7 REQUIREMENTS FOR
WORKING FROM HOME VIA THE INTERNET
CHAPTER SEVEN
CHAPTER 7 - Requirements for Working from Home via the Internet
A reliable Internet connection is a major requirement for translators. This can be either via ADSL broadband (available in most residential areas) or via dial-up modem. A dial-up Internet connection can be rather slow and tedious, but may prove adequate for some translators with low volume Internet traffic.
Those working with large files and graphic interface e.g. in the area of software localisation, DVD and film dubbing, voice-overs etc. will definitely require a broadband connection. Dubbing software is also essential, if you plan to work in this area.
Many localisation companies for whom you may come to work, have their own dubbing and allied software, which they may allow you to download free of charge. Other important requirements for your personal computer are:
7.1 Adequate Computer Resident Anti-virus, Anti-spyware and Anti-malware, Ad-Aware, Firewall and General Internet Security Protection
No translator can afford to access the Internet without being adequately protected against viruses, spyware, malware and Ad-Aware. Most of you will know of malicious programs designed to invade your computer without being detected, unless you have adequate protective software installed. There is a multitude of anti-virus software and Internet Security programs available, among them Norton and McAfee. The same goes for spyware, malware and Ad-Aware watch and removal programs.
If you have windows XP, Windows 2000 or the Vista operating system installed on your computer, you can to some degree rely on the Microsoft provided security features that come with your computer. Update reminders appear on a regular basis upon connection to the net. You can then choose to enable the update feature to re-enforce your firewall, virus, malware and spyware protection. It is best to seek advice from either your internet service provider or your computer sales shop, about how best to protect your computer or laptop.
Please note: Some freely downloadable programs on the Internet, which promise to protect your computer, may in fact harm it. Therefore, always carefully check what you download. Virus scan your downloads first and, if in doubt, consult with a computer expert.
Translators, who have a broadband modem installed, may find that they will benefit from its built-in security features, which serve to hide the computer’s identity and thus protect its ports from malicious attacks and intrusions by hackers. If they have several computers installed in their home, a wireless router will allow them to share their broadband connections will all the other computers. Software programs however, are usually licensed for use on one computer only.
7.2 An Optional Personal Website or Work-Related E-mail Address
When surfing the net, you may be surprised to find that many self-employed translators already have a personal website, generally hosted by their internet service provider. This allows prospective clients direct access to that website and increases the chances to secure work via the internet. Again, make sure that you first negotiate how and when you will be paid, before sending off your translations into the wild blue yonder, never to be paid and not being able to find out who hides behind an e-mail address. Web fraud is rampant, so please be warned! However, forewarned is forearmed and many translators make a healthy living by working via the Internet, harvesting translation work from their website on an almost daily basis.
If you are thinking of setting up your own personal website, there are a number of special software programs available, which allow individuals who are not versed in HTML programming, to set up their own website with just a few mouse clicks. When setting up your own webpage, keep it simple and don’t visually overload it. Use large, bold lettering that can easily be read and allow for hot links to detailed information, which you wish your prospective clients to read. If you have any problems in setting up your own web page, you will find that there are also specialised companies that will design and set up your webpage for a specified charge. Therefore, consider your available funds and proceed from there.
No doubt, most translators already have a reliable e-mail client and one or more e-mail addresses. I would however suggest that you keep your personal e-mail separate from your business e-mail and create a designated e-mail account for your translation business.
Well, if you are not doing all these things already, you must be excited to get started. Read on, you may find a few more hints in the following notes.
CHAPTER SEVEN
7.3 A Reliable Internet Service Provider (ISP)
There is nothing more frustrating than having an Internet connection that keeps dropping out in the middle of an important e-mail transmission or web-surfing session. Make sure therefore, that your Internet Service Provider (ISP) is reliable and has a good reputation and reasonable charges. In Australia the computer magazines ‘APC (Australian Personal Computer) and PC User’ publish regular surveys comparing the services and charges of the most widely known Internet Service Providers.
