Читать книгу Online Learning For Dummies - Susan Manning - Страница 90

Depending on what class you’re taking, your instructor may require you to acquire and install additional programs. For example, if you’re taking a business class, you’re likely to need a spreadsheet application, such as Microsoft Excel. Or, if you’re a doctorate student, you may be required to install a statistics software package like SPSS for carrying out research. Many software companies have moved to a subscription-based purchasing structure. Gone are the days when you purchase a program, install it on your computer from a disc, and then use that version of the software as long as you want before updating to another version. Now, you purchase a monthly or annual subscription and are required to create a profile on the vendor’s site upon purchasing their software. When running the software on your computer, you’re required to log in, and the software checks to ensure that the software is up-to-date and paid for. Though you can no longer go on for years — skipping versions if you want to save money — you’re at least guaranteed the latest version of the product at all times.