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…)

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(UPDATE: Some of the links I mentioned in the video are no longer valid, but these ones should work…)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

    Hey Eric,
    That’s great stuff. In my spare time my full time business is online computer service. It’s great visiting people that are eager to learn. I find that I have to really slow down and focus on the basics again.
    One thing I tell all mu customers is to back up and back up often.
    I see a video coming in a new niche hmmmm.
    http://www.reachsuccessonline.com
    http://www.computermatters.ca
    Thanks again

    Reply
  2. Cesar

    Hey Erick!
    I’m still here. Sometimes a little bit anxious waiting for what is next but thanks for your teaching spirit.

    Basics? I need them so thanks again.

    ah! P.s. You are not teaching love for money It’s all about business. You’re right… money as a tool… to survive, because we all need to eat. But other than that… to help.

    Thank you for your time man!

    Cesar
    http://www.sinushealer.com

    Reply
  3. Adele

    Hi Eric

    Just so you know how wide your circle of followers is, I am from Cape Town, the most southern point in Africa. Quite a distance from you.
    I just want to thank you so much for the information and the way you present it. I am also thankful that I was guided by a Higher Force to find you and your teachings on this vast world wide web.

    Blessings
    Adele

    Reply
  4. Dan and Deanna

    Thank you for the list. It will help a lot of people.It can overwhelm us sometimes to learn something new. Thank you for taking the time to put it all together.
    Dan and Deanna “Marketing Unscrambled”

    Reply
  5. James

    Eric I did view lesson eight this morning and ordered Push Button.
    The basic list was very good thanks.

    Reply
  6. Neil

    I signed up for Google Adwords and with that you can actually monitor the success of your keywords and change any that aren’t getting any hits. There is also a help option with Google’s advice on good keywords (and I’m guessing they should know).

    Reply
  7. Neil

    Also, if anyone’s buying a new laptop on the High Street you can often get a big discount on Office!

    Reply
  8. Neil

    Hi Eric

    The great things about these tips is it shows that you’re sensitive to the fact that some people are not 100% comfortable with computers but that the willingness to learn is more important. I’m au fait with all the above but I know when we get to marketing/business knowledge I will probably have a lot to learn!

    Reply
  9. affandi

    Hi Eric
    I receive a lot of email everyday, but among those which get my STAR is Eric Tips. I like the lessons you give us. As a newbie I very appreciate what you are doing right now

    Reply
  10. Gail

    Dear Eric,first off to have someone care enough to do your training and not be asking for money is a fresh relief from the gurus, You must be thrilled to know you are reaching the world with your work. Believe it or not I practise but still can’t do copy and paste. Maybe its the dyslexia or the three concushions I’ve had. I actually needed the videos to go a little slower for the list of basics. I’m only 56 but it was alittle too fast for me. Your email is always a breath of fresh air because its like a friend who has come to visit. And that is what I consider you. I bet you have a nice marriage. Something I’ve noticed with most of the big gurus.,their wives are never mentioned. Think about that. They talk about spending more time with their kids and almost never is the wife mentioned.REALLY!

    Reply
  11. James

    Eric, I really have to do my homework on some of this basic stuff and I will get there, one of my question for now is do I need to have a Website or should I have already had one. Thanks, James

    Reply
  12. Eric Post author

    You will need a website, but you don’t need it yet. I will be covering how to build your website in the lessons.

    Reply
  13. Eric Post author

    I have the greatest wife. Marriage is a lot of work, but its worth it. I would rather spend time with my wife than anyone else 😉

    Reply
  14. ayiee

    I’m still here. Sometimes a little bit anxious waiting for what is next but thanks for your teaching spirit.
    waiting for continuation!
    thanks!

    Reply
  15. Abraham van der Linde

    Hi Eric.

    Love your lessons. Can’t wait for the next one.

    I saw you recommend Adobe reader for pdf files. Here’s another great reader and I think it’s even better than Adobe Acrobat, because it’s got a smaller memmory footprint and loads faster. It’s called Foxit Reader and works superb with all the browsers.

    People can get it at : http://www.foxitsoftware.com/

    This is not an affiliate link, it’s the site’s main link.

    I hope you and everyone enjoy this.

    Thanks again for the lessons, you are doing a super service for all IM newbies.

    Abraham

    Reply
  16. RUDOLF HENRIQUEZ

    HI ERIC,
    SO FAR SO GOOD.REGARDING LESSON #9
    I KNOW MUCH OF THE BASICS,
    ONLY A FEW I NEED TO FINETUNE.

    Reply
  17. Don Busbey

    Hi eric, my name is Don ,Ihave been trying to start a online buissness for about a year I really want that American dream but have no clue on how to obtain it ,every program I have invested in so far has been a fake Ireally dont mind the investment if it is true, for I am on unemployment and my funds are about to run out,so whre do I turn to next?

    Reply
  18. Eric Post author

    The american dream rarely comes from buying programs, but rather from building a business and/or being a good long term investor. My lessons teach a method of building an online business, so i’d say stick with the program, and get a job to support yourself as you build your business.

    Reply
  19. BRIAN

    you sound like a good guy your presentations of your knowledge is simply well put and I notice you dont talk down to your readers you are true and real as one can be in this internet money making maze im still working on it eric god bless. bri

    Reply
  20. Patty

    I`ve liked you since the beginning of these lesson`s. Now after I see what you say about your wife, I think your great!! Keep being you Eric!! Thanks Patty

    Reply
  21. D. J. CAMPBELL

    Hi Eric,

    Just wanted to let you know that I have made it to lesson #9 so-far.

