The more you know about a certain item and how to use it properly, the more it unfolds its true value right before your very eyes. The same applies for the internet: the more you know how to use it, the more you’ll be able to utilize its benefits for your daily life. Because of this, the internet has indeed become a valuable source of information, entertainment, and education, among many others.

But not all of us have been already introduced to this wonderful new innovation. Some were fortunate enough to learn about the internet at an early age, and thus get used to it, but how about the unluckier ones? Those who were already matured when the internet was created probably have a hard time learning what seemed to them as a new and complicated concept. Also, there are people that, although born at a time when the internet was flourishing, did not have any means of access at all, being sunk low enough in poverty not to be able to afford computer rental in a shop, much less their own computer unit with an internet connection. But then, with a twist of fate, after an indefinite period of time, they have finally become financially stable enough to be able to gain access to the internet. But then the questions arise: Where will they start? How will they act? What will they do? A multitude of questions can arise from a person that has not yet encountered the word “netiquette” or has not yet found out its meaning, when suddenly confronted with the prospect of using the internet.

Of course there is also an option that they would just shun away the hassles, along with the benefits, of internet, and forget about it altogether. But imagine if they had an internet-literate friend; the friend would explain the many uses of internet, and even though the person doesn’t agree with, or understand his friend’s argument, he would still give the internet a chance, just to show his friend that he simply cannot cope with the internet. This then, eliminates this option altogether, given that they do have friends of that sort, and it’s not that hard to find friends like those in today’s times so there’s a good chance that a majority of them do have friends like those.

So, where does one start? The basics, of course. Once you get a closer look at your web browser, you can already decide on what to tackle first. You may try to get the hang of the internet by first identifying the parts of your home page— that’s the first page that your browser loads upon opening. Being home pages, they are most likely user-friendly and will guide you through your net experience.

But that’s not all. After browsing through other people’s websites, why not make one yourself? It may be hard at first, but with help of applications like MS FrontPage, Adobe Photoshop, and the like, you can start designing your own websites, with your content in them. If you aren’t that proficient in net language, you can always learn, or gain help from plug-ins of programs created just for that purpose. Like PSD2FLA for Photoshop, which can help you in your flash works. Another plug-in for Photoshop is SiteGrinder, which can help you design web pages straight from Photoshop.

And who knows what more you can do? This is just the beginning.

In this modern age, you can’t be caught dead not using a computer. With these technological wonders of the 21st century slowly and surely taking over every aspect of our lives—government systems used to be made up of gazillion filing cabinets are now being replaced by more efficient machines; different working industries are incorporating computers to cut-back on some tasks and be more efficient; even some schools are altogether getting rid of pens, papers, books, and are opting for digital notebooks, libraries and other teaching aids—we humans have to be geared up for this inevitable invasion.

Time will come (or perhaps we are already living it) that these mean machines will be at the bottom of Maslow’s infamous pyramid—that is, computers will soon be an indispensable necessity in our lives. As such, afflicted people should start getting rid of their technophobia, and embrace the new computer age, if they wish to survive in the long run. For the younger generation, this isn’t a problem as they take to these new technologies as easily as they take to breathing. Teens easily catch up to trends and anything new that pops up suddenly. Yuppies and the general working class have no problem either, as computers have become an integral part of their working environment. For the older lot or those whose career doesn’t involve the use of these evolved abacuses, however, it’s a different story.

So if you’re one of the unequipped to face the rapidly modernizing world, here’s a list of the following skills you should learn now, in order not to be left behind and get classified as ‘ancient’.

Familiarize yourself with Microsoft platform, including its programs. Basic things like typing, copy & pasting, and other simple commands (keyboard and otherwise) are a must. Viewing pictures, watching movies, and basic troubleshooting should also be in your list.

Use the Internet. Being able to utilize the World Wide Web without fear will emancipate you in more ways than one. Chat, join forums, social networking sites, and blog away.

Get to know the hardware as well, so that you can be your own technician when the PC breaks down and needs some TLC.

Take it a step further and learn HTML, CSS and PHP. You never know when it might come in handy. They’re pretty basic languages so learning them will be a cinch. You might also try using Adobe Photoshop, and when you do take the web designing/developing business seriously, download the SiteGrinder plug-in for Photoshop as well.

For those who aspire to be Digital artists, learning how to Vector using Illustrator would definitely add to your knowledge. Study InDesign as well, and read up on Flash if you’ve got the time. Coincidentally, if you’re using Photoshop and Flash, it’s a good idea to get the PSD2FLA plug-in—it’ll make your life easier.

Once you’ve mastered the above suggested skills, well, congratulations. Now, that one achievement you’ve accomplished. You can choose to this further, maybe learn new computer languages, and even create a program by yourself. The possibilities, as proven before, are definitely endless.