Question 1

What is the internet and how does the internet work?

Accepted Answer

What is the internet and how it works can be taken for granted. I strongly advise, if you don't really know how it works, that you take time to watch an 8-part video series from code.org (each video is extremely high-quality, well presented, engaging, short, and to the point).

When I first started online, I truly had no idea what things are. I found that series to be extremely helpful.

There are all sorts of terms and names you are going to hear when you are going to buy a domain name, when you are setting up a website, and so on and unless you understand these terms you are going to get lost and overwhelmed.

This series will answer a lot of terms like: HTTP, HTTPS, SSL, IP, DNS, and so on.

Have you wondered how does a song play? How does a picture load on a website? How does font become bigger or small? How are you able to send and receive a text message across the ocean?

All of this and more are answered in this 8-part video series.

This is the first video, "what is the internet?"

And to watch the rest of the series, click on this link for the playlist.

To get a copy of the glossary of common terms of online marketing and the internet, visit this website.

Question 2

What is Blended Learning?

Accepted Answer

This video follows the story of a teacher who discovers blended learning and incorporates it into his teaching. It teaches:

A basic definition of blended learning
How the Internet has impacted teaching options
The role of Learning Management Systems (LMS) in blended learning
How blended learning can change how classroom time is used
What factors can ensure success
Why blended learning matters

Video Transcript:

Anyone who attended school before the Internet experienced teaching as a single place, like a building or classroom.

While this is still the case today, the internet means that many students and teachers have two classrooms - online and offline.

This is often referred to as Blended learning because it uses a blend of face-to-face teaching and online, self-directed learning.

To see how it works, let’s meet Alex, a middle school teacher. For most of his career, he would teach a concept in class, assign homework and then evaluate performance the next day during class.

He didn’t have a way to work with students when they were out of the classroom. Those assignments happened without a connection to him.

But now that students have access to the internet, assignments can be completed in a blended fashion, with parts taking place in the classroom, at home, or in another location. This way, Alex can work with students throughout the assignment.

For Alex and other teachers, this happens thanks to new tools like Learning Management Systems that can be accessed on the internet. With these tools, Alex can provide assignments, tools and resources, media, quizzes and discussion spaces in an online classroom.

This online access means that as students complete assignments at home Alex can evaluate their progress and collaborate with the class through online discussions.

Blended learning means that Alex’s class time can be more productive. Because he can arrive with a clearer idea of his student’s progress, he can focus his classroom time where it is needed most.

But this is just one form of blended learning. It can also be a specific combination of offline and online activities, or self-directed assignments where students choose to learn online or off.

Some schools even choose to “flip” their classrooms. Here students access online content at home, and then apply it to assignments or problems in class, with the guidance of their teacher.

Of course, blended learning works best when teachers and students have access to high quality resources and reliable internet connections. Students who are not comfortable with computers may need extra support.

But in most cases, blended learning offers teachers like Alex a way to work with students in both classrooms so his teaching can be more effective.

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This FAQ library was created by Eran Bucai. Eran is an online entrepreneur who is passionate about helping people find success building a profitable business online without the high ticket prices and without the marketing hype.

Eran has a tech support membership which you can learn more about here: DotComTruths.com

Eran helps people choose the best software for their business which you can find out more by visiting EranFunnels.com/software.

Question 3

What is Deep Web?

Accepted Answer

This video is designed to highlight the major differences between the normal web sites we see in search results and the databases, services and websites that are found in the Hidden or Deep Web. It teaches:

How deep web resources are different than public websites and search results
Why deep web resources often require special permissions or payment
Where to find free access to the deep web
How the deep web is used in research and everyday situations

Video Transcript:

When it comes time to do research, the first step is often search engines. Using a search term, we can find websites, images, videos, blog posts and more that are free to view and can be useful.

But in reality, search engines can only see a small amount of what’s out there. For the best research, we need to find information that doesn’t appear in normal search results.

Think about it like this… Search engines like Google are constantly scanning the web and organizing search results based on what they can see.

The problem is that search engines can’t log into websites or private databases, so all that valuable information remains hidden, just below the surface. This is the deep web and some say it’s up to 500 times bigger than the free web we see in search results.

The question is, how can researchers use the deep web to find information?

