| The information and computer revolution of the | | | | should a daytime job get lost. That's not as |
| past 30 years has totally changed the world. | | | | difficult as it sounds, but the problem is that most |
| Computers are everywhere, and so are | | | | people don't know how to go about it. Starting |
| smartphones and Internet access devices. More | | | | and running an online business, or any business, |
| and more business and banking is done online, | | | | means learning about the Internet, business |
| checks and letters are becoming a thing of the | | | | basics, advertising, financials, and so on. How does |
| past. Knowledge of computer software has | | | | one go about that? |
| become an essential skill. It's required in just about | | | | One way to do it is taking classes or going back |
| every job. You could even say that without | | | | to school - not a viable option for most. You can |
| knowing computers and how to use the Web, | | | | also buy books on the subjects and learn from |
| people miss out not only on news, entertainment | | | | them, but finding the right books isn't always |
| and communicating with friends and family, but | | | | easy, and the cost of books quickly adds up. |
| also on opportunity. | | | | E-books are usually less expensive and may |
| What do I mean by that? Well, apart from | | | | therefore be a good option. In fact, |
| computer software and Internet literacy having | | | | computer-based learning tools are usually the best |
| become essential in the job market, it can also | | | | way to go, but how do you find the right ones? |
| help make extra money or even launch a | | | | If you go to a bookstore you probably end up |
| business or career. Almost everyone, for | | | | paying a fortune. Ditto for learning tools |
| example, has heard of eBay, the giant online | | | | advertised on TV. There are, however, places |
| auctioning service. Initially it was just a few people | | | | that specialize on bundling such learning software |
| buying and selling things. Then it grew into a global | | | | and making them available for very little money, |
| marketplace with millions of people selling and | | | | usually a fraction of what one would have to pay |
| merchandising products. For many it has become | | | | for individual titles. |
| a profitable side business and more. Success on | | | | There are computer software collections on how |
| eBay, though, means learning how to use it and | | | | to star and run a business, how to succeed at |
| knowing all the tricks. | | | | eBay, and how to do advertising and marketing. |
| But there's more opportunity out there on the | | | | Others show how to do business letters and |
| Web than just eBay. With the economy being as | | | | forms, or even publishing and layout. There are |
| it is, a lot of companies downsize and a lot of | | | | also collections that cover computer and Internet |
| jobs are being lost. Rather than living in fear that | | | | basics, toolboxes and power tools, and, for when |
| they will be next, many people are starting their | | | | you need a bit of relaxation, e-books and games. |
| own Internet business. Perhaps it's something | | | | I've found such collections, and some of them are |
| small on the side first, but with the intent of | | | | incredible values. |
| growing it or having something to fall back on | | | | |