Getting You Computer’s Hardware Ready for an Online School
Posted by admin | Online Schools | Posted on November 20th, 2010
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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Getting An Education At Home While Working At Home
Posted by admin | Home Schooling | Posted on October 31st, 2010
You may be working from home or wanting to work at home and feel like you need to get a better education. Home education programs are offered by a number of accredited schools. Deciding on what school and program will take research and time. Research will indicate if the particular program or school worked for the people that completed their training there. Decide what skills you would like to increase and what program will benefit your knowledge base for your working from home or home based-business venture. You will also have to figure if you have enough time to devote to an educational program with the time you will be attending classes online and the work that will be required from you.
There are many different schools and programs to look into before deciding what is best for you. If there is a particular school that you wanted to attend you can research if the school offers an online program and if you would qualify for such a program. Not every degree that you would get at a regular college or university is going to be offered online. This is why it is important to research different programs to see if there is one that will fit your needs and that is available online.
Keep in mind that you can devote as much or as little time as you have to an online college program. If you work full-time from home you may have to attend classes that are on a part-time basis. If you are working part-time you may be able to devote a lot more time to a full-time college program. Consider what time you will have available and how much time the program will take for you to complete.
It is also important to realize that online college programs are just as difficult as university classes taken on the campus. You will have to work hard to succeed at your classes, needing time to study and write papers if the classes deem that as part of their program. Make sure you can devote extra time for homework and other endeavors related to succeeding in the class.
Another important factor when deciding if an online education is for you is for you to consider how much you will be paying in tuition. When a class or program is offered online it will cost just as much as if you attended the school. Decide if you have enough money to devote to the program. You can take loans out to supplement the cost of tuition, but remember when you are done with school you will have to pay the loans back. Consider how much you will have to take out and if it is worth taking that amount of money out. In other words consider how much you will make working from home or having a home-based business and decide if getting an education will be worth it. Education will give you the edge in a competitive business geared world.
Getting Started With Home Based Schooling
Posted by admin | Home Schooling | Posted on January 27th, 2010
Home based schooling has been around for many years as more and more families choose this method in spite of public schooling.
A home based school is the place where children are taught at home by one or both parents without any influence from public school systems. This method is legal in all 50 US states even though each state has its own rules and guidelines about the process.
To get started right away, you first need to do a little research so you can be aware of all the laws that apply to you and find out what you need to do to get the curriculum as fast as possible.
If you are new to this process, looking for a support group would be a great idea, as you are not alone out there. This group will allow you to meet with other homeschooling parents who already have some experience and can help you get started on the right track.
Each member can give you his or her view on teaching techniques, curriculums and learning hours.
Another very important aspect that you need to consider is organizing everything you need in home based schooling. Your child needs to be as comfortable as possible, and that is why you need to have the different learning materials organized in a proper place where he can have an easy access to them. Children will respond very positive to an organized learning environment as this will point out that his education is top priority.
Even though you are saving a lot of money by not sending your child to a private or public school, you should set a budget for this process as there are many books and materials you can buy to make the learning experience much easier for both of you.
Home based schooling is all about providing your child with the best possible learning experience and you should strive to make this as easy for him as possible.