Soon we will all need to be 'computer literate' in order to manage our lives. In most things there are choices but bureaucracy and big business are gradually eroding our options in practically all walks of life. Irrespective of an individual's computing needs and ambitions certain important items need to be recognized and addressed.
A Personal Viewpoint
My main interest is Information Publishing. I want to spend most of my time doing this rather than trying to sort out technical issues.
I would imagine that very few people who are in the market for information products or suchlike, would be the slightest bit interested in program coding for instance.
Product vendors are notorious for saying that what they are selling does not involve any technical knowledge. However they do not explain what they mean by this.
What is absolutely necessary is that users can find their way around the product they are using, with as little hindrance as possible.
I write only in terms of the related elements my own experience has uncovered.
The More Mature User
Many Senior Citizens, through no fault of their own, will be forced to learn new disciplines when they should be enjoying the benefits of earlier hard-working times.
However there are some who already possess computing skills and want to do something of a non-physical nature in their twilight years.
Perhaps Internet Marketing will earn some of them greater monetary rewards than were ever possible in their earlier lives.
Buying Products
Although there are a lot of freebies on offer, these are usually a pre-curser to up sells from which realistic product value will usually be derived. Online payments, for most marketers, will almost certainly be unavoidable.
Before shelling out on software a prospective customer should have a basic knowledge of computing logic. This is even more important before purchasing expensive hardware.
Regarding purchasing hardware from high street retailers, it is advisable to have a list of questions prepared. This does not apply solely to internet marketers.
Computing logic will normally come by trial and error 'button pressing', having knowledgeable friends, finding a trustworthy mentor or generally listening to others.
Regarding software prospective purchasers should always ask themselves the following questions ...
nb. When making a purchase, the purchaser will have had to opt-in and subscribe to a vendor's list. This is comparable to a fish becoming well and truly hooked and can be both a benefit and a hindrance.
Making Payments
Doing this safely so that no one can make unauthorized raids on your bank account, applies to all users - not only internet marketers.
Only ever buy from secure site. The domain name of secure sites will always be prefixed with 'https' rather than plain 'http'. The 's' means 'secure.'
Most secure websites feature a padlock icon somewhere in the browser bar. If the padlock is clicked the site's security verification certificate will appear.
A good habit is to regularly log in and check your bank account: this will ensure product payments are in order.
Opt-Ins
All vendors want buyers and prospects to subscribe to their email lists. Be prepared to have your email in-box loaded with stuff you aren't interested in!
Sooner or later pop-ups could take over the work space on your monitor.
Accidentally opening emails can be dangerous in that malware might be imported.
Attachments to emails
Only ever open attachments if the source is known and verified to be virus free.
It is always advisable to have top rated anti-virus software installed on your computer as soon as possible.
A final thought
Try to avoid clicking on links which seem to be offering 'must have' freebies such as scans. Scans will often indicate many hundreds of faults in your system. The scan might be free but fault removal will cost. There are many firms in cyberspace looking to raid pockets; and not all of them are above board.
Even if computer owners don't go further than the free scan, they will be plagued for ever with pop-ups etc.
When in doubt look for the services of a knowledgeable friend.
A Personal Viewpoint
My main interest is Information Publishing. I want to spend most of my time doing this rather than trying to sort out technical issues.
I would imagine that very few people who are in the market for information products or suchlike, would be the slightest bit interested in program coding for instance.
Product vendors are notorious for saying that what they are selling does not involve any technical knowledge. However they do not explain what they mean by this.
What is absolutely necessary is that users can find their way around the product they are using, with as little hindrance as possible.
I write only in terms of the related elements my own experience has uncovered.
The More Mature User
Many Senior Citizens, through no fault of their own, will be forced to learn new disciplines when they should be enjoying the benefits of earlier hard-working times.
However there are some who already possess computing skills and want to do something of a non-physical nature in their twilight years.
Perhaps Internet Marketing will earn some of them greater monetary rewards than were ever possible in their earlier lives.
Buying Products
Although there are a lot of freebies on offer, these are usually a pre-curser to up sells from which realistic product value will usually be derived. Online payments, for most marketers, will almost certainly be unavoidable.
Before shelling out on software a prospective customer should have a basic knowledge of computing logic. This is even more important before purchasing expensive hardware.
Regarding purchasing hardware from high street retailers, it is advisable to have a list of questions prepared. This does not apply solely to internet marketers.
Computing logic will normally come by trial and error 'button pressing', having knowledgeable friends, finding a trustworthy mentor or generally listening to others.
Regarding software prospective purchasers should always ask themselves the following questions ...
- Is it really needed?
- Will it do everything I want it to do?
- How is it used (video tutorials etc.)?
- What are it's benefits?
- Will it conflict with any other similar software already installed?
nb. When making a purchase, the purchaser will have had to opt-in and subscribe to a vendor's list. This is comparable to a fish becoming well and truly hooked and can be both a benefit and a hindrance.
Making Payments
Doing this safely so that no one can make unauthorized raids on your bank account, applies to all users - not only internet marketers.
Only ever buy from secure site. The domain name of secure sites will always be prefixed with 'https' rather than plain 'http'. The 's' means 'secure.'
Most secure websites feature a padlock icon somewhere in the browser bar. If the padlock is clicked the site's security verification certificate will appear.
A good habit is to regularly log in and check your bank account: this will ensure product payments are in order.
Opt-Ins
All vendors want buyers and prospects to subscribe to their email lists. Be prepared to have your email in-box loaded with stuff you aren't interested in!
Sooner or later pop-ups could take over the work space on your monitor.
Accidentally opening emails can be dangerous in that malware might be imported.
Attachments to emails
Only ever open attachments if the source is known and verified to be virus free.
It is always advisable to have top rated anti-virus software installed on your computer as soon as possible.
A final thought
Try to avoid clicking on links which seem to be offering 'must have' freebies such as scans. Scans will often indicate many hundreds of faults in your system. The scan might be free but fault removal will cost. There are many firms in cyberspace looking to raid pockets; and not all of them are above board.
Even if computer owners don't go further than the free scan, they will be plagued for ever with pop-ups etc.
When in doubt look for the services of a knowledgeable friend.
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