CompSci 101, Fall 2017
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Virtual Machine (VM)

Click here for the VM and more info on the VM and also troubleshooting.

OLD TESTS

In Fall 2012, CompSci 6 was renumbered to CompSci 101. Since 1994 CompSci 6 was taught in C++, then Java and then Python starting in Fall 2010.

Old tests in Python from Fall 2010 on

Forms for this course

There are many forms for regrades, making up exams, accommodations for exams, feedback, etc.
The forms page is here

Python Reference Sheets for CompSci 101

Note: These may be updated before each exam...

• Python Reference sheet for Exam 1

• Python Reference sheet for Exam 2

• Python Reference sheet for Final Exam

Course Environment Resources and Getting Started

Virtual Machine - This semester we will be using a Virtual Machine (VM) environment where we have already setup everything for you to use. With this environment you can use any computer (needs to be a laptop or desktop, not an ipad or tablet or phone) and your files will be backed up. That means if your laptop breaks, you can just login to any Duke computer and keep working with your files!

NOTE: After using the VM you MUST close your browser window! You will not be able to login to another browser window until you do so.

Instructions First time: The first time you login to eclipse you will need to setup Python. We will also do this in lab so you can wait to lab to do it there.

• Click on File, then New, then Project
• Select PyDev, then Pydev Project
• Give the project a name, all one word with no blanks such as SampleProject
• You may need to autoConfig the interpreter if it asks you (or if the Next button is grayed out)
• Click Next and then Finish
• You should see the Python project on the left. It is ready for you to create a Python file.

Click here for the VM.

Click here for more info on the VM and troubleshooting.

ALTERNATELY: If you really want to install all this stuff yourself, we have old instructions here from Spring 2017. You will be responsible for backups and if your laptop breaks, you will have to use the VM while your computer is getting fixed. You will need to install Java, Eclipse, Enthought Python (Called Canopy), Pydev plug-in and Ambient Plug-in. That sounds like a lot. Best to try and install them yourself and we will check it in the first lab and help you if you had trouble. For Java Eclipse and Enthought Python, make sure at the minimum you download these to your laptop BEFORE you go to lab.

To install software for this course (instructions from Spring 2017):

• Click for WINDOWS install: google doc

• Click for MAC install: google doc

Frequently Asked Questions

• What type of computer do I need for this course? This is a programming course so you will definitely need a computer. Recommend a laptop, any type will do, Mac or Windows machine. It will be handy to bring it to class and lab as we do programming in both. A desktop will also work, but you can't bring it to class, though you should be able to do all your programming on it other than lecture and lab. If you don't have a laptop in lab and lecture you can work with someone who does. Note that you need a device that you can install java and eclipse on. An ipad or simple tablet will not work. Surface Pro works but it is a smaller screen for development. If you plan to be a CS major, you might want a bigger screen, thus a laptop. If you are not sure if a device is appropriate, ask if you can install java and eclipse on it.
• How do I get the book for this course and how much does it cost? The book is a free online textbook. Please give a $15 donation. The code for the book will be on the Sakai site for the course under announcements.
• Is this the right Computer Science course for me?

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Extra Stuff

The stuff below here is just extra, not needed for the class

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Other Duke Computing Resources

• OIT On-Line Help Page
• OIT Computer Labs
• OIT Software Library: software available to Duke Students

Internet Resources

• How the Internet Works by Marshall Brain
• How Web Pages Works by Marshall Brain

HTML Tutorials

• W3Schools HTML tutorial

• HTML Goodies.

• HTML Code Tutorial.

Quotes

Microsoft knows that reliable software is not cost effective. According to studies, 90% to 95% of all bugs are harmless. They're never discovered by users, and they don't affect performance. It's much cheaper to release buggy software and fix the 5% to 10% of bugs people find and complain about.
- Bruce Schneier

• Perlis Epigrams
• Rich Pattis' quote collection