In order to get started using e-business you will need:

• a computer that can connect to the Internet reliably and at an acceptable speed
• software on the computer that allows you to send email, browse the Web for websites and protects your computer
• an email account with an Internet Service Provider (ISP)
• training in using the equipment and software efficiently.  

You may have one or two of these minimum requirements already, or you may be starting from the very beginning. This section takes you through each of these requirements explaining what is needed and how to go about getting it.

Either, click on the step relevant to your needs below to begin finding out how to get started doing e-business, or order a copy of the getting started booklet - see the ordering options below.

1. getting the equipment and software
2. getting connected
3. getting email and a domain name
4. getting training  

If you prefer, at this stage, to read a booklet rather than use this website, you can obtain a copy of the getting started booklet by either of these options.

Option 1: Click on the link below (the words in colour) to download a copy of the 32 page A5 booklet onto your computer which you can then print yourself or read on the screen. Once you click on the link, the booklet will appear on your screen in a program called Acrobat, developed by the company, Adobe. This website will be sitting behind the screen containing the booklet so if you want to come back to this page, just click on the Back button on the top-left of your screen - or hold down the [ALT] key and tap the left arrow key on your keyboard. If an error message appears telling you that you do not have Adobe's Acrobat program on your computer, click here to go to Adobe's website and download the free program by following the instructions they give you.

Download the getting started booklet here:  e-businessguide getting started booklet (481kb)

Option 2: Order copies of the getting started booklet from one of the business assistance organisations listed in the "who can help" section in this website - look on the right-hand side of the screen under Resources - or by ringing DCITA on 02 6271 1666, or by emailing e-businessguide@dcita.gov.au