by Carol Coleman

Created on: April 21, 2009   Last Updated: April 23, 2009

Going back to school is a challenge. You'll need basic skills with a computer. You will need to decide what type of computer to use - laptop, desktop, and operating systems - Windows, Mac or even, Linux. How to use a browser, word processing program and how to search as well as typing or keyboarding.

Choosing your computer is important, also. There are advantages and disadvantages to both the desktop and the laptop. The desktop is stationary which means that you must work at your desk. The laptop is portable, but can be heavy. Some professors do not allow laptop usage in their classrooms. Laptop keyboards are cramped and the touchpad can cause your words to jump. Laptops are easily stolen, also.

The operating systems available are Mac (Macintosh, Apple) which is favored by the publishing industry and many schools; Windows (Microsoft) which is favored by businesses and Linux which is favored by scientists and some computer geeks. Most hackers love to target Windows and other Microsoft products. But, all operating systems can be targeted by hackers and computer viruses.

A browser is a program used to access and use the Internet. It will only work if you have an Internet provider service. Internet provider services can be dial up, broadband (cable or FIOS), or T1 lines. The cheapest (and slowest) is dial up. Cable or FIOS can be mid-ranged and T1 is mostly used by businesses because of its price.

Browsers give access to information that was once only available in Libraries. Search engines such as Dogpile.com, Google.com, Jeeves.com can be accessed (for free) and keywords (single word descriptions) are used to find information about topics.

Word Processing programs are represented by Microsoft Word, WordPerfect, and Lotus Notes. There are free word processors available on the Internet and can be found by using a search engine. A word processor program allows you to type and format any papers that you are assigned. You can use different size of fonts (styles and size of letters). You can add titles, page numbers and keep track of your class notes. Check with your professors to find out any styles that they prefer.

Microsoft offers special rates for their products to college students. This has helped them to gain a major foothold in homes. Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook are major products. Excel produces spreadsheets, PowerPoint creates presentations with slides and descriptions. Outlook is an email program; although many home users prefer to use free email applications rather than Microsoft's Outlook.

When you are ready to start college; consider what type of computer, what software you want to use and what your professors will require you to have. Check with the admissions office to see if they have any recommendations. Do your "what do I need" homework first. Your college's admissions office and student affairs office should have some basic guidelines, then check with other students to see what helped them the most. Never forget, the most basic of items that you will need - pen and paper!

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