Select the one closest to you and then investigate the various services they offer, by visiting their website. Once you have made you choice, you can select either a dial-up or an ADSL account. You may very well opt for the latter, which is only slightly dearer, but offers speedier downloads and uploads on the web, as well as built-in modem security, protecting you computer from unwanted intruders (hackers). Remember, choosing a reliable ISP will keep both you and your clients happy.
7.4 A Local and International Internet-based Clientele
Once your name or business is listed with several translation agencies overseas and with NAATI (if you are a NAATI accredited translator in Australia), you will find that work will chase you, rather than you having to chase it. Of course, some languages are in greater demand than others and therefore, it will depend largely on what you have to offer. On the other hand, remember, it pays to advertise. Therefore, put your name on as many free lists on the web as appears feasible. Simply type in the word ‘translation agencies’ in your search engine and you will be surprised what comes up. If you are going to set up your own web page, you should refer to it in your listings. For a small fee you can also purchase banner advertising on translation web sites. Good luck! Surprise yourself!
7.5 Secure Electronic Payment and Banking Facilities
When working on the Internet and dealing with clients, be they translation agencies or business clients, you will be asked, after first establishing the bona fide of these contacts, what your banking details are for the purpose of electronic payment. As already mentioned, you need to be extremely cautious here. Therefore, it is wise to investigate all the secure payment options that are available to you in your area. As things are changing so rapidly in this field, this guide cannot offer you advice on this. It is best to always discuss this issue both with your bank and client, always opting for the safest way, of course. E-pay and PayPal are web-based electronic payment systems often suggested by web-based translation agencies. Proceed with caution when giving out personal details, such as banking information.
7.6 Essential Work-related Computer Software
I have already mentioned the various security programs you need to have installed on your computer.
In addition to them, you will need one or several reliable, properly configured web browsers, for accessing the Internet. Some individuals choose to block pop-ups, whilst others find them less disturbing and at times quite useful. Again, this is a matter of personal choice and you can configure your computer accordingly.
Most important for you is a reliable word processor, and most translators use Microsoft Word’s latest available version. The easiest translation format in MW is the ‘.doc’ format. It allows for formatting and editing according to the requirements of your client. However, if clients require print-ready copies of documents in the pdf or another format, then it will most likely be necessary, to first convert the translated documents to the requested ‘.pdf’ format used by Adobe-Acrobat. This program may be beyond your budget, but a free Adobe-Acrobat Reader can be downloaded from the Acrobat website. A ‘pdf’
encoded document cannot be edited in ‘Word’ and the file must first be converted to a ‘.doc’ file first by means of the freely downloadable ‘pdf converter’. If you need to change the format back ‘doc to pdf’ format, as hinted above, you will need to purchase the required software. Converters can be purchased on line and downloaded against payment. After payment has been received by the software seller, an unlock key will be sent to your e-mail address, which allows you to unlock and activate the purchased software program on your personal computer.
Some translators, who are not good proofreaders, may wish to install a voice reader on their computer. Fully synthesised voice readers usually cost around fifty to eighty dollars, plus postage. They can also be downloaded via a high speed internet connection. These voice readers will stumble over a misspelt word or allow you to pick up a wrong tense, an awkward phrasing (style) in your translation and still more, while listening to your translation being read out.
A spell-checker for your working languages is essential. Spell-checkers are generally available for download from ‘microsoft.
com’ or may be purchased or downloaded freely from certain websites. University websites in your target language country are usually an excellent source for finding web-based dictionaries, spell-checkers, as well as grammar resources. Many hotlinks, provided by these websites, will also prove to be useful to translators.
A reliable e-mail program, which allows for the management of files, is essential. Outlook Express by Microsoft is commonly used though most web browsers host their own e-mail clients, with reasonable storage facilities. This means that you do not clog up your computer’s memory with mail files that could be stored elsewhere e.g. an external drive or message stick etc.
Whilst talking about storage, please remember to always back up your translation files on a CD-ROM disk or on a computer external drive, to avoid total loss in case of a system outing or computer crash.
Software that you consider as “must have” can be numerous and it again depends entirely on your personal requirements and choice. Translators should at least have the latest version of Microsoft Office, PowerPoint and Excel installed on their computers.