What computer programs can and can't be used without an internet connection?

[Randomluvs F]

My parents are getting my a laptop for Christmas so I can type my homework and the novel i'n writing in my room. They don't want it to have internet, because they're afraid that i'll be in my room constantly. What programs can be used w/o an internet connection? For example, I know iTunes needs a connection to the internet.

Also, what can I do to convince my parents to get me the internet?

[Colanth]

1) You can type your homework and novel without an internet connection. You can listen to songs you have on your computer without an internet connection.

2) Use a computer in the family area for your internet work.

[Alex]

Tell them that you need the internet to research topics for you homework

[tyson_murdock]

tell your parents there are programs that can monitor your online activites and email them to theri internet computer account

[Rich]

everything that is on your computer already before going on the internet is what you can use without an internet connection but if you go on the internet then you download stuff, but if you buy games some need an internet connection to play online. you can listen to music and itunes does need an internet connection because you have to download it, but once downloaded you don't need an internet connection unless you want to download music. you can word process and paint. you have a lot of applications that don't need internet connection but if you want more you'll have to have an internet connection to download them. to convince your parents you can say you need to get an anti virus program which is free because people might send you viruses through e-mail or you can say you need to research or you need to use online revision such as samlearning.com which will bring your grade up by 1 if you use like 14 hours of it