"INSPIRATION software is the premier tool to develop ideas and organize thinking visually.  You can easily create and modify concept maps and other graphical organizers."

1. Go to website  http://inspiration.com/
2. Click on Download trial
3. Complete the online form
4. Click on Submit
5. Choose your platform
6. The 10 MB download will give you much more (better selection of graphics and will include HELP), but check your hard drive space!  You may opt to download the 5 MB trial.
7. You will save to your hard drive, so MAKE A NOTE of where you save!  (You may want to create a DOWNLOADS folder on your hard drive -- "C".
8. Once the download is complete (will take longer if you're using a modem), then go into your folder where you saved the program, locate the .exe file, double click and follow the INSTALL instructions.
9. NOTE:  you will need WinZip to unzip the .exe file.  If you do not have this utility on your machine, you can download a version from www.winzip.com.
10. Using Inspiration . . . the website has a wonderful "get started" tutorial.  You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the file.  You can download that program free from the Adobe website http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep.html

*Note, WinZip and Acrobat are very useful to have on your home machines.  As you continue integrating technology in your studies, and later, in your classroom, you will use them again and again!