Getting You Computer's Hardware Ready for an Online School

Going back to school can be a difficult process. Going to an online school presents some extra benefits and extra challenges. Going to an online school undoubtedly requires the use of a computer. Many feel that they aren't well versed in technology and its uses and may find the process of ensuring that their computer is ready for school daunting. Computers come down to two basic things, hardware and software. Hardware is the physical parts of a computer that can bee seen, while software are the programs that are interacted with when the computer is turned on. The first step in setting up a computer is hardware and will be the focus of this article. A computer is only as good as its parts so its important to get the right ones.

Desktop vs. Laptop

Choosing the right computer is essential for succeeding in online school. Aside from brands, there are essentially two kinds of computers, desktops and laptops. As their names suggests, desktops are usually used at office desks and are stationary, while a laptop is portable.

There are positive and negatives for each type of computer. Many people prefer the mobility and freedom that a laptop provides, and is the more popular type of computer for students. The drawback of a laptop is that they are very difficult to customize and are more expensive when compared to a desktop of similar processing and computer power. They could also be seen as too easy to carry around, taking a laptop to sit in front of a TV or other locations where it becomes easy to be distracted from doing schoolwork. An additional keyboard and mouse, maybe even an external monitor, could alleviate this problem by creating a permanent workspace for attending an online school, without giving up the mobility provided by a laptop.

Desktops have one clear negative, they can't go anywhere. A desktop computer is designed to stay in one location. One advantage of a desktop is that since they must rest in a single location it is far easier to create a dedicated workspace for attending an online school, helping with procrastination. Other advantages of a desktop is their low cost compared to laptops of a similar processing power. They are also very customizable, monitor sizes, keyboards, and mice are far easier to incorporate with a desktop. Sound quality can't be overlooked either, as desktops can use permanent external speakers instead of the onboard speakers in a laptop, which are usually far weaker.

Upgrading RAM

A secret to preserving the life of a computer is Random Access Memory, or RAM. Without going into too much detail, RAM helps improve the function of a computer, is often the least expensive way to upgrade a computer, is the size of a small pocket comb, and is typically easy to install depending on the model of computer. Usually any electronic store can find and install compatible RAM in a computer, but remember this may void a computer's warranty. RAM is a great way to improve the performance of a computer for those who do not want to buy a new computer. Macintosh users should consult with their local apple store on how to improve their computer's performance.

Internet Connection

An internet connection is clearly essential to attending an online school. While speed is important for many of the common things that the internet is used for (streaming video, large downloads, etc.) most courses at an online school will not have very large files to download or have excessive use of streaming video. What is important is dependability, as a hiccup with an internet connection at the wrong time could mean late assignments and delayed e-mails. Researching the internet service providers offered in an area is important, and having quick service to fix problems is essential. What is also important is deciding if a router is important. A router, specifically a wireless router, is critical to have a computer connect to the internet without wires, otherwise a network cable is needed. This is especially important to owners of laptops. Many internet service providers will rent a wireless router when subscribing to the internet. There are many different kinds of routers with various capabilities, asking the person selling or renting the router will help determine what kind would be best for a particular household.

Keyboards

Keyboards can often be overlooked when setting up a computer. Many will purchase the least expensive and assume one is as good as another. While all keyboards serve the same function, regardless of cost, it is important to remember that a student will spend a great deal of time going to an online school typing at their keyboard, so it must feel natural and comfortable. There is no real guideline to selecting a keyboard, some prefer ergonomic keyboards, some prefer a gel pad for their wrists, but ensuring that their keyboard is a comfortable piece of equipment to use is important.

Mice

Like keyboards, mice are an important interface tool used with a computer. Their usability and comfort for the user will go a long way in improving the online school experience. Its also important to get a mouse that works at an appropriate level. Mice can be simple with one or two buttons, or they can have more than a dozen, and some have no buttons and react to movements of the fingers. It's important to get a mouse that is comfortable to use and is reliable.

Flash Drives and External Hard Drives

Backing up schoolwork is always important, and while attending an online school keeping a backup of all work from all courses will be important in creating work portfolios and similar projects. Small flash drives and external hard drives are excellent for this, since they can easily be plugged into any computer and are relatively inexpensive. Flash drives can be quite small and easily portable and only a few dollars, while external hard drives can hold massive amounts of information at a low cost, a hundred dollar external hard drive can hold hundreds of megabytes of information.

Computers are a great tool and the most important part of an education from an online school. Having the right computer is the first step on the path toward higher education online.

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Get Your Computer's Software Ready for an Online School

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Going back to school can be a difficult process. Going to an online school presents some extra benefits and extra challenges. Going to an online school undoubtedly requires the use of a computer. Many feel that they aren't well versed in technology and its uses and may find the process of ensuring that their computer is ready for school daunting. Computers come down to two basic things, hardware and software. Hardware is the physical parts of a computer that can bee seen, while software are the programs that are interacted with when the computer is turned on. Once a computer is purchased, borrowed, or upgraded, it's time to ensure that the software is up to date and ready for school.

