Starting Up
I remember a time
a few years ago when I was asked to design and build a project from
scratch. The project was a simple distributed control system controlling
multiple ceiling fans. And it has to be finished like, yesterday!
I rushed through
the project like my life depended on it and a month and a half later, it
was complete. Actually, I was quite proud of myself. It was finished in
record time and I don't think anybody could finish a similar project
that fast. I was wondering if it was a good time to ask for a raise,
but…..
My boss took one
look at it and asked, "Would it have been better if you had networked
the modules together with a single cable?"
And he was right.
If I had designed it the way he suggested, it would have been cheaper,
easier to design and faster to complete.
What happened?
In my blind rush
to complete the project as fast as I could, I started design with the
first feasible concept I thought of, and just kept going. If I had just
waited a day or two, considered alternatives, I would have come up with
the better design that my boss suggested.
By rushing, I had
actually wasted time, instead of saving it.
Needless to say, I
decided it wasn't a good time to ask for a raise. But I had learned the
lesson well and in future projects, I made sure I spent enough time
planning before starting.
I'm sure you are
all raring to go. But before you go charging into the Internet selling
anything that moves, spend a bit of time preparing. It will take longer
but in the long run, you will be more profitable.
Believe me, I have
been there. ;)
We shall continue
with preparations that you should do as you plan your business.
Internet Access
You will be online
a lot of the time. It will be best to get a broadband connection with
unlimited access.
Computer
A lot of your work
will be done on your computer and it has to be in good working order.
Good working order should be defined as follows:
● You
can work on the computer for 8 hours continuously without it
crashing. This includes being able to connect to the Internet
continuously for 8 hours without getting disconnected.
● It
doesn't take forever for an application to load. I would look at
anything up to 10 seconds as typical while 15 -30 seconds is a
little too long.
●
Maintain a good backup routine. There are many options available,
but I would recommend using a portable hard disk or thumb drive, or
writing to CD ROMs.
●
Backup at least once a week.
● Make
sure the computer is available when you need it. Any kids
chatting, or hubby checking up on the sports news must make
themselves scarce, when you show up.
Software
Each and every
business is different and so are their software requirements. I have
complied a short list to get you started. You will have to add to
it as you move along in your business.
● Word
Processor. If your computer doesn't already have one installed, you
could try WordPad. It doesn't have a lot of features, but it comes
free with Windows.
● Html
Editor. You are going to have to do some form of web page design or
editing. Even if you were to start from a ready made template, you
are still going to have to put in your content.
●
Graphics Editor. At some point you are probably going to need a
graphics editor. You can try the Paint program that comes with
Windows.
● Ftp
Program. You will have to upload your site onto the web. For most
web hosts, you will use FTP to do that.
Online Security or Viruses, Spyware and Other Nuisances
When I first sat
down to write this section, I was thinking of a paragraph or two
advising you not to be complacent. This will be followed by a short list
of simple, commonsense advice on how not to get infected.
But as I was
searching the Internet for some statistics on virus infection, I began
to realize the actual scale of the problem.
Although viruses
are still a big threat, a multitude of other threats like Trojan horses,
DDOS attacks, phishing has emerged in recent years.
These threats are
more sinister than the common virus infection.
In the old days, a
lot of viruses are there just to cause mischief. You will get a message
telling you that you have been infected, or the virus will automatically
reboot your computer, or, my personal favorite, your screen will freeze
and bits and pieces of it will drop to the bottom.
The intent was to
tell you that you have been infected. That was the end in itself. The
virus writer has no other malicious intent.
Security threats
these days are not so "benign".
If you are not
careful, your usernames and passwords can be compromised. Imagine what a
hacker can do with the username and password to your bank account! It is
also possible for a hacker to gain control of your computer, copying or
deleting files at will.
Or, he can use
your computer to launch an attack against another computer.
When no one is at
home, you lock your door, don't you?
What about your
computer? What are you doing to make sure no one breaks into your
computer?
Don't be
complacent about online security. Learn as much as
you can and take
the necessary steps to protect your computer.
The following are some simple tips are start you off:
●
Install anti-virus, spyware and firewall protection for
your computer
● Stay
up-to-date with software patches
● Never
open attachments of any emails from an unknown source
Computer Literacy
You will spend a
lot of your time on the web looking for information, emailing and
chatting. The rest of your time may be spent in writing articles,
designing web pages or maybe even writing programs.
Every single one
of the above activities requires a computer.
Most of those
activities will require that you be logged on to the Internet. If you
are not good in computers or the Internet, you have to do something
about it.
It will be a lot
to take in but just learn it one thing at a time, one day at a time. In
a few months I guarantee that computers and the Internet will be like
second nature to you. You will still have a lot of things to learn but
you will have acquired the basics.
Finances
Running an online
business is very cheap as compared to offline businesses. I would look
at $50 - $100 per month (not inclusive of Internet access charges) as
more than enough in most cases. Do note that more may be needed at the
start for the purchase of software, computer hardware and ebooks.
It is usually
recommended that you work on your business on a part time basis until it
starts to generate a significant income. Once that happens, you can then
consider quitting your job to work on your business full time.
