Your Digital Toolbox for Information Marketing

I am not tech savvy at all and don't pretend to be. I still use my old record player. I don't have a Blu-Ray DVD player. I always viewed computers as high concept typewriters. I use them as it's part of my job, but for nothing else.

That said, this lack of digital skill caused a scare a few weeks ago. After neglecting to have it cleaned or updated in well over a year, I noticed programs were loading slowly and some of my functions were not working properly. When I finally took it to my local computer tech, he told me that I had a virus. I didn't lose anything saved on the computer, but, as my tech mentioned, "You should keep up with the updates for these things."

When people tell you these kinds of things, it's like your dentist haranguing you as a kid to brush your teeth. He looks out you like you are twelve years old and reads you the riot-act of tooth care. As tough as it feels, these professional people are right. And now that you are a professional information marketer, it is up for you to harangue yourself.

I've stressed in the past the necessity of a computer, as a tool for information marketing. Now you need to know about what types of software you should have on your computer in order to do the job properly:

A document composition program -- You simply have to have this to compose your newsletters and document products. The most popular is Microsoft Word, but having another smaller program like Notepad as well is useful in order to compile lists of information in a smaller format.

A spreadsheet program -- This is a program that looks like a big chart. You can organize information in rows and columns, create multiple tables, tabulate results, and, as many use it, create invoices. Microsoft Excel is the best example of this.

*The two programs mentioned above commonly come in the Microsoft Office package, along with Outlook Express and some imaging tools. This package comes with almost all new computer hard drives and has all the basic functions every computer should have. Nevertheless, be sure to check with your retailer that your computer has this package installed.

A graphics program -- This might not be of the highest priority, but having a graphics program can be helpful. You can add photos and logos to documents, as well as change their colors and labels. Paint.net is good and can be downloaded free from the Internet, but for more complex functions, investing in Adobe Acrobat, Photoshop, or Studio is recommended.

Virus software -- This was what I had neglected. Sadly, if you're connected to the Internet, your hard drive is more susceptible to viruses. Get virus software that updates automatically, and that has a good reputation within the computer industry. Consult your retailer for advice, as they often know the latest programs for the best prices.

**Since this list is basic, you don't have to worry about new trends. But as I learned from not upgrading my virus software, be sure to stay abreast of new changes and developments in the industry. The computer world changes quickly and new programs become available regularly.

For those of you who are savvier in the digital age, the above list seems pretty basic. Yet you would not believe the amount of people who neglect the basics for their computer hardware. In information marketing, the basics are all you really need. You can get the fancy toys later, but having a good, functioning computer with the right programs is all it really takes to make your business a success.

For more tips on working in digital formats and what tools to use in your information marketing business, visit us at http://www.ewealthdaily.com/ and/or http://www.info-marketing-institute.com/contact.html