Software and Hardware Requirements

This curriculum was designed to be cross-platform, but, does use a number of specific software tools. Sometimes, there will be a variety of software tools that are interchangeable in use and sometimes there will be only ONE software tool that is required to be used.

Software

• At least two popular web browsers are needed, but it is better to have even more browsers available if possible. Students are encouraged to view their pages using multiple browsers in order to appreciate and respect browser differences. The following is a sample of possible browsers that might be used. Some of the products available support multiple operating systems, including Windows, Mac OS, and Linux. Check the product home pages for additional information.
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer
  • Mozilla Firefox
  • Chrome
  • Apple Safari
• Only one of the above browsers needs to be used as the primary browser for the course. Common plug-ins, such as the Adobe Flash Player and Adobe Acrobat Reader, should be installed for the primary browser.
• Any text editor, for creating and manipulating HTML and CSS. All operating systems include a built-in text editor (e.g., Notepad in Windows), and that is sufficient for this purpose.
• Web Authoring Software. The following is a sample of available products:
  • Adobe Dreamweaver We will be using this tool. You can get a 30 day trial version or choose to purchase and educational copy version 5.5 (I have seen for sale for around $150. You could also opt for version 5.0 if you can find it for hopefully less money) . If you opt for a trial version you will probably have to get someone to help you get a second trial version ---that is up to you to do. DO NOT get the trial version until you need it to maximize its use!!!!!!
  • Microsoft Expression
  • KompoZer (free, open source, works on all major operating systems)
    
    
    
    
    
• Software for downloading and storing digital camera images.
  
• Software for scanning and saving images using a flatbed scanner.
• Graphic software for creating and manipulating images. The following is a sample of available products:
  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Adobe Fireworks
  • GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program: free, works on all major operating systems)

Hardware

• You need a computer to install the software and do your work.
• You will need a USB fob to keep your work on and be able to bring it in to campus in our lab
• You will be given server accounts.