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(UPDATE: Some of the links I mentioned in the video are no longer valid, but these ones should work…)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

    Dear Eric, Only 2 of those links brought me to actual pages for help. The other 3 were “page can not be found”. LOL,no biggie. I am thrilled to have your tips, they are so much more than tips. I’m in My Article Network & Real Coaching Club also.You are the best “teacher” I’ve come across. You make no asumptions about our skill level, I really like that. Newbie has a wide range of definition.Thank you so much for all this work you’ve done, paying it forward. I am fortunate to have found it. Thank you! Karen Bell Reno NV

    Reply
  2. Karen Bell

    I’m someone who needs the basicness, I’m so grateful Eric went to this level.

    Reply
  3. Karen Bell

    Dear Eric, I’m also in Writing Cash Tps. I’m working extra to fund my ppc budget. Now that is a simple way to start.I’m EXCITED!! I can’t say thank you enough. Karen Bell Reno

    Reply
  4. Jeanne Mausure

    Eric, you teach well!!! I purchased an Apple in April and still have my HP laptop.Your lists are VERY helpful! The copy and paste was always my down fall because I thought I’d lose a program so I didn’t use it! How foolish of me! It’s really simple now because of technology today (by the way I just turned 70) and because of people like you who unabashadly share your knowledge with all of us!!! Thanks so much! Jeanne

    Reply
  5. jim

    Don’t find many of us ‘oldtimers’ left. Thank you for sharing those memories. I’m also one of the old printers that set all those letters by hand in a stick, then locked it in a chase to print.

    Reply
  6. jim

    Reminds me of the televangelist who said ‘Send God your money’ then gave his own address.

    Reply
  7. Robert

    Eric you are simply an awesome teacher my man. From the moment I purchased you and Naveed’s Instant Product Engine, Ive been recieving your Eric’s Tips lessons in my mail box. I can’t get enough. I stop everything that Im doing at the moment to go into your lessons. I am a newbie’ with Internet Marketing, however I do intend to stick with it until I get my site and blog up generating income. In the meantime, I will keep studying what I need to know thanks to you. Just wanted to say keep up the good work. By the way, this lesson #9 makes me feel confident that I will become a thorough and effecient marketer. Thanks again Eric and keep those lessons coming!

    Reply
  8. Jim Richards

    Eric,

    Are the lessons you sent after I purchased Instant Product Engine the same ones I’ve been studying by going to your eric’s tips.com

    Thanks
    Jim

    Reply
  9. Micah

    Hello Jim,

    You might have seen some of the lessons before. The easiest way to tell, is by the lesson number.

    If you’ve been following the lessons in order, and you see a recommendation to view a particular lesson, you’ll know if you’ve already seen it if the lesson number isn’t the highest one you’ve viewed yet!

    Reply
  10. Sal Zingale

    Hi Eric,

    All these lessons are great for everyone!
    Sure some of them may be covering rudimentary steps but for some folks, it fills the gaps.
    Great work!

    My knowledge and expertise is well beyond this specific lesson and at some I will hit a wall.

    This lesson reminded of the day when I was going to help my sister over the phone with few computer issues.

    I said “Okay, now open your browser”
    She said “My browser, what is that?”

    And I know for a fact, she uses a computer at work for work and at home for personal use.
    She just never heard the word browser before.
    Amazing how much simplicity gets lost in the translation of technology!

    Reply
  11. Marija

    Hi Eric,
    Your education procedure runs very smart.Everybody can benefit. I have repeated your added link Web site skills. Please explain me the word “leads” what does it mean this? I have watched (more listen to)your webinar Traffic- chaos. I could not register in it I was to late. But it was usefulto listen it and see the ppt. I am only not sure yet to manage the software and apply it to advantage. I hope that I will have a chance to cover the cost of software at least and something more. I believe in it.
    Where can I read your reply every time? To go back to previous lesson? Thank you! Marija Hafner

    Reply
  12. Murray

    A small suggestion re Computers.

    Get DUAL MONITORS!