Operating Systems

The operating system, commonly referred to as an OS, is one of the most important pieces of software. The operating system the program that runs the entire program. It's what allows the user to open other software, and those programs run "inside" the operating system. There are several different operating systems out there. The choice of an operating system is personal preference. The important aspect is if the operating system is still supported. Support means that the company who made the software is still issuing updates, fixing any bugs, providing virus support, and offering help with technical issues. A supported operating system likely means that new programs will still be compatible with the computer.

Word Processor

A word processor will be the most used software by most online courses. A word processor is the software students use to type most online assignments and papers. The specific word processor is a matter of personal preference and cost. There are free word processors online, and others can cost hundreds of dollars. The most important thing is to learn how to use your chosen word processor, how to change font sizes and styles, how to save a text document into different file formats, etc. Viewing online tutorials, tips, and other guides will save a lot of time and frustration in the long run.

Web Browser

Web browsers are the programs used to access most content on the internet, including web pages that an online school likely uses for its online classrooms. There are several different browsers, some come with an operating system and others are available to download. Some web pages work better in some browsers, so students should check the website of their chosen online school to see if they recommend a browser for the page. If the site doesn't have a recommendation, the student should check on their own to ensure that all the pages work in their preferred browser. Besides selecting the browser, many browsers support add-ons, programs that can be downloaded to expand the features of a browser. There are calender tools, chat tools, music tools, and nearly any kind of add on that can be though of. Adding these programs is personal preference, but it may help make education from an online school less stressful.

Anti-Virus Software

Obtaining an Anti-Virus program is essential to setting up a computer for an online school. School networks are hot spots for online viruses, often infecting a computer in seconds. Most of these infections can be prevented with Anti-Virus software. No one should enter online classes without obtaining this software.

E-mail

An e-mail address is clearly important when attending an online school. However, some schools will assign a separate e-mail account, or some students may wish to have a separate e-mail address that is more professional than many e-mail addresses. Managing multiple e-mail accounts may cause some to neglect an e-mail account and miss important e-mails. There are programs that can be downloaded online allowing a user to view e-mails from multiple accounts from a single program. It isn't necessary, but those with multiple accounts should consider it.

Sharing Software

This appears at the bottom of the list since it isn't essential for competing a degree from an online school, it is just a good idea. Becoming acquainted with sharing software can help an online school experience immensely. From creating sharable online documents and databases found in places like GoogleDocs, or programs that let people share files with each other like DropBox, being acquainted with easy ways to share and edit files as a group could be essential if any online coursework involves group collaboration.

Computers are great tools, and are essential to completing a degree at an online school, and the right software can be a great a help for an online student.

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One of the major problems with online courses has always been the lack of a classroom experience and a real college environment. In the past many people were unable to overcome this flaw and did not pursue an online education. However, in the last few years there have been great improvements in the technology used to deliver online bachelor degree programs. Now more than ever, online courses provide a realistic and interactive setting.

The near universality of broadband connections has made things a lot easier. Students can now download large media files without having to wait a long time for reading or viewing, making instructional materials easier to distribute to students.

Much of the learning from online classes is done through recorded presentations. These are now better than they ever have been before. Technology enables teachers to record full, continuous audio over a PowerPoint presentation that they control. This is just like being in front of a live lecture and you get the complete audio and visual experience.

There are also instructors who record their lectures; many students prefer this, since they are able to see the professor speak for themselves. It's also helpful to be able to match your professor's names with faces and voices.

Another improvement in technology has enabled students to interact with each other more effectively. Online discussion boards serve as the virtual classroom, wherein you discuss topics with other students, ask each other questions and converse about the course. Live chat rooms add further functionality to an online education.

There are even live audio and video chats, where, depending on your computer's ability, you can see other students, talk to them directly and really get to know one another. Not to mention internet calling services such as Skype that let you connect with any other student at any time with questions, comment or for team projects.

Just as your professor recorded his own PowerPoint or lecture, you can do the same. There are services and programs you can download that enable you to add voiceovers to presentations and to post them on the internet in easy fashion. Now you can host your own presentation and make a killer report on any topic you were assigned.

Don't think that since you're taking online bachelor degree courses you won't have to take tests either! Technology advancements have allowed intricate testing systems to be created that are meant to accurately gauge an online student's knowledge. Tests can be timed and can only be started or opened once, and there are all formats of questions including essays, multiple choice and true or false. What would be the point of spending money on an online education if you couldn't even prove to yourself that you know the material?

The latest generations of online education courses provide a classroom experience which can match that of any traditional school. With testing, student interaction and a realistic lecture experience, you can take advantage of all of the benefits an online education can offer you. Even if you don't have the time to take classes at a traditional university, you can now get the education you're looking for online.

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