Introduction
CMSC 104
Problem Solving and Computer Programming
Spring 2001
Section 0601, TTh 11:30-12:45
Ms. Susan Mitchell
CMSC 104
1
Am I in the Right Class?
• CMSC 104
o Assumes NO programming experience
o Does NOT count towards your CS major
o Prepares you for CMSC 201
• CMSC 201
o Assumes some programming experience
o First CMSC course for CS majors
o Also required for IFSM majors
o More challenging
CMSC 104
2
What Will We Cover?
• General computer hardware and
software concepts
• Basic computer use
• Problem solving
• Basic computer programming in
the C programming language
CMSC 104
3
General Hardware and Software
Concepts
• Introduction to computer architecture
• Data representation and memory
usage
• Introduction to operating systems
• UNIX
CMSC 104
4
Basic Computer Use
• Basic use of
• an operating system (UNIX)
• e-mail (pine)
• a text editor (pico)
• the Internet (Netscape and/or
Internet Explorer)
CMSC 104
5
Problem Solving
• Problem solving and algorithm
development
• general vs. specific solution to a
problem
• use of top-down design
• use of pseudocode
• algorithm (code) reuse
CMSC 104
6
Basic Computer Programming in
the C Programming Language
• Compiling, linking, and executing a
computer program
• Testing a computer program
• C programming language basics
CMSC 104
7
Syllabus
• On the Web
• Refer to it throughout the semester
• Let’s take a look!
CMSC 104
8
Getting a GL Account at UMBC
• You MUST have a GL account
• Go to room ECS 020 (in the basement)
and ask at the desk, OR
• Using the Internet, go to:
accounts.umbc.edu (NO www.)
• Your account can be used in
approximately ½ hour
CMSC 104
9
Changing Your UNIX Password
• Log in by entering your id and password
given on the sheet
• At the UNIX prompt type:
passwd <Return>
• You will be prompted for your new
password; type it in and press <Return>
• You will be asked to type the new
password again
CMSC 104
10
Changing Your UNIX Password
(continued)
• You will be given a message that the password
has been changed
• OR you will be given a message that rejects
your new password
• Passwords should be at least 5 characters long
and should be something you will remember
• Your password will be rejected if it is a
commonly used word or name
CMSC 104
11
Computer Science at UMBC
• CSEE Administrative Offices
o ECS 210
• CSEE Student Services Office
o ECS 201
• CSCM (Sea Scum)
o Computer Science Council of Majors
• CSHC (Computer Science Help Center)
o ECS 332 In the Mechanical Engineering Dept.
CMSC 104
12
OIT Labs
• The Office of Information Technology is
responsible for all lab computers
• Labs:
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
ECS 021 -- PCs, MACs, SGI Workstations
ECS 005 -- SGI Workstations
ECS 104 -- PCs
ECS 104A -- SGI Workstations
ECS 122A -- PCs
ECS 333 -- PCs
ECS 336 – MACs
• Labs can be on reserve!
CMSC 104
13
OIT Labs (cont'd)
• Print Dispatch -- ECS 019 (8 cents/page)
• Hours of Operations
o Before 2/18,
•Monday – Saturday
•Sunday
8:00am – midnight
12:00 noon – midnight
o 2/17 – end of semester,
•Essentially 24 hours a day/ 7 days per week
CMSC 104
14
Consultants vs. Tutors
• OIT labs are staffed by consultants
• using software (pine, Netscape, etc.)
• some text editors (emacs, pico)
• operating system commands (UNIX)
• cleaning floppy disks (viruses)
• communicating with UMBC computers
CMSC 104
15
Consultants vs. Tutors (con’t)
• CSHC is staffed by student tutors
• Help with homework and projects
• pico and UNIX questions
• ECS 332 -- Hours to be announced
CMSC 104
16
Hardware & Software Needs
• Do I need my own computer?
o No, but it is more convenient for you.
• If I have my own computer, can I use it?
o Sure, but you will use it mostly to log in to your GL
account or for word processing.
• Do I need a C Compiler?
o No, and you probably shouldn’t buy one. All
programming should be done in your GL account.
CMSC 104
17
Using Your Own Computer:
telnet
• Connect to your Internet Service Provider
(ISP)
• If using Windows 95/NT/98,
o Click Start
o Click Run
o Type: telnet linux1.gl.umbc.edu
• Consult OIT for help
CMSC 104
18