ARE YOU READY?

STEP 2 - Are you Ready     Computer:   Any kind of computer or laptop is acceptable for  creating a website.  Any of the Microsoft Window's versions from 98 on up through XP work well for this service. A 64K RAM memory will be able to handle it, but you might consider upgrading to 512K RAM or updating to XP, But all-in-all, any system will work well.    If you need a new computer you might try any of these vendors: http://dell.com   Http://pcmall.com   or for Mac's http://macmall.com   If you decide to stay with your system as you have it now, go Microsoft Window's and get the most update version for your computer.    It is a wonderful site and you can learn a great deal about how your system works, download tutorials, and find plenty of other information helpful to you on any of the Office Systems.  Go to:   http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/default.asp   For those who use the Netscape Navigator, you can update your version at this site: http://www.netscape.com             If you have any questions about your computer, or have some problems now, you can contact this site and see if they can help:   http://www.pcbugdoctor.com/

Browsers:   This is a software program that lets you navigate and view web pages on the internet. We would recommend you have both browsers up and running on your computer.    The most popular browser (90-95% web surfers use this one) is Microsoft’s Internet Explorer  and  Netscape Communicator / Navigator is the other major browser.    Set up both of these on your computer.    You can see which one your computer has by looking up at the right hand portion of the title bar on your current browser window.    If you have Internet Explorer you will see the 4-color Microsoft ‘flag’.    If you have the big ‘N’ then you have Netscape Navigator.   The reason to have both, means that thousands upon thousands of people who use either one of these browsers will be able to come to your website, which means MONEY TO YOU.   Visit each of these links to set up the latest versions:                      Microsoft Internet Explorer http://www.microsoft.com   Netscape Communications Navigator http://www.netscape.com

		Cookies:   A Cookie is an information package stored on browsers and/or merchant computers.  These can be good cookies or BAD cookies. A GOOD COOKIE:   Is when a customer clicks from your site to a merchant or provider, your "Cookie" is stored on the merchant's computer and gives the merchant the information to credit you with any commission payments. Cookies typically have a fixed life, from one day up to a year or more, and each merchant/provider/affiliate will specify their cookie life.  For example, if a merchant has a 90 day cookie, you will be given credit for any customer going back to the merchant and purchasing within 90 days, but after 90 days, you will not get credit. Because of this, it will pay you to select merchant/providers/affiliates with the longest cookies, especially as customers seldom buy on the first (or even first several) visits. A BAD COOKIE:  This is when a "Hacker" a "Spy" can also connect to your computer, usually through some FREE software that has been downloaded on to your computer.  They track all your activity and collect important information such as your personal data, credit card numbers, and your viewing habits.  Then use them to their advantage.  Always keep your eyes open for these types of cookies and you might consider this nice little trick every time you have  a long session on the internet just hunting or buying. Click on Microsoft Internet Explorer - click on TOOLS - INTERNET OPTIONS - click on DELETE COOKIES - OK .  Also, since you are in there you might want to set your HISTORY to 0 days, so that if you forget to erase the cookies then your system will automatically do it as you computer is shut down for the night.

Software: Your computer will most likely come with a Windows system, Windows 98 on up through the newest version Windows XP.   Any  of these systems are acceptable for working on the internet.   You can use a desktop computer or any of the compatible laptops.   WARNING:  You need to protect your computer and all of your files from Viruses.    So PLEASE, whatever you do download the McAfee,  Norton Virus Scans, Mozilla, etc.    These companies are very good at updating their versions against viruses coming into the internet.    They offer a low cost yearly plan and they update new virus protection on a daily basis, all done automatically through your telephone connection or cable.    They notify you on screen when it happens so that you are aware of it.   WARNING:  If you are using cable (broadband) then you must also protect your private information (credit card numbers, your name, address and telephone numbers) by adding FIREWALL Software or a ROUTER.    Either one of these two companies offer this software.    This software will protect you against spies or people trying to get your private information.    This is also a yearly cost, but it is not expensive for the comfort of knowing you are safe from the big bad world.    I don’t mean to scare you away, but for a few dollars a year this is a must to protect your peace of mind and your computer.      McAfee Virus Scan http://us.mcafee.com/   Mozilla  its FREE http://www.mozilla.com

