If you’ve got a laptop or PC, anything where you can create, edit, and save files: you’re already off to a great start.
Just make sure you’ve got these basics in place to begin your journey…
💻 Use What You’ve Got
Note: Most of the free tools I recommend work on all major operating systems:
- Linux – Excellent for older or newer hardware
- MacOS – Apple only
- Windows – Typically runs well on newer machines
If you’re on a tight budget, consider breathing new life into an old laptop with Linux. I personally use Kubuntu 24.04 LTS, and I’ve been running Linux as my main OS since 2006.
Other beginner-friendly Linux options include:
- Mint Linux
- Q4OS
But here’s the key takeaway:
🛑 Don’t wait for the “perfect setup.”
✅ Use what you have and start now.
Great ideas have started on paper napkins. Don’t let gear or software hold you back.
🔌 The Basics You’ll Need
1. Internet Connection
This is your lifeline to everything.
2. Web Browser
Pick one that works best for your system:
- Chrome (All platforms)
- Firefox (All platforms)
- Safari (MacOS)
3. Email Client
You’ll need this for accounts, communication, and marketing.
- Gmail (Web-based)
- Thunderbird (Desktop, all platforms)
- Outlook (Web or desktop)
📝 Tools to Think, Plan, and Create
4. Document Your Journey
Start simple:
- Notebook and pen
- Text editor
- Word Processor (LibreOffice, Word)
- Google Docs
- CherryTree – A cross-platform note-taking app I highly recommend
Use it to keep:
- A daily journal
- A to-do list
- Notes on what you’ve done, need to do, or ideas worth pursuing
5. Save Your Downloads
Organize by folder. Don’t let your Downloads folder become the Bermuda Triangle of your ideas.
6. Plan Visually (Optional but Helpful)
Try:
- Freeplane – Mind maps
- Draw.io – Diagrams & flows
- Xournal++ – Excellent with pen tablets
🎯 Strategies Over Tools
Making money online (or achieving anything) is a result.
The real magic is in learning to:
- Manage your time
- Plan your day
- Execute tasks without burning out
Even 1–2 focused hours per day is more than enough if done right.
Momentum > Motivation.
Small wins beat big plans that never happen.
🚀 AI Tools Are Your Shortcut
Start simple:
- ChatGPT: Use it to write, research, brainstorm, organize, and plan.
You don’t need to do it all alone anymore. AI can help you move faster without losing your sanity.
💡 Final Thoughts
Progress sometimes feels slow. But as long as you’re moving forward — you’re winning.
Stopping solves nothing (unless you’re at the wheel of a car).
Everything I’ve ever learned, programming, engineering, systems, was done with the exact strategies above.
And now with AI? You can go faster than ever.
So where do you begin?
Right here.
Right now.
With what you’ve got.