If you want to telecommute, work at home, or freelance, technical skills are a fundamental requirement.

A new training effort spearheaded by Microsoft will offer free tech training to millions. Elevate America, the initiative launched by Microsoft yesterday. The program will, over the next two years, give free tech training both online and at regional telecenters.

The online resources will help you figure out what types of technical skills they need, and provides resources to help you acquire those skills. The Web site offers access to Microsoft online training programs, from “How to use the Internet” to  more advanced topics such as “Implementing and Supporting Microsoft Windows XP Professional”.

Microsoft will partner with state and local governments. Florida, New York and Washington are the first states to offer Elevate America courses.