    On most computers you can add a second monitor which makes life a lot easier. eg you can have the instructions showing on one monitor why doing your project on the other.

    The dual monitors do not have to be the same. I started with a flat screen plugged into my old laptop and that worked fine. It was fun dragging windows from the laptop to the monitor and vice versa.

    Then I purchased another monitor the same as the first and plugged them into my new computer. I just bought a couple of cheap and oldish Philips 170B monitors from Trademe (like e-bay).

    Reply
  13. Wilma

    Hi Eric,

    Thank you for the great check list of Basic Computer. I will definitely follow your advise.I’m not computer savy.

    Reply
  14. zainudin

    Hi Eric,

    Great tutorials for me as a newbie
    and I’ve still a lot to learn.

    Thank you very much.
    zainudin

    Reply
  15. LaShawn

    Sir all of your information is excellent. I checked the list, and I have more than half under my belt. Once again thank you for your help. Peace & Blessings

    Reply
  16. Micah

    Hello Marija,

    A “lead” is simply the contact information for someone who might be inclined to make future purchases of your products, services, or referrals.

    Replies are made immediately below your previous comments.

    Reply
  17. Jay Perry

    Excellent Program…should be made mandatory for anyone considering an internet marketing career – whether part or full time…Keep up the great work Erick and may God continue to bless you and your family for giving more than taking….

    Reply
  18. Brenda McFadyen

    Hi Eric, I tried your links to test my own skills. It’s really neat, because you know whether you’re right or wrong immediately after you do the short test

    Reply
  19. Warren

    Hi Eric, I am a little bit confused. I have now received up to lesson # 9 in my email but I am now realizing that these lessons are actually a few years old. Should I refer to your blog archives to read the ones that I have not yet received via email? Or are you updating them? You’ve talked about starting our businesses to make money ‘now’ but it looks to me like (unless I’m mistaken) Lesson 1 came out in early 2008 and in July 2012 it’s still not complete yet. Can you please shed some light? Also, how current are these comments from readers? Thanks!

    Reply
  20. Micah

    Hello Warren,

    The lessons are presented in a sequence that starts at the very beginning, where the very first things you need to learn about online marketing are shown in the first few lessons!

    Yes, Eric does his best to update any lessons that need updating. But, in almost all cases, the lessons should remain evergreen, no matter what changes take place in the online marketing world.

    These lessons teach tried and true marketing methods, that go far beyond just tips for current marketing trends and tools!

    Unfortunately, there isn’t a way to view how old viewer comments are. When you get caught up to the latest lessons, you might want to participate in the lesson’s hottest discussion time, which is usually right after it has been posted.

    Reply
  21. Maria Probst

    Eric, thank you for great information for a beginner,like me, I have struggled for a while to try to understand some things. This lessons made everything clear.

    Reply
  22. Maria Probst

    Eric Thank you for great information for a beginner…like me…. I have tried for a while to succeed on loine but realised that I needed more detailed information like the lesson above. THANK YOU Maria

    Reply
  23. raptor

    Still not certain about starting an online business. I am about 80% there. I understand you have as many as 100 lessons/tips. Have you put them on disc & offered them for sale? If so I am interested.

    Have tried 2 of the so called guru packaged programs with there upsells & unfounded hype. A big waste of both time and $.

    Thanks for your tips & the way you present them.

    Reply
  24. Micah

    Hello Raptor,

    Eric does plan on creating a DVD package of all of the tips videos after the 100 lesson series is completed. 16 lessons still need to be created first.

    Reply
  25. shady

    i wanna ask you about this site clickcashcommissions.com how i will work with then please told me eric ?

    Reply
  26. Micah

    Hello Shady,

    Thanks for pointing out the product. We are unfamiliar with clickcashcommissions.com.

    If Eric feels that it would benefit his readers at this stage, he’ll be sure to do a review.

    Reply
  27. Christy

    Hi!
    I am very much enjoying the Tips; I often have to listen to things twice or three times to make it stick. My question is what you recommend for saving these tips. Do you recommend me saving them in a folder within my email? or is it best to save on my Computer elsewhere? or does it matter? I just want to be able to save these and access them at any point, thanks a ton from Montana!

