2. Choosing software

The next step was to choose software that would allow us to meet our objectives. First, we needed to choose Internet software. The main programs available in this category are Netscape 4.0 and Internet Explorer 4.0. Since these programs are available for free, we used both. Second, we needed to choose word processing software. We chose Word for Windows 97 because many Write Place students use that program at the local community college. The choice of Word For Windows 97 necessitated the choice of Windows 95 as an operating system. Finally, we needed to use the FirstClass Conferencing program to access the BC Literacy Network.

Table 1, below, presents the software we choose:

3. Choosing hardware

All software comes with recommended hardware requirements. Once you've chosen your software, check the recommended requirements for that software. Most software will list both minimum required hardware and recommended hardware. In general, users will find that running software using hardware that meets minimum requirements is frustratingly slow. It is a good idea, therefore, to choose hardware that meets or exceeds the recommended hardware. Table 2 lists the hardware requirements for the software we chose.