Often, using the deep web for research requires payment or special permissions for access.

Thankfully, many libraries and schools provide access to deep web resources for free. To see how this works, imagine that you’re a law student who needs to research legal cases that involve vehicle safety.

To start, you use a search engine to identify a few popular cases and opinions, but the information is not consistent or authoritative. To round out your research, you need the deep web.

Thankfully your university library offers access to a number of online databases that make legal research easier.

Or, imagine you want to rent your house. When someone applies, it’s your job to find out if they are trustworthy.

A search on the free web may show some interesting information. But it’s difficult to find reliable information on their credit or criminal history.

So, with their permission, you might pay a small fee to use a background check website to find the right information via the deep web.

The big idea is that normal search results can only go so far. When you need reliable, authoritative information for research, remember that the deep web is full of useful resources that may come with a fee or be accessed for free from your library or school.

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This FAQ library was created by Eran Bucai. Eran is an online entrepreneur who is passionate about helping people find success building a profitable business online without the high ticket prices and without the marketing hype.

Eran has a tech support membership which you can learn more about here: DotComTruths.com

Eran helps people choose the best software for their business which you can find out more by visiting EranFunnels.com/software.

Question 4

How do you sign up to Amazon affiliate program?

Accepted Answer

How to sign up to Amazon Affiliate Program?

This short video will tell you.

Go to Amazon.com, scroll all the way to the bottom and click "become an affiliate".

Make sure you use your custom email address, not your gmail!

i.e. instead of eranbucai@gmail.com, use contact@eranbucai.com (as an example - create your own custom domain!)

If don't have a domain name or email account, I'm happy to share recommendations:

If you're in Australia, use a company called Ventraip: https://link.eranbucai.com/AussieDomainsHosting...

If you're outside of Australia, use a company called Brixly: https://brixly.uk/

Or SiteGround:

https://link.eranbucai.com/SiteGround

Either way, make sure you create it before signing up to the Amazon Associates Program (Amazon Affiliate Program, same thing).

While I don't recommend you rely on affiliate marketing from Amazon, it's still a simple extra income stream that can help.

There's definitely SOMETHING on Amazon that you can share with your audience to purchase.

Oh, another tip. Never email an Amazon Affiliate link, it's against their terms and conditions last I checked and you risk getting your account closed too.

Write blogs or have links on your website to Amazon.

And make sure there is an affiliate disclosures too.

If you need an affiliate disclosure, check out my "Website Legal Policies" video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gy6J6nGDhj0&t=0s

And visit this link to get help with getting these legal policies and disclaimers done: https://www.websitepolicies.com/?in=253.

If you have any questions for me about affiliate marketing, please leave a comment and I'll reply and/or record a video.

If you want to learn more about making money with affiliate marketing, feel free to join my Facebook group: https://www.dotcomtruths.com/

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This FAQ library was created by Eran Bucai' team. Eran is an online entrepreneur who is passionate about helping people find success building a profitable business online without the high ticket prices and without the marketing hype.

Eran has a tech support membership which you can learn more about here: DotComTruths.com

Eran helps people choose the best software for their business which you can find out more by visiting EranFunnels.com/software.

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If you need help getting your website done, grab the free resources available by visiting https://www.websitediycourse.com/

Question 5

What is Application Programming Interfaces (APIs)?

Accepted Answer

This video tells the story of Carson, who has an idea to sell interactive maps on his website. Rather than buying and implementing all the tools himself, he discovers APIs that help him get started quickly and build upon a foundation provided by specialists. It teaches:

Why APIs can be important for organizations and websites
How APIs can differ from buying technology outright
How APIs work, using examples of map data and credit card transactions
What APIs can provide websites and applications

Video Transcript:

When you visit a website, it’s easy to assume that one organization owns and runs everything you see on the site. But these days, many websites are actually a combination of specialized tools from organizations across the Web. And making it all work is something called Application Programming Interfaces, or APIs.

Meet Carson. He has idea for really cool interactive maps and he sees an opportunity to sell them on his website, but he has a problem. The maps would require a huge amount of data to work and he can’t afford the programmers and hardware to make it successful. And maintaining it all is a hassle. He just wants to make the maps a reality.

