There is so much fluff over making money online until sometimes I really get tired of the hype. These are other ways to put your skills to work other than online.

Computer Class Instructor

Computers have become part of everyone’s life, not only in the work place, but in the home as well. They are part of our jobs but also part of our entertainment. If you aren’t sure how big a market this is check out the computer book section of a book store near you. Use the knowledge you have gained by offering to teach others how to begin using a computer, how to use it more efficiently, how to get more out of it, or how to use specific software programs. This type of class can be offered through your home, but you might also consider contacting a local computer retailer and offer to conduct the classes in his/her store. This would bring traffic into the store that is specifically interested in his product as well as give you access to a variety of machines and software to demonstrate with.

Computer Software Tester

Another way to use your computer experience is to test software for companies and then write reviews. Software manufacturers need to have new products tested by people other than the programmers who create the products. You
would need to keep accurate records of failures in the program and exactly what you did that caused the program to fail. In addition, you will be able to write software reviews for the products you test and send those to computer
magazines for possible publications. (See the section below on writing for profit.)

Web Page Builder (and maintainer)

One additional area in which you might be able to use your computer expertise is in the creation of and maintenance of Web Pages. If you spend any time on the internet at all you realize that most businesses are either on the internet or trying to get there. Small businesses may have someone who knows how to construct a page, but very often these people have too many other responsibilities to either create the page or maintain it and keep it up to date. Having a web page is a good business move, if it is well done and well maintained. A web page that is neither of those things can hurt a business more than help it. If you have the time and interest, consider becoming a Web Master.