    Reply
  22. John-paul

    Eric,how can i have my own host{ie}become a landload on the internet so that i will not pay anybody for hosting.

    Reply
  23. Gregory Lee Stetten

    Eric- Thank you so much for reminding us the basics, I think we didn’t realize just how easily we forget he simple stuff. The lessons are just fantastic!!! I am loking forward to recieving the whole series. I’ve been saving each lesson on its own email sub folder. Thanks again for everything.

    Reply
  24. Eleanor Harper

    Sorry you feel that this is all about money. The Bible says the LOVE of money is the root of evil. Not having money. Spending everything you get on yourself or storing it away for youself is not the way to live. Just think on how you could be used if you had extra money to give to missions, people that are in hardship, help someone pay their light bill, being able to buy groceries for someone who has lost their job. If you have only money to live on and do not give some to others then you are not doing what God has asked you to do. If you give God will give it back. Do not be selfish. Eric is giving this information to us for free. God Bless Him for being so generous!!
    From EH

    Reply
  25. Larry

    Lots to learn from you. You have a kind heart to provide people with free info. Please let me know if i can help.

    Reply
  26. Louise Cox

    I have been using various generations of computers since 1984 when my father got me a TI-99/4A for Christmas. This was memorable because he called me on the phone as soon as he bought it — in October!!! He knew I wanted a computer and had been looking at IBMs. I quickly outgrew the capabilities of the TI, but earned enough from typing for others to buy my first 286. I now have a touch-screen Vista 64.

    It is no wonder that I already know how to do everything on your list for this lesson. The sobering thought was to realize just how much my computer skills and technology have grown in just a few years. Even knowing the computer basics as well as I do, I am sure I will find challenges in the future. Some program can be learned very quickly but others take a while. I have come close to mastering AutoCAD in school, so I am sure I will be able to master whatever software comes along for my business. The important thing is to be willing to admit you do not know something and then seek the answers. Help programs and knowing who to ask are priceless.

    Reply
  27. den

    To Grandpa Bill,,,,,,,,,maybe you think your that smart hen about the learning curve not everyone had your LUCK…………….

    Reply
  28. den

    NO, He said help yourself and Ill help you,,,,,,,,,,,,hahaha

    Reply
  29. Joe Walker

    This list is gay. A real list should have included c-panel, ftp, basic website building program. auto responder service and a outsourcing site. You would need to learn these basic skills and/or programs.

    Reply
  30. Eric Post author

    LOL…I think you missed the point. If you would just stick with me, you will see that ALL of those things you mentioned are already covered in these lessons. The above list is a list of prerequisites BEFORE learning how to build an online business.

    Reply
  31. Elizabeth

    Hi all
    Re the above skills – agree they are vital. For anyone in the UK, I would recommend signing up for the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL). In 2000, I didn’t even know how to use the mouse, so took myself off to college. After 15 months, I had passed the ECDL – seven modules covering all of the above – with flying colours, and Desktop Publishing – Levels 1 & 2. Is also the main qualification employers in UK are asking for, re computer literacy. You can do it over three years, and re-sit modules if you fail any. Was damned hard work for a complete novice, but it was the best thing I did. You have to stick at it!
    Cheers
    Elizabeth

    Reply
  32. anslem

    Hi Eric,thanks so much for your down to earth ,hand on hand tutorials.I,m a newbie and have subscribed to many newsletters.They all have a great program or the other to sell.I must say you are great .thanks

    Reply
  33. robert

    still hanging in i love and look forward to every lesson i’m still making mistakes but not as many as i was.this is an easy program to follow for an old newbie thanks again

    Reply
  34. Claudia

    Hi Eric, Good list of computer basics! I’ve spent my whole career in Information Technology so computers, networks , database technology, and security, is all I do. I agree that it is a very good idea to take a course, if you are a person who hasn’t worked with computers very much. I think this job will be somewhat frustrating for a person without good computer skills.

    Reply
  35. Ng

    Yeah,thanks Eric for your basic computer skill intro and link provided,is useful..

    Would like to check with you on how to start online business -low cost initially, if profit generated it fine enough to do it bigger ,then would start purchase necessary programme to help the business .I think the affiliate marketing, would fall into this,is it ? which i most interested in.

    Reply
  36. norazmi

    I think I am ok with all those. Not an expert yet so far ok. Only some web format makes it difficult. Yes, I need to learn more of the terms. Go Eric.

    Reply
  37. Casey Peacock

    Everybody is at a different stage within their computer skill set. It’s a great idea to include some basic training on computer skills so that even a total beginner that has no computer skills what so ever come in here and create an online income. As far fetched as this seems, it’s actually true that millions of people around the globe and even here in the US are only just now beginning to come online. I personally know several people who are very green when it comes to computers and one of my friends knows nothing at all and has no interest in learning about them either. But me on the other hand… that’s a different story. I’ve been using computers since 1998 and one of my domain names is 9 years old!

    Reply
  38. Butch

    Hi Eric,
    I think I would have passed this one. Looking forward to your next one as the terminology slays me.

    Regards Butch

    Reply
  39. Jack

    Hi Eric,
    The next lesson sounds like it will be interesting to me. As a matter of fact I started putting together a glossary last night. I noticed there are a lot of different Acronyms; it seems like I come across a new one every day.
    Thanks,
    Jack

    Reply
  40. andrew chuks

    ithink with poeple like you, we dont have to go 360% but 180% this time because the mountain is not too tall again to climb i think what we are looking for is just around us. so how do i make my blog known to poeple? that is,how do i attrate poeple to my blog,? what are the keywards and strategy to use thanks.

    Reply

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