Page 52 - digitalliteracy

2.3 Software: Your Tools for Success

At this point in the module, you should have a much better sense of how your hardware
choices will help you succeed in your online course work. Now we turn our attention to soft-
ware. Whereas hardware represents the physical devices and computer equipment, software
refers to the systems and programs that use digital technology to run on the computer hard-
ware. Software determines what you can accomplish with your computer. Therefore, it is just
as vital to your academic success as the computer itself. Recall Jason from the beginning of
this module. As he finishes up his degree program at Ashford University, he can attest to the
importance of software, which allowed him to gain access to his course materials, conduct
research, write papers, save files, and communicate with his instructors and classmates.

A wide variety of application software is available for educational, professional, and per-
sonal use on desktop computers, laptops, tablets, smartphones, and other mobile devices.
This software represents all the programs that allow you to do things on your computer. As
Jason has, you will be able to successfully write papers, present your ideas in table format and
presentation slides, and complete interactive activities and watch videos in Constellation—all
thanks to your software. The application software for desktop computers and laptops/note-
books is usually called a software program, whereas the application software for other mobile
devices is usually referred to by its shortened name, apps.

36
© 2016 Bridgepoint Education, Inc. All rights reserved. Not for resale or redistribution.

sol82612_02_m02_021-046.indd 36 6/29/16 5:11 PM