Required
ZyBooks
We are using an online interactive book from zyBooks to as the main programming text. Instructions for registering with zyBooks are as follows:
- Click on your zyBooks link in your learning management system (Do not go to the zyBooks website and create a new account)
- Subscribe. The bookstore should have provided a code for you.
Please register in time to complete the first assignment. It can be found in Canvas.
Microsoft Teams
We use Microsoft Teams extensively in this course for virtual help desks, quick questions, live streams, and even office hours. You can more about student access to teams by going to the ACNS Teams Page.
While not required, we recommend downloading the application, as it runs smoother. To download MS Teams, you click the account icon (top right) after logging into MS Teams, and it gives you the option to download teams both for desktop and mobile.
We will have a virtual help desk using Teams. Read the help desk instructions.
Eclipse
CS163/4 uses the Eclipse Integrated Development Environment (IDE) for developing Java code. Eclipse is favored as a premier tool in academia and industry. A standard installation of Eclipse is available on all CS Department Linux computers for use by CS163/4 students. As a default, it will be assumed that students use this version on CS Department Machines. Basics of how to use the Eclipse IDE productively will be covered somewhat in lecture and more extensively in course recitations. Lab machines are currently using the Oxygen version of Eclipse, which is version 4.7.2. Eclipse documentation is found here.
Eclipse can also be downloaded for free and installed on most platforms. Eclipse is written entirely in Java, so it will operate properly on most any platforms that support Java. This includes Linux, Solaris, Mac OS X and properly configured Windows platforms. It is assumed that many students will find it possible to install and use Eclipse on their own computers, and the instructor and GTAs will try to help informally. However, successful installation and use of tools such as Eclipse on your own machine demands some understanding of how to install and use new software on that platform, and ultimately it falls to the individual student to either succeed at such an effort or to use the resources already provided by the CS Department. The help that can be offered by the instructor and GTAs is by necessity limited.
If you decide to run Eclipse on your system, make sure you download and install the Java Development Kit (JDK) first from here. The current version of Java on department systems is 1.8 (Version 8). After installing Java, download and install Eclipse from here. Select the version called Eclipse IDE for Java Developers. In both cases make sure you select the correct operating system.
Note: as of this update, Eclipse has been having issues with Version 14 of java. You may want to install version 1.8 and not 14.
Linux
The Computer Science Department maintains some useful general help information for students new to using Linux, and about using Putty or SSH to connect to department Linux systems from Windows computers:
CSU Computer Science information is found here.
A useful Linux command reference card is found here.
Optional
Code Examples (GitHub)
For this course, I have placed the examples, knowledge checks and slides used in class in a single public Git repository. You are welcome to download this repository and run the examples for yourself. They can be found in the Example Repository
Or you can clone the repository either via the command line or using your favorite IDE. For the command line code, use the following:
> git clone https://github.com/coloradostateuniversity/CSUCS1ClassExamples
Online Java Practice
If you wish to have some online practice examples we recommend
You can also learn about the Java API by reading the Java Doc
Here is a quick Online Tutorial / Book about from tutorials point.
Student Disability Center
We highly encourage students to make use of the SDC, whether they choose to use the provided accommodations or not. Often, we will allow accommodations within our environment, but we need the proper documentation in place to be fair to all students. The choice is always yours as a student to use provided accommodations, but having it already setup is much easier than waiting until later in the semester.
Counseling Services
We encourage students to make use of the University Counseling Services. Just as one takes care of your physical health, you should also take care of your mental health using all tools and means at your disposal. Your student fees provide access to a wide range of mental health support resources at no additional cost. Visit Counseling Services on the 3rd floor of the Health & Medical Center, and they’ll work together with you to find the resources that are best for you.
Tutoring
There are a number of tutoring resources on campus. TILT tutoring provides access to private tutors that can help with CS 163/4: Java Programming (CS 1). Furthermore, the course TAs will be providing tutoring slots (both group and individual), which are listed on the home page. You should make use of these tutoring sessions. NOTE: some sessions will allow the opportunity for extra credit to help students improve their grade.
Additional Study Resources
TILT offers a range of resources including Liven Up Your Learning and Workshops. These are meant as opportunities to help you become a better student, improving your academic performance overall.
Canvas Information and Technical Support
Canvas is the where course content, grades, and communication will reside for this course.
- Login: canvas.colostate.edu
- Support: info.canvas.colostate.edu
- For passwords or any other computer-related technical support, contact the Central IT Technical Support Help Desk.
- (970) 491-7276
- help@colostate.edu
The Technical Requirements page identifies the browsers, operating systems, and plugins that work best with Canvas. If you are new to Canvas quickly review the Canvas Student Orientation materials.