		Virus Scan Your next step should be to protect your computer system from Viruses.  These seem to come every day and threaten your whole system.  Whatever you do PLEASE download one of the VIRUS SCAN programs and have peace of mind that your work is safe.  I have been using McAfee for years now, but I did download their latest version, and it only took a few minutes.  I paid $69.96 for a full year of constant updating and everyday it tells that it is updating and gives me three choices: 1) update now;   2) remind me in 4 hours; or 3) Let me continue what I am doing.

		Firewall: When I connected from my telephone connection to my DSL Cable company, the first thing I asked was "what Firewall protection do you have for me" - "NONE", was their reply.  So I immediately contacted McAfee and downloaded their Firewall software to my computer. It cost me $39.95 for the year, but worth it again, because of the peace of mind it gives me knowing that I can protect my own computer from all the hackers and security frauds out there.  I have it up and running all the time. Again, any one of these companies offer this service for a fee.  Check them out and choose the best for you and your computer. I use McAfee - it is easy to use and the automatic downloads are short and fast - no problems http://www.mcafee.com   Mozilla EMAIL and Firefox (new browser) -  is FREE - they ask for a donation if you like the products- they are getting  EXCELLENT REVIEWS http://www.mozilla.com   While we are on this subject of protection, there is something else I would highly recommend when you have your site ready to go on the www, and that is a Privacy Security System.   Again, you can download this for a fee from one of the above companies.    This will protect your own private information from spies and hackers who like to collect credit cards, private addresses, phone numbers and other private things, anything you don't want the world to know.

		Routers:   A router is an electronic connection between your computers and the DSL or Cable Modem.    It acts similar to a firewall, protecting your computer from intruders.    If you use DSL, or a Cable modem, you may find that your local server (like ours) does not have a firewall to protect your personal computer.    For your own protection we strongly recommend installing a router in your system.    At a cost of around $80, this is good insurance.   This is an excellent source of electronic and computer products:  Go online and check out the Routers:                       http://www.etronics.com http://www.pcmall.com http://macmall.com

		File Transfer Protocol (FTP)   This helps to transfer data and documents easily and securely in real time.    It is easy to use and has greater  control over how the files are shared and viewed, increasing productivity.    It is the smarter way to transfer files because it makes the sharing of files secure, reliable, efficient and easy.    There are options that let you have better control and manage the flow of information.    Here are links you can use to download FTP software:   The better choice is the WS-FTP PRO, it offers a high level of security.   Millions of people use this and comes in 6 different  languages:                            http://www.ipswitch.com                               Tucows offers this software FREE: http://www.tucows.com

		PDF Reader When you receive text information over the internet, (ebooks) your system may have a problem formatting it in an acceptable manner. A simple way to overcome this is through the use of a PDF File (Portable Document Format), a software file which can modify any incoming document into your format. Whichever your system, you can install a free Adobe Acrobat Reader to work within your browser. This software package will then modify any incoming documents, acting like a translator between the various systems platforms. If you would like to download the FREE Adobe Acrobat Reader .6, GO TO: http://www.adobe.com/ click on PRODUCTS and choose Acrobat 6.0 - download

		Microsoft Excel-Spreadsheet Software: There are many uses for spreadsheets in your website business.  The first is means of listing many entries of a topic, such as names, links, keywords, products, addresses and programs, with columns for a wide range of qualifier entries about each.  The major value of a spreadsheet over a simple list is that with a spreadsheet, you can massage any or all columns, to rearrange the entries by alphabet, date, dollar value, or any other criteria, ascending or descending. It also gives you the ability to perform calculations on the numerical entries, such as adding, adding percentages (sales taxes) and a variety of other calculation formulas. Most computers come with Microsoft Excel already installed. Check to be sure it is turned on in your computer. It is the most popular spreadsheet program available today.  http://www.microsoft.com/excel   Try this FREE COPY from Tucows:             http://www.tucows.com