Carson has two big concerns: First, he needs an easy way to access and manage all the map data. Second, he needs a way to collect payment from customer credit cards. These are complicated tools to build and he knows there must be options.

In doing research, he found companies that specialize in the software and data he needs. He considered buying their tools outright, but it seemed too expensive and he would have to manage it himself. He needed something easier.

That’s when he learned about Application Programming Interfaces or APIs. APIs meant that he could rely on organizations that specialize and connect his website to their tools over the Internet. They simply provide a way for websites and applications like Carson’s to connect to and use their system.

This connection, or interface, makes it possible for two different systems to talk to each other and make requests.

For example, instead of Carson having to store and manage maps and data, he can use a map company’s API to do the heavy lifting. His website just asks for data and the API delivers it.

The same thing is true for billing. Instead of having to manage credit card numbers and billing details, his website hooks into a billing company API that provides and stores this information. All Carson needs is a bit of programming to make sure that his application and the API speak the same language. With this in place, information can be processed quickly and reliably, usually for a fee.

These days, his website visitors can try out and purchase Carson’s maps and it all works seamlessly. And behind the scenes, APIs are connecting his service to specialists via the Internet. And he’s not alone, today organizations large and small are depending on APIs because they create connections with specialists that help keep up-front costs down and provide a solid foundation for getting started.

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This FAQ library was created by Eran Bucai. Eran is an online entrepreneur who is passionate about helping people find success building a profitable business online without the high ticket prices and without the marketing hype.

Eran has a tech support membership which you can learn more about here:https://www.dotcomtruths.com/

Eran helps people choose the best software for their business which you can find out more by visiting EranFunnels.com/software.

Question 6

What are Apps?

Accepted Answer

Within the last few years, applications or “apps” have gone from being big software programs on computers to small and downloadable apps on mobile devices. This video explains what caused this evolution and how it is impacting our lives today. It teaches:

The big idea of applications and how they work with computers
The role of “platforms” and how they changed thanks to mobile devices
The evolution to smaller, cheaper apps that become collectible
The role of online marketplaces for marketing and distributing apps
How apps are now becoming a part of browsers, social networks and game systems

Video Transcript:

The chances are you’ve been using apps for years. Your home or work computer has apps like a spreadsheet program, calculator or photo editor. Recently these apps, or applications, evolved in a big way.

Let’s start with platforms. You know, a place to put things. A table, in a basic sense, is a platform. You plug in some plates, cups and flatware and it turns into a great place to eat.

Computers work the same way. They create platforms for software applications. A spreadsheet and an accounting app can turn a computer into a business tool. Music and video apps can make a computer a studio.

For most of their history, apps have seemed big and expensive. We often bought them at a store and loaded them onto a computer with a disk. And most of these apps didn’t connect to the Internet.

Recently platforms have changed in big ways. Our mobile phones and tablets became useful platforms just like our computers, and this enabled a different kind of app. Instead of big expensive programs, many apps became smaller and cheaper. Instead of coming in a box or taking hours to download, they could be purchased or downloaded for free from the Internet with a click, even on the go.

This made apps collectible. For little investment, we could collect apps on our devices that reflect our needs and interests. One person’s collection may focus on gaming, another, business, or both. Now apps may wake you up in the morning, give you a snapshot of the news, play the music you like, help you get to the airport, check you in and help you read your new book all from the palm of your hand.

To support all these new apps, we need online marketplaces that make them easy to purchase and download. This way, small teams and large organizations have a way to market, give away or sell thousands of new apps.

And these new apps have another advantage. Many are built to work with the Internet.

So apps aren’t really new. What have changed are platforms and marketplaces that make them easy to purchase and collect for whatever you need to do.

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This FAQ library was created by Eran Bucai. Eran is an online entrepreneur who is passionate about helping people find success building a profitable business online without the high ticket prices and without the marketing hype.

Eran has a tech support membership which you can learn more about here: DotComTruths.com

Eran helps people choose the best software for their business which you can find out more by visiting EranFunnels.com/software.

Question 7

What are Algorithms?

