my
    family at least 2 per year .
    I will have a strong marriage
    I will work with smart young entrepreneurs
    I will help my kids to start their own
    business if they so desire.
    I will help my son Nathan find work where
    he will feel fulfilled

    In Less than Eighteen Months (from July 08) I will be working from my own home looking out over a Southwestern landscape from my expansive Deck, enjoying the morning view and taking a deep breath of fresh mountain/Desert air, and Thanking God for all he has allowed me to accomplish in such a short time. Then thanking Him for what he has helped me Become in the process. A Blessing to my family, friends and business associates.

    You have a God given Desire (Gift). Find out what IT is. When you combine your God given Desire (GIFT) with Persistent Action you will achieve your goals.

    Reply
  36. Jacque

    Ha ha! Back to basic. I’m basically a closeted geek so I was like “I HAVE TO GO THROUGH THIS?!” but out of respect to Eric, I did go through. & funny things there are some obvious things that I’ve forgotten. So thanks, Eric!

    Jacque
    http://whyweweb.blogspot.com/

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

The maximum upload file size: 50 MB. You can upload: image, audio, video. Links to YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and other services inserted in the comment text will be automatically embedded. Drop file here