School Days

It is that time of year again. The monsoons begin to wane, students prepare for transitioning from vacation to another year of school, and parents prepare for transitioning from a summer with their children to vacation. For those heading back into the realm of academia, here are a few must haves and want to haves for this school year.
By now computers are nearly as essential to learning as textbooks. The only question nowadays is whether to go with a laptop or a desktop. If a computer were going to be used predominately for academics, then I would go with the laptop. Many universities are making them mandatory while some secondary schools are following suit. Laptop prices are noticeable below $1000, so price is becoming less of the factor that it once was.
Just as you can’t mention peanut butter without mentioning jelly, you can’t mention computers without mentioning software. There are a few titles that should be a staple on every student’s computer. The first is the latest version of Adode reader. Adobe reader is a program that allows users to open PDF documents. This will come in handy when researching information online. You do not have to worry about the cost of this application because you can download the reader at no cost from the makers website (www.adobe.com). The next software is Encarta encyclopedia. This software will benefit you by saving valuable research time. Also, it can be used when you are on a computer that is without an Internet connection. This program should cost you about $30.
The next to programs are both from Microsoft. They actually are not programs, but a group of programs that are sold together and are collectively known as suites. Microsoft Office is the first suite that I recommend. It includes the word processing, spreadsheet, database, and multimedia programs that have become standard. The downside is that this suite can be pretty pricy, but you should be able to find student versions of the suite online and in bookstores starting at about $150. Microsoft has a scaled down version of its Office suites known as Microsoft Works suite. The Works suite performs most of the same functions as the Office suites and there is compatibility between the suites. The difference between Microsoft Office and Works is like the difference between a Whopper from Burger King and a good burger that you grill at home. Some Microsoft operating systems already included Microsoft Works; so check yours to see if you have it. If you don’t then it will set you back about $80.
The last items worth mentioning are what I like to term “textras”. Textras are technology extras, you don’t need them but you could use them. The digital pen from Logitech tops the list. It is a pen that can record everything that you write and allows you to download it to your computer later. The last item is a talking dictionary. These things are pocket sized diction and grammar coach.