You probably already use most of these software packages today!
Word Processing: Word processing software allows you to create documents in electronic format. The most common word processing packages are WordPerfect, Microsoft Word, or Microsoft Works. For your coursework, Microsoft Word will be required, and Rasmussen can help you obtain all of the Microsoft Office products with their education discount.
Ebooks: Some textbooks and some textbook supplements are available in electronic format. This allows you to download the ebook and read it on your computer screen or print it on your printer. The most common ebook type today is Adobe Acrobat's PDF format. You can open and read these books with the free Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Anti-Virus Software: A virus is a piece of software that you may download or receive even without knowing that maliciously attacks your computer. It can wipe out your files and destroy your operating system.
File Compression Utilities: Some homework and projects may have you creating files that are quite large. In order to upload these files to your instructors you may need to shrink them by compressing them in size. There are available programs that will do just that for you called file compression utilities. The most common are winzip and stuffit.
