Lab 0: Preliminaries

Please complete ASAP!

Task 0: Set up your CS account
Task 1: Review course policies
Task 2: Get a notebook for lecture
Task 3: Install the necessary software

This lab consists of some simple tasks that you should complete on your own as soon as possible.

If you encounter any problems while completing these tasks, please post your question to Piazza, our class discussion site. The link to our Piazza course page is available on this site’s navigation bar.

Task 0: Set up your CS account

In order to use the computing resources of the computer science department, you may need to set up a CS account, which is different from your regular BU account. Anyone who is not a declared CS major or CS minor will need to set up an account, even if you previously created one for a course in a prior semester.

To create an account, you will need to go the CS undergraduate lab, which is located in EMA 302 (730 Commonwealth Avenue; the main entrance is by Pavement Coffeehouse). Make sure to bring your BU ID with you to the lab.

Once you get to EMA 302, you should perform the account-creation process using one of the Unix machines, which are located on the left-hand side of the lab. Directions for doing so should be available when you enter the lab; ask one of the people at the help window if you don’t see an instruction sheet.

After you have completed the instructions for creating an account, show your BU ID to someone at the window. You are then free to leave the lab.

Task 1: Review course policies

As your next task, please review the policies of the course, which can be found in the syllabus and using the links in the navigation bar. In particular, please review carefully the policies on collaboration and academic misconduct for this course. Note that under some circumstances collaboration between students is encouraged, but there are important limitations to the extent to which you may do so. Read over these policies and ensure that you understand to what degree you may work with others. Feel free to let us know if you have any questions.

Task 2: Get a notebook for lecture

A number of lecture exercises will require you to write out your work on paper. As a result, you will need to bring a paper notebook (either loose-leaf or spiral) and a pen or pencil to every lecture. Doing so will also allow you to take notes during class, which we highly recommend!

Task 3: Install the necessary software

In your work for this course, you will need to have access to the following programming tools:

the Java development kit (JDK). Although most computers already have the necessary software to run Java programs, they don’t all have the necessary software to develop new Java programs, which is why you may need to install the JDK.
the Eclipse IDE, which you will use to develop your programs. (Note: You’re welcome to use a different IDE – or none at all – when developing your programs. However, we recommend Eclipse for this course, and it is the only IDE for which we will be able to offer support.)

The steps needed to obtain and install these tools depend on the operating system that you’re using. Select the appropriate link below:

(Note: You can also use these tools on the computers in the undergraduate lab.)