Ten Computer Programs You Should Know For Online Colleges
December 3, 2010 by michaelm
Filed under Online College
1. Mozilla Firefox: A free download, this internet browser offers a wide variety of plug-ins to enhance your internet experience and can be set to remember the passwords and log in information you use to access lectures, files, and even the college library’s online resources.
2. Microsoft Word: A core member of Microsoft Office, Microsoft Word has the ability to generate bibliographies for your academic papers for a wide variety of sources.
3. Microsoft PowerPoint: Also part of Microsoft Office, PowerPoint uses a drag-and-drop interface to create slide shows that are often required as part of presentations, for both online and in person college courses.
4. Paint: If you need to show your professor what your computer screen looks like when the course’s online portal is malfunctioning, hold down CTRL+ALT+PrtSc (or Print Screen) to take a picture of what your computer screen looks like. Open up Paint, click paste, and then save the picture before e-mailing it.
5. Microsoft Excel: This spreadsheet program generates graphs and charts based on data inputs, and can be used for complex calculations in math and science courses.
6. Print Shop: For courses that require desktop publishing - like marketing - this program includes a large library of clip art and templates that can be used for brochures, cards, and even banners.
7. ITunes: IPod optional, this free software can be used to download and listen to the podcasts (online lectures) that are often posted as part of online courses.
8. Skype: Download Skype to your computer, and enjoy free long distance conversations to coordinate group presentations.
9. Adobe Dreamweaver: Take advantage of student pricing to purchase this program, often used by professionals to create web pages. Even if you are not a computer sciences major, many courses require you to demonstrate your proficiency with a webpage.
10. Microsoft Expression: Manipulate photos to create graphic art suitable for web design, desktop publishing and marketing courses.