# Required Software 1

## Required GUI-Application Software

GUI-application software is software we run with a graphical user interface (GUI) on our operating system.

### Messaging Platform

The Rocket LMS platform (rocket.disco.co) provides community channels for real-time but asynchronous messaging that should feel casual and fun. We have provided with a selection of channels, e.g. `#general` for you to keep in touch with your classmates and instructors.

#### Onboarding

There are 2 stages to onboard a new student:

1. Join the Rocket Academy community at <https://rocket.disco.co> as a member
2. Join the Coding Fundamentals (PF1) Learning Experience product assigned to them

Once a student joins the community as a member, they can register to join the various learning products that they will be assigned to.

### Zoom

Zoom is Rocket's chosen video conferencing software for class. Each section will have its own Zoom room. The link to this room can be found at the top of each section's community channel.

#### **Installation**

1. Download the Zoom Client for Meetings [here](https://zoom.us/download).
2. Start a new meeting to test that your webcam and microphone are working.

### Chrome

Chrome is the most popular web browser for software engineers because of its mature developer tools, which we will soon see in course videos. Chrome also has the largest library of browser extensions, which further help developers build and maintain software.

#### **Installation**

1. Download Chrome for your OS [here](https://www.google.com/intl/en_sg/chrome/).

### VSCode

VSCode is the most popular code editor in the world. We will write all code for SWE Fundamentals inside of VSCode. Download VSCode for your OS [here](https://code.visualstudio.com/download).


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