		Microsoft Word: Microsoft Word is a word processing software program, commonly installed as part of the basic package called Windows Microsoft Office. It has many versions and the level of the "Word" program can vary with the program version you get.  The most typical uses of "word" are in writing letters and text.  The wide range of features in the program, such as correcting grammer, spelling, indenting, formatting, changing fonts and sizes, makes it easy to turn out professional quality documents.  This is a basic tool so be sure that it is turned on in Windows: GO TO:   "START" -  "PROGRAMS"   -   "START UP"  and click on Microsoft Office  -  all programs will come up, check it to turn it on. IF you need a copy of this powerful program:  GO HERE: http://www.microsoft.com/word

		Printers: Printers are not necessary, but are useful if you want to store other than in your computer. For example: a three ring binder.  They are necessary if you want to print and mail letters or work manually on tables and forms. Some people are happy keeping everything on their computers, others like the comfort level of having printed backup. Your choice, your work style, your dollars.  There are two types of printers:   Laser or inkjet, and both can be had in just black or black/color.  In general, laser printers are more expensive to buy but supplies are less expensive, they operate faster, and the print quality is higher.  Inkjet is less expensive to buy up front but the cost of cartridges can mount up with heavy use. You may need one to print color as well as black and white.  You may need to print out articles, order confirmations, E-mails and other work.  You can buy a small, very efficient color inkjet Printer for under $100, the expense is replacing the  inkjet cartridges.  Laser printers are a little more expensive to buy, but less costly to run.  Each of these printers come with complete directions on how to get you up and running in a very short time.  Easy installation:   http://www.etronics.com

		TUTORIALS: Tutorials are self-teaching instructional guides.  Whenever you buy or download a software program, there is usually the question, "How do I use it" or "How do I get the maximum benefit from it".  The tutorial is usually the answer. Tutorials may come in any of three forms with the package. Embedded in the disc itself, instructions on "How to load this program" and "How to use this program. Rather than a 'read only' tutorial, the disk may include a "hands on" tutorial, leading you through with on-going reinforcement. A video or DVD disk, included in the package with similar information on loading and using. As a text booklet included in the package. Which is best?  It depends on your experience and preference. Do you just want a "fast start" guide, or do you want to dig deeply into all the program options? The choice is yours: Dave has an excellent HTML tutorial which is easy to use and FREE:       http://www.davesite.com This was designed by pre teens to help children understand HTML.  It is even good for us who are just beginning and need a lot of training:  FREE http://www.lissaexplainsitall.com There are many useful help and tutorials in here go take a look and see what helps you. FREE:    http://www.htmlgoodies.com Excellent learning site, from tutorials, video training, and meetings you can attend near you.  ALL FREE:http://www.office.microsoft.com

		TEXT EDITORS:   There are two that are the best:  WORDPAD: You can save your WordPad files as a Word document.   You can do anything in Wordpad that you can do on Word.  Change font styles, sizes, shapes and colors.  These formats provide you greater flexibility when working with other Documents. If you plan to copy documents from one area in your desktop to other areas then Wordpad would be the one you want to use.   NOTEPAD: Is a Windows program and can just be turned on. This is a nice simple text editor. Just open it up and it can be used as a Notepad: Write your thoughts down, make a notes to yourself, copy something over and set it in Notepad for later use, be sure to give it a name and save it. This is a very basic document format which just prints in one font and size. Excellent to use when you just want to collect your thoughts and to be able to add to them as you think about it. You can save them and copy them over to your documents at any time.  Just think of it as a computer sticky note. Go   Back to Top                                   OR                                 GO TO HOME