Accepted Answer

This video is an introduction to the basic ideas of algorithms. It explains how computers, websites and digital products need instructions that answer the question “what should I do next?” in order to complete tasks, serve customers and gather information. It teaches:

Why algorithms are similar to offline customer service
How to think about and visualize an algorithm
Why algorithms run our favorite websites
How a popular music website might use algorithms

Video Transcript:

When you visit your local coffee shop, it’s a nice feeling when they recognize you.

You don’t see it, but you can imagine the barista following a set of simple instructions in their mind when you walk in.

It may go like this: A new person arrived. Do I recognize them? If no, say “Hi!” If yes, go to the next step. Do I remember their name? If no, say “Welcome back.” If yes, address them by name.

Every day, this process repeats and customers experience great service. For a coffee shop, it works well because the baristas remember dozens of regular customers.

When we use things like websites and computers, a similar process happens. These technologies rely on instructions that are programmed to make decisions like the barista in our coffee shop.

These sets of instructions are called algorithms and they are a part of nearly everything we do in the digital world.

For example, when we take a digital photo, move a mouse, or type a word in the real world,

But on the web is where you’re likely to see the magic of algorithms in action. Whether it’s search results, your news feed, or your favorite app, algorithms are working behind the scenes to figure out what to show you next.

For example, a popular website may have algorithms that, in a blink of an eye, go through thousands of steps for millions of visitors every day.

Consider a music website that must always account for new music, changing user tastes and their business. Designing better algorithms can be a big way that they make their website better.

Here, algorithms help them understand who their visitors are,

It’s going through steps like these and thousands of others that are the building blocks of algorithms on popular websites. And they matter. Teams of people are constantly designing and updating algorithms to reflect changes over time.

When they’re working as designed, they can make your favorite websites feel more personal and useful.

You may even start to feel like the website knows you better than your local barista.

This FAQ library was created by Eran Bucai as a free resource to help beginners understand the online world.

Eran is the founder of Dot Com Truths, a membership that helps entrepreneurs solve every day problems without the marketing hype or high ticket prices.

Eran lives off passive income thanks to affiliate marketing, his membership and freelance business where helps course creators and membership site owners with their software and technology challenges through 1:1 done-with-you services and information products.

Eran has a free Facebook group you can join. By answering the questions upon entry, you'll be given automatic access and an email with a free mini-course on how to start an online business. (keep an eye out for an email within the hour or requesting to join the Facebook group).

Question 8

What is GetResponse?

Accepted Answer

GetResponse, in operation since 1998, is one of the oldest and most well-known email marketing companies in the world.

Getresponse is an email marketing app that allows you to create a mailing list and capture data onto it create newsletters that can be sent to the subscribers on your mailing list automate your emails to subscribers via the use of autoresponders' view and analyse statistics related to your email marketing campaigns open rate, click-through, forwards etc.

Recently however, Getresponse has shifted its emphasis considerably: the product now aims to be more of an 'all-in-one' marketing solution rather than just an email marketing tool.

Accordingly, in addition to email marketing, Getresponse now also provides e-commerce features, webinar hosting, landing pages and automated sales funnels.

I have personally used GetResponse since August 2018.

Their customer support is 5-star. They have 24/7 human support, which is rare. They are always available and helpful.

Their email deliverability is great.

Being a long-standing software, they are easy to integrate with many other tools out there.

This is my number 1 recommendation for anyone starting online. Their basic plan is reasonably priced, it is easy to use, and has 24/7 support - which when you are getting started or technically challenged, is invaluable.

I personally do not find the value in their additional services of funnels, landing pages, webinars, etc. I simply use their basic plan for my autoresponder automation and sending broadcast emails to my list.

It integrates with EranFunnels too, with a simple copy and paste.

Question 9

What  is Privacy Online?

Accepted Answer

This video helps students understand the reality of using the Internet today in terms of privacy. It explains how our actions online are tracked and used. It teaches:

Why privacy online is different than it is in the real world
How nearly everything we do online is documented and analyzed by companies
Why our data is important to the success of online companies
How our data enables websites to be free
What we can do to understand how our data is being used and make choices to protect it.

Video Transcript:

In the real world, privacy feels like a choice. We can close our blinds. We can choose to keep quiet or stay inside. And even when we’re in public buying groceries or talking with a friend, privacy feels like the default. No one’s analyzing our every move.

It might also feel private when we go online and use websites and apps to have discussions, to share photos, and schedule appointments.

