Computer Software

Browsers
The program on your PC that allows you to view websites. Common browsers include Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox. Don't worry about the cost; most browsers are free.

A browser works by reading the HTML code of a page, and translating it into a visual interface as the browser has interpreted the code. Although all browsers don't interpret code in exactly the same way which can cause problems in web development, they are getting closer to being standardised.

Image Creation and Manipulation Software
Programs that allow you to "paint" images on your PC, and change parts of other images. Popular image creation software includes the very simple Microsoft Paint and the very complicated Adobe Photoshop.

They work by representing each brush with a pixel, to create a bitmap image made up of pixels. Sophisticated image manipulation programs allow you to save as various image formats such as GIF and JPEG.

Internet Security
Just like a house needs locks on it's doors, so does an Internet connection. This software guards against viruses and people trying to access your PC illegally. Internet security usually consists of a Firewall - used to keep out hackers - and Anti-Virus software - used to keep out viruses. Norton Systemworks is a popular example.

Spyware is becoming extremely common now too, which also has its own programs to block it. Spy Bot and Windows Defender are popular choices.

Page Layout
Also known as Desktop Publishing (DTP) software, these programs give you the ability to create pages like newspapers and magazines. Popular software includes Microsoft Publisher and Adobe InDesign.

The end result is usually printed into a high quality magazine or some other similar document.

Web Authoring
Software that can be used to create websites and other content to be made available on the internet.

Use of this software usually requires little knowledge of HTML and other internet languages, which is why they have become so popular.

Web authoring software tends to work in a similar way to desktop publishing software, and allows you to insert text, images and other web-specific content with ease.

Common programs include Dreamweaver and Microsoft Frontpage.