| By :
Bobby Buys
It is common knowledge: anyone who has a computer, internet connection and a digital camera can sell on a consumer-to-consumer web site. Strictly speaking, you really don't need anything else (besides something to sell, of course). However, once you start selling seriously, on a regular basis, it is time to consider one or two additional tools. Most of these tools belong to the computer software category. The good news is that almost all the software you need for the smooth functioning of your business can be acquired (legally, of course) free of charge. All that is expected of you is to put in some time learning how to use you new business tools. If you have not done so already, first make sure that your computer is protected from the threats on the internet. There are very reasonably priced antivirus solutions on the market, as well as free versions which can be downloaded. If you opt for the latter, it is always best to do your own research in order to make an informed choice. Just to start you off, here are several tried-and-tested solutions: 1. Antivirus: AntiVir, AVAST or AVG. 2. Anti-worm and privacy: Spybot Search and Destroy, Ad-Aware and Spyware Blaster. 3. Firewall: Zone Alarm, Comodo or Outpost. Do note that only one antivirus and one firewall tool is allowed per computer. Anti-worm and privacy programmes co-exist nicely together; you can - and should - have all three mentioned here. Once you have downloaded the computer protection tools, remember to regularly update them all. Thus equipped, you are ready to roam the cyberspace in search of other free offerings that can help you perk up your online presence and grow your online business. And what you need more than anything else are good, or at least a little above average images of the items you sell. You might be able to get acceptable results using the photo-editing software that came with your digital camera, but in case you lost the installation CD there are several good options to be found on the internet: 1. Picasa 2. Paint.NET 3. Picnic Picasa and Paint.NET need to be downloaded into your computer, while Picnic is web-based: you upload your image into Picnic, edit it online, and then save it back into your computer. In case you never bothered to go beyond the Windows operating system that came with your computer when you bought it, now is the time to acquire office suite. A word processor is the best way to weed out all the typos and spelling mistakes, a big no-no in your online listing. You need not splurge on a pricey proprietary office suite; the open-source OpenOffice will serve you as well as Microsoft Office. Before you rush off to explore all the free software available on the internet, remember to download only the programmes recommended by reliable sources - and to budget amply for your broadband internet connection. As for other tools, it would be wise to acquire: 1. A good chair, because you will be spending a lot of time sitting in front of your computer; 2. A big desk, because your back will suffer if you pack the items you sell on the floor, and because your customers will not be amused to find samples of your carpet or your dog's hair stuck to the packing tape; 3. A UPS unit (uninterrupted power supply), because you need to save your work when the electricity suddenly goes off.
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