    Reply
  28. Micah

    Hello Christy,

    After the 100 lesson series is completed, Eric plans on making them available on DVD.

    For now, they may only be viewed here at EricsTips.com.

    However, you may return to the site to watch the lessons again at any time!

    Reply
  29. Ronald

    Prett much got this stuff, might not know about pdf files microsoft word, spreadsheet

    Reply
  30. Abdulla Afeef

    Thank you Mr. Eric.
    Today am very happy as you offered some techniques that am not very familiar but should be very important for any one who wants to do internet business or some other kind of business.
    I hope i will be perfect using the links you have high lighted in the lesson 9.
    Thanks and best regards.

    Reply
  31. John

    WOW,Eric

    Just when you think you had it down someone comes along and blows you out of the water. Thanks for the Tips here brother. I wish you and your family the best for 2013. Keep em coming Eric.

    John

    Reply
  32. Anne

    You sound as though you are not too familiar with the computer, but really those are very basic skills that are very easy to grasp. When you start to learn them you will find that they are not so daunting after all. Just try and hang in there. Good luck!

    Reply
  33. Sue

    Hello Eric,

    I read your post for Lesson #9 and watched the accompanying video. To my surprise; I realized I’m more savvy than I realized. I went through your check list and felt good about it. Yes, everyone has there doubts now and then.

    Thank you.

    Reply
  34. Johann

    Hi Eric,

    Once again, it is so good to know that I am being taught by an expert! On the list of ‘know-hows’, there is a few things I need to improve on. I am self-taught, and I thank you for all the advise you give.

    Much appreciated!

    Johann

    Have a day full of WONDERS!!!

    Reply
  35. Anonymous

    Eric,
    I apologize but I missed out on lessons 7 & 8 and when I go back to review your lessons I find that these 2 lessons are essential as most of your lessons are. Is there some way I can get these 2 lessons again.
    Thank you and God Bless
    Clinton

    Reply
  36. Bill

    I did pretty good with the skills and the quiz that I took after each lesson.But I would learn it better if someone was sitting by me and letting me do each drill for real so tomorrow I am going to the college down the street and get some help there.So for me going over these lessons might take me a little longer since I want to become more efficient at doing these skills.Also the next lesson is the I.M. word list that might take me a day or two so I can become familiar with the definitions from the word list that you provided us. Thanks From Texas

    Reply
  37. Eunice

    Thanks Eric, you’re a great teacher. Never seen one like you before.

    Reply
  38. Eliza

    Hi Eric,

    I have been good using and organizing my works with those basic skills you taught in the lesson
    And I also have access to most of the facilities to start IM as you mentioned in your Lesson#8.
    However what’s concerned me most is the internet legal stuff, Internet terminology, IM systems etc.,
    Anyway, I’ll pick up with all your lessons in the future.

    Thanks and Best Regards,
    Eliza

    Reply
  39. ERIK TOMMY HALLBERG

    HAY AND THANKS THE MAJOR REASON I GOT AN COMPUTER WAS COMING OUT ON THE NET WITH MY PAINTINGS AND ONE NIGHT SURFING THE NET 1.5 YEARS AGO I CAME RIGHT IN A WEBINAIR AND ALMOUST FELL UT OF MY CHAIR AND THE REST I MOUST HAVE MISSED BEING UNUPDATE FOR LET SAY TEN YEARS THE PROBLEM NOW IS THAT MY WINDOW SYSTEM IS XP STONEAGE BUT DO YOU THINK IT IS POSSIBLE THAT YOU CAN E-MAIL ME THE SAME COURCE I HAVE ALLREADY PAID FOR WHEN ITS TIME FOR ME TO CHANGE FOR NEWER SYSTEM THANK FOR ALL AND NICE SPRING FROM ERIK TOMMY HALLBERG BOLLNÄS SWEDEN PS I THINK SUPPORT FOR XP GOING OUT IN APRIL

    Reply

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