Before you can begin work on your assignments in this class you must first download both the software from the ESRI website and the assignment data from the disc in the back of your textbook. Note, that the disc in the back of your book contains the data needed to complete the assignments but not the GIS install. To install the GIS software, follow the steps below:

1. Go to https://webaccounts.esri.com/cas/index.cfm and create a free ESRI global account.
2. Next go to http://esripress.esri.com/display/index.cfm?CFID=13649560&CFTOKEN=65233484 and click on “Request a free 180-day trial of ArcGIS for desktop for your ESRI Press book” which will be located on the left side of the screen.
3. Select “Getting to Know ArcGIS Desktop 2nd Edition, Updated for ArcGIS 10” and click next.
4. You may then be asked to login on the right hand side of the screen using your ESRI global account that you created in step one, log in and then enter the activation code located on the back cover of your book and click continue (this number should start with the letters EVA and will only work for one download, thus you should not buy a used version of the book and must buy a new copy).
5. Follow the download instructions very carefully to complete the software installation, this may take several hours.
6. Once the software is installed, insert the “Exercise Data” CD from the back of your textbook and follow the instructions to save the lessons on your computer (This disc contains the data for the lessons and is not the ArcGIS software, so make sure you complete the steps above to install the software before completing this step).

NOTE: You will be required to download several different software programs. This will take several hours. If you have issues with installation you may contact Customer Service at 888-377-4575. Do not wait until the weekend to begin to install the software. You must install the software in order to complete ArcGIS Module 1, ArcGIS Module 2, and this discussion.

Once you have the software installed, submit a discussion post that indicates that you have successfully installed ArcGIS and properly downloaded the assignment data from your text CD. Then, based on your readings from this week as well as your introductory review of the software, discuss two advantages and two disadvantages of this software from a practicality standpoint. Explain your answer.

Your initial post should be at least 250 words in length. Properly cite any references in APA format and respond to at least two of your classmates’ initial posts by Day 7.