Software applications of value to students

Base of student software knowledge for success in the workplace.

There are a few software products that are almost critical to be able use effectively to be successful in the modern workplace. At the top of the list is a word processing capability. Today’s word processing programs are so robust that if learned in depth, you would be able to not just word process but also create and integrate everything from basic web site design to extensive mailing lists and customer oriented products. Most word processing programs incorporate similar user command and key stroke processes. Learning one software suite will lend itself to basic familiarity with other software suites for word processing. I suspect the most common is the Microsoft suite which also can include a database and professional presentation programs. For most students the presentation program will be more useful initially but in time understanding a database program will become important and possibly more used in most business settings.

Determining two additional programs of most worth becomes a bit more difficult. Publishing and web design will benefit the entrepreneur and independent sort. Music or movie editing will challenge the more creative. Programs to actually code and create games and commercial software would give students a jump start on actual employment directly related to computers. I think for any student with an inclination to pursue an interest in computers it would be useful to actually learn how to code. Finally, digital communication in all forms is coming closer to reality. Software that integrates digital streaming media, alerts, news, publishing, voice recognition etc.. with the first three programs would be ideal. It has to be out there somewhere!