In AD 682, the primary software we will be using is Microsoft Office XP (including Word, Access, Excel, and PowerPoint), HyperStudio, Internet Explorer, and PowerPoint. We also have available AppleWorks/ClarisWorks and possibly Netscape Navigator and Microsoft Works. All of these programs are available for both Macintosh and Windows platforms (with the exception of Access in Microsoft Office).
You may use either of the above platforms and any of the above software to do your assignments. However, in class, only one set of software will be taught and other software might or might not be available for your use. Software is generally very similar across platforms (for example AppleWorks for the Macintosh is almost identical to AppleWorks for Windows), but different software can be very different (e.g., AppleWorks databases are very different from Microsoft Access databases).
Your choice of software and platform might depend on what you have most easily available at your home or in your school. If you are already comfortable with some of the software mentioned above, you might choose to use that regardless of what is taught in class. If you are not comfortable with the software, I recommend that you stick with the software used in your section though you may feel free to use that software on a different platform (Macintosh or Windows).
If you choose to use Microsoft Office, you should consider getting a good book about Office, such as A PC for the Teacher by Brownell, Youngs, and Metzger (good for the beginner and relates to education) or Microsoft Office XP Step-By-Step by Frye (comprehensive step by step instructions geared to the beginner). If you choose to use AppleWorks/ClarisWorks, you might choose to get a good book, such as Tools for schools: AppleWorks/ClarisWorks 5.0 by Land and Coe.
All the software used in class is available in the lab for your use. The Beatty 115 Lab, the Timonum Lab, and a student Columbia Lab are available 24 hours a day. If you choose to purchase software so that you have it available at home, be sure to ask about educational pricing, which is generally available to teachers and students. This pricing can save you significant amounts of money (e.g., a recent catalog lists Microsoft Office 2003 Professional at $369.51 regularly and $169.95 with "academic pricing.").
Warning: Some students have found that projects take considerably more time when done on a platform or with software that was not used in class. Choices in software and platforms are offered for your convenience. If it is not more convenient for you, don't choose software that is not used in class.
This page was prepared by Dr. David M. Marcovitz.
Last Updated: January 9, 2004