You might ask: Does anyone really care about my location, my purchases or what photos I liked on the Web?

The answer is likely “yes”. Many of the websites we use everyday depend on knowing as much as they can about us. The more they know about our actions, preferences, connections and data, the more their service can be tailored to serving our needs - and that is part of what keeps us coming back.

But our information is also valuable for their business. If a company knows the connections and preferences of millions of their users, they can use it to improve their advertising or may even sell this information to other companies.

This, and money from targeted advertising are big reasons many social networking sites are free to use.

So, unlike the real world, privacy is not the default online because websites depend on tracking and remembering information about us.

And this is not necessarily bad. In most cases, we are just one of many millions of users and our data is used as a group and not individually.

But the fact remains that nearly everything we do online is documented somewhere, which brings up important questions like - Who has access to my information? Do I have any choice? Can I see the information a company has about me and how it's being used?

To be more informed about online privacy, here’s what each one of us can do:

Second, every major website has a policy that states how our information is being used and what choices we have. Read them.

Third, find out if those websites have privacy settings that we can manage.

Fourth, learn about settings on our computers, web browsers and devices that can increase our privacy.

Part of being happy and productive online often means sharing some personal information. Before you share too much, take the time to understand your options and how your information can be used in the future.

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This FAQ library was created by Eran Bucai. Eran is an online entrepreneur who is passionate about helping people find success building a profitable business online without the high ticket prices and without the marketing hype.

Eran has a tech support membership which you can learn more about here: DotComTruths.com

Eran helps people choose the best software for their business which you can find out more by visiting EranFunnels.com/software.

Question 10

What is a Computer Software

Accepted Answer

This video introduces the role of software in making computers useful. It focuses on different kinds of software and software's roles in computers and other tools we use every day, including:

The role of software as a translator
How operating systems cover the basics
How software programs help to customize computers
The role of software outside of computers

Video Transcript:

It’s easy to think of computers as just machinery – buttons, screens and parts that work together. But the magic of computers comes from something that makes them unique to you.

The problem with computers is that most of us don’t speak their language. We need a translator, something that can understand our needs and put the computer to work for us. The translator is called software and it makes computers useful.

Look at it this way. Like a typewriter, a computer without software is just a lifeless machine. By adding software, the computer becomes more alive, easy to use, and built for you. Most computers have two basic kinds: The operating system and software programs.

If you’ve ever used a computer, you’ve used an operating system. From saving files, to using a mouse or fixing problems, the operating system covers the basics. Operating systems come with all new computers and do a lot of same things. You’ve seen them called Windows, Mac and Linux.

But the operating system is only part of what we need. To make them personalized and more useful, we can add software programs. For example, if you need to edit a photo you can add a software program that is built for that purpose. If you need to design a house, you can add a software program that lets you see the house from all sides.

By adding and removing software programs, you can make the computer fit with exactly what you want to do. And adding most software programs is easy. You can get them from a computer store or download them from the Internet. No computer nerds required.

Once a program is on your computer, opening it is as easy as clicking an icon.

But what is a software program? What’s really happening when you open one? Think about it this way. Computers are really good at following instructions. And a software program is essentially a set of instructions that tells the computer exactly what to do.

When you open a program, the computer goes to work, completing the instructions until the program is ready for you to use. The ability to add and remove software programs means that everyone’s computer can be different and unique to them.

So, to review. We’ve talked about operating systems that take care of the basics, and software programs that make computers personalized. It’s this combination that makes computers so useful. But it’s not limited to computers on your desk.

Consider your cell phone. Just like a computer without software, it’s a lifeless machine that doesn’t speak our language. Thankfully, cell phones have software that bring them to life.

The same thing is true for many cameras, music players, and even our cars. Every day we rely on software to bring machines to life and make them personalized and useful.

The next time you use a computer or cell phone, think about software’s role in translating your needs into instructions that put the machine to work for you.

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This FAQ library was created by Eran Bucai. Eran is an online entrepreneur who is passionate about helping people find success building a profitable business online without the high ticket prices and without the marketing hype.

Eran has a tech support membership which you can learn more about here: DotComTruths.com

Eran helps people choose the best software for their business which you can find out more by visiting EranFunnels.com/software.