So you've traded in your Rolodex for a PDA, your golf clubs for foosball and your Walkman for a portable MP3 player. Basically, you've decided it's time to get dotcommed. While you may have the right accessories and gadgets, there's plenty to learn if you want to fit in at a Web-centric company. Here are 10 important tips that will help you make a smooth transition into the digital work world.

1. Talk Tech

Not sure what click-and-mortar or plug-and-play are? Well you'd better get the "download" quickly. Check out our "Buzzword Buffet" and you'll be talking the talk in no time.

2. Become Software Savvy

At the very least this will include knowing Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and the like) and how to navigate the Web. If you're not up to speed on those programs yet, consider taking a quick course or picking up a how-to guide such as Microsoft Word for Dummies. Also, check out Monster.com's online training options.

3. Become an Email Expert

Since email is the communication tool of choice at all dotcoms, knowing email etiquette is essential. Here are the basics:

• Never type in all caps; it's perceived as shouting.
• Write an email as professionally as you would a regular letter.
• Always spell check.
• Don't write anything in an email that you wouldn't mind reading aloud at a meeting.
• Avoid sending attachments unless you check for viruses first.
• Don't clog bandwidth by sending large attachments such as audio or video files.
• Avoid sending forwarded spam or joke email messages.
• Always include a subject line.

Also, just because a company is pre-IPO doesn't actually mean it will go public. If a hiring manager uses this as a lure, ask him specifically what pre-IPO means in this case. Ask what paperwork the company has filed with the SEC and when. Verify the information through Web sites like IPO.com. Even if everything for the IPO is on track, the company might be bought out long before the IPO ever hits, so don't bank on striking it rich.

7. Prepare a PowerPoint Presentation

You should know your way around this software program since it is a key tool in most company presentations. Try out the software, take a seminar if possible and create a mock presentation so you'll be prepared when your boss asks for one (at the last minute, of course).

8. Socialize

Eve Simon, creative director at Iapps.com, says that being friendly and making an effort to get to know new coworkers is crucial to a comfortable work environment. Accept that happy-hour invitation, she says, since it could be the best way to get to know people and be comfortable. Also, bring a great toy to the office to share. There's nothing like bonding over a Game Boy to boost your popularity.

9. Be in the Know

Keep abreast of what's going on in the industry. Subscribe to The Industry Standard, advises Jonathan Carson, formerly of PulpFree.com. "If you read this magazine cover to cover every week, you'll be able to get through any Internet business conversation." Other important industry magazines to read include Business 2.0, Red Herring and Upside.

10. Keep up on Contacts

Whether you use Outlook or another contact management system, it's vital to your success as a dotcommer to keep your contact list up-to-date and growing. After networking events or even just casual business card exchanges, be sure to enter that information into your contact manager for future reference. You never know when you might need it.