# Free software resources

## Students


> Being a student in the software world looks more like a gift.

In this article we are going to take a look at some of the free resources provided for us. We break it down and mainly focus on the educational resources.

> Education gives you a know  how of the rest of the resources.

Let's dive into this. We will break it down to **highlights of the benefits**, **requirements** and finally **simple advice**

## Github student's pack

This pack includes all the benefits you can get. First of all what is Github?  If you have worked with version control then you might know git.  [Github](https://github.com/) is a provider of Internet hosting for software development and version control using Git. Github has an education platform that provides the student pack.

### Benefits of the student's pack
 [Github education](https://education.github.com/pack/offers)  has partnered with some of the leading producers of educational content. The benefits are many but we will focus on educational benefits.

### Benefits
 ** [Jetbrains](https://www.jetbrains.com/) **

Working with code means needing an IDE(Integrated development 
Environment). Jetbrains provide smart IDE for writing your code. This a huge educational resource especially when it comes to linting in python, working with databases in PHP, Webstorm for Javascript and others. 

 ** [Educative](https://www.educative.io/) ** 

Now you have good IDEs to work with. Let's shift to learning. Educative partnering with github offers 6 month of in demand courses ranging from Java, Python, Machine Learning etc with a value of $2000.

** [One Month](https://onemonth.com/github/students) **
Well, it's one month of acess to learn all you need about HTML, CSS and python. These are the starting point to a web development career.  Definitely recommended.


** [Unity](https://store.unity.com/academic/unity-student) **

Unity is a world leading platform that is used to create about half of world's games. Games developers have a platform to use that is limited to your time as student . Go make better use of it.

** [Frontend Masters](https://frontendmasters.com/) **

Web development is currently my main focus and what a better place than frontend masters. 6 months free of unlimited courses. They focus mainly on Javascript and it's frameworks. You also get to attend workshops online where you get advice from leading developers in the world.

** [Data Camp](https://www.datacamp.com/github-students) **

Data. Get tutored by leading data scientists in topics ranging from python, machine learning and data science.  3 months free of premium courses.

These are some of the benefits I have highlighted. They are many and we'll link them at the end. Next let's look at the requirements.

### Prerequisites

Requirements are easy and they are not many.

**1. Github Account**

Your Github account will act as a key to get all this benefits, If you don't have one already visit  [Github](https://github.com/) and sign up for one. 

**2. Student credentials**

To apply for one, you need a document that proves you are a student. Get your ID, admission letter, etc. It takes a maximum of 26 days to know whether your application was successful. 


> You don't need to be doing a course related to IT.  All you need is be interested in the industry.

Visit  [Github Edcuation](https://education.github.com/pack/offers) to see other offers that are included. I just focused on educational resources. **Go and learn**

Next we move from software to security and infrastructure. **Want to join infosec or learn about system admnistration ** *read the next part*
*There is something for software developers and designers too*

### Pluralsight

Pluralsight in partnership with  [code org](https://code.org/) have some courses offered for free. the courses are computer science oriented ranging from introduction to computer science to Networking and Infrastructre.

Some of the channels include:

-  **CS Principles**  

A channel  that gives an overview of what it takes to succeed in your technology career.


-  **IT/OPs** 
This channel includes courses like Help desk, Networking and infrastructure and security.

-  **IT/OPs-Help desk** 

 A channel that has all that includes career advice, IT support fundamental course, CompTIA A+(220-1001 and 220-1002) course and fundamentals of IT operation course.

-  **CS-principles -Design/Creative**

A channel that includes courses for Graphic design, User Experience(UX), Game design(you have Unity) and Adobe products course.


> The courses here are detailed and will push your skill level higher.
All You need is to visit code.org and sign up for a student's offer.
Keep learning.

**No requirements.**

**Simple advice. Don't go for all at once. Get what you need and when you are done move to the next. This way, you ensure maximum utilization of this gift.**