You will use a computer to help visualize and present ideas and concepts that are difficult to understand in text only ways. You will use various computer applications, and in so doing, learn more about hardware and software, and become more comfortable when using computers in teaching. The minimum software you would typically need includes the capability of doing word-processing, spreadsheets, and graphics. Utility software to help diagnose problems, and a Virus-Scanning utility are wise additions to a new computer. Often you can buy integrated packages that meet most of these needs, such as Microsoft Office and Appleworks.
Computers often come bundled with application software.
With the rise in the popularity of the Internet and it s implications on educational trends you will also find a Web Browser and an editor for creating Web pages essential. UW-Whitewater currently uses Netscape as it s browser, and the latest version as of this writing is Netscape Communicator 4.6. This package also includes Page Composer, a tool for editing web pages. Discount stores, department stores, and consumer electronics stores often have excellent prices on computers. However, one of the benefits of being a college student, is that most computer manufacturers offer special pricing of their products to you.