Course Introduction
CMSC 104
Problem Solving and Computer Programming
Spring 2002
Section 0801, Wed 7:00-9:30pm
Dr. Thomas Gaeng
CMSC 104, Lecture 01
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, Lecture 01
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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, Lecture 01
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Course Overview
• Introduction to Computer Organization
and Architecture
• Data Representation and Memory Usage
• Introduction to Operating Systems
• in particular: UNIX/LINUX !
• e-mail (pine)
• text editing (xemacs, pico)
• browsing the Internet (Netscape and/or
Internet Explorer)
CMSC 104, Lecture 01
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Course Overview (con’t)
• 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, Lecture 01
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Course Overview (con’t)
• Introduction to Software Engineering
Using Top-Down Design
• Compiling, Linking and Executing
and Testing of a computer
program
• C Programming
• Reuse Based on Algorithm Selection
and Design Techniques
CMSC 104, Lecture 01
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General Information
• You are required to read the Syllabus
for this class
=> see the class web page and sign
the syllabus acceptance sheet
• Please do so NOW (in class) so
that you are well-informed regarding:
• Course content
• Course policies and guidelines
CMSC 104, Lecture 01
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Syllabus Outline
• Textbook
• Course Homepage:
http://www.csee.umbc.edu/courses/undergraduate/104/spring02/
http://www.csee.umbc.edu/courses/undergraduate/104/spring02/gaeng/
=> Refer to the course web pages throughout the semester !!
• Course Description
• Grading
• Policies and Conduct
• Communications
CMSC 104, Lecture 01
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Syllabus Outline (con’t)
• General Policies and Conduct
• Attendance
• Tardiness
• Responsibility for Class Material
• Hardware and Software
• E-mail !
CMSC 104, Lecture 01
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Syllabus Outline (con’t)
• Project Submission and Grading
• Project Policy
• Homeworks
• Exams
CMSC 104, Lecture 01
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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, Lecture 01
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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>
=> use 8 characters (mix letters + numbers)
• You will be asked to type the new
password again
CMSC 104, Lecture 01
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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 5-8 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, Lecture 01
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Computer Science at UMBC
• CSEE Administrative Offices
o ECS 210
• CSEE Student Services Office
o ECS 201
• CSHC (Computer Science Help Center)
o ECS 332 In the Mechanical Engineering Dept.
• Linux Users Group (LUG):
o http://linux.umbc.edu/umbc-lug/
CMSC 104, Lecture 01
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OIT Labs
• The Office of Information Technology (OIT) is
responsible for all the lab computers
• On Web at: www.umbc.edu/oit
• Labs: (Labs can be on reserve, so plan ahead!)
o ECS 021 -- PCs, MACs, SGI Workstations
o ECS 104 -- PCs
o ECS 104A -- SGI Workstations
o ECS 122/122A -- PCs
o ECS 333 -- PCs
o ECS 336 – MACs
CMSC 104, Lecture 01
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OIT Labs (cont'd)
• Print Dispatch -- ECS 019 (? cents/page)
• Hours of Operations:
o Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 10:00 pm
o Saturday
8:00 am – 5:00 pm
o Sunday
12:00 noon – 10:00 pm
CMSC 104, Lecture 01
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Consultants vs. Tutors
• OIT
labs are staffed by consultants
• using software (pine, Netscape, etc.)
• some text editors (xemacs/emacs, pico)
• operating system commands (UNIX/LINUX)
• cleaning floppy disks (viruses)
• communicating with UMBC computers
• CSHC is staffed by tutors
• Help with homework and projects
• pico, emacs and UNIX questions
• ECS 332 -- Hours to be announced
CMSC 104, Lecture 01
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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 final
programming should be done in your GL account.
=> the CD in your textbook provides a free C/C++ compiler that
can be used to test your programs on your home PC
CMSC 104, Lecture 01
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telnet
• Connect to your Internet Service Provider (ISP)
• If using Windows 95/NT/98,
o Click Start
o Click Run
o Type: telnet linux.gl.umbc.edu
• Consult OIT for help
CMSC 104, Lecture 01
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