CS100J Fall 2003 Frequently asked questions

WHAT...
What if I have an exam conflict or special requirement?	Contact David Gries two weeks in advance.
WHO...
Who is my section instructor?	See the staff page.
WHY...
Why do we use Java?	See Some Questions and Answers about using Java in Computer Science Curricula by Doug Lea.
Why do we use MATLAB?	We wish to expose you to another high level language. CS100 teaches programming, not just specific languages. So, the skills you learn in Java should transfer to other languages. MATLAB is powerful and elegant language for performing numerical analysis. We encourage you to explore similar packages, such as Maple, Mathematica, MathCad, and TKSolver.
Why do we use DrJava?	1. It is relatively simple 2. It is free 3. Its "Interactions pane" lets us demonstrate Java concepts and let you practice with Java in a way that other IDEs don't.
Why do the assignments look like that?	See the article Building Freshman Intuition for Computational Science and Mathematics by C. Van Loan.
Why should I retrieve and save my graded work?	First, feedback on graded work is important for you; it helps you determine what you know and what you need to work on more. Second, you need to check for accuracy in grading and summing of points in case you need to submit a regrade. Third, in case of a lost grade (it happens from time to time), we will need proof that you completed the assignment. Fourth, you should use previous work to study for exams and to learn about mistakes to avoid in the future.
WHERE...
Where are the computer labs? Where's Carpenter Lab?	Look at CIT's Public Labs Schedule.
Where's your office?	Look at the staff page.
Where's the CS Undergraduate office?	The CS Undergraduate office is in 303 Upson Hall. Also, see the staff page.
Where are the solutions?	We post solutions on the same page as Assignments, and Exams.
Where are the handouts?	Most handouts are on the Material page. For assignments and solutions, look at Assignments, and Exams.
Where is my graded homework/prelim?	Graded programs and exams are typically returned in sections. Papers not claimed in sections are taken to Carpenter Lab by 5:00 Friday of that same week. Bring your ID!
Where do I request a regrade?	Go to Carpenter Lab within one week after we return your work. You must hand the regrade request back to a consultant in Carpenter Lab.
Where is almost everything located?	Look in Carpenter Lab or on this website.
Where can I find more practice problems?	Refer to the exercises in your textbook. You can also find many problems in archived course websites from the CS Home Page. Also, look in the library for other programming textbooks. You might even consider trying a Schaum's Outline on C or C++ for many worked-out problems: try programming the same problems in Java!
MAY...
May I use the first edition of ProgramLive?	No. It is way out of date. At the bookstore, buy the draft of ProgramLive, which is a combination of a paper text and A CD.
May I change my partner?	You may have different partners for different projects, but you may not have several partners for any given assignment. Please review the Assignments page.
May I use something other than DrJava? May I program in a different language?	You may not use another language. You may use something other than DrJava, but then you are on your own: We provide support only for DrJava.
HOW...
How should I submit my homework?	Follow the submission guidelines on the Assignments pages.
How many printouts should my partner and I submit?	At most one, usually 0 because assignments are submitted online.
How do I use DrJava?	Look at our DrJava page.
How do I access the newsgroups?	If you're in a public lab, look here and/or ask a CIT operator. If you work from a private machine, contact the CIT Helpdesk.
How do I print in a public lab? How do I use Net-Print?	Review this page about Net-Print from CIT.
How do I start an assignment?	Read the assignment a few times. Don't expect to absorb it all at once. While reading the assignment, look for clues on what you need to do. When you've figured out the larger tasks, break those large problems into smaller and smaller tasks. Eventually, you can program those smaller tasks!
How do I catch up? I'm lost.	Seek help from the CS100 Staff immediately. We can help you figure out what you need to do.
How do I become a consultant?	Take CS211, do well, and talk to Laurie Buck.