Lab Assignment 1

CSC 220

Posted: January 19, 2005

Due: January 24, 2005
 

Introduction

Java is available on all four computer platforms supported by the Department of Computer Science: Sun, Macintosh, Intel and Silicon Graphics. In this course the "standard" platform will be Sun because you can use the Sun Java either directly at a Sun Workstation console, or through an Xterminal window on either the Macintosh or Intel machines. You will learn how to do this through this lab. The Department has three computer labs in Holman Hall (two on the ground level and one on the third floor) where we will meet for lab sessions. They are "Sun", "Intel" and "Multi-platform" labs. Lab hours are posted on the doors to each lab. You may also access the Suns through Resnet or Dial-Up connections.

If you want to use Java on your personal computers, it is recommended that you purchase a Java package or download it from the "Sun" site http://java.sun.com 

An important skill for a Computer Scientist is to learn to "figure it out for yourself." When using a computer is that there is always a "better" way to do something. This lab teaches you some very elementary, but essential skills. There are more direct ways of doing some things that are conceptually hard for beginners. Consequently, you should keep your ears and eyes open in lab. When you notice that some one is doing something you haven't seen before, ASK.

Lab 1 is different from the other lab assignments you will have:

  1. You will NOT be asked to submit a paper lab report.
  2. This is the only lab for which you will receive a paper handout.

Objectives of the Lab:

To teach you to take responsibility for your own learning and to learn to support each other in learning the 'trivia" of the TCNJ CS computing environment.

To familiarize you with:

  1. getting a UNIX account at TCNJ
  2. sending and receiving email from the Solaris(Unix) network.
  3. using the three available platforms (Sun, Intel, Macintosh) in Holman Hall.
  4. using the World Wide Web as a class resource.
  5. compiling and executing a Java program (including copying a file from a class resource and editing the file.)

The Task:

You have be assigned a support team through which to do these activities. At least one member of the team should know how to access Netscape. If not see your instructor immediately. In order for each member of the team to receive credit for the lab, ALL members of the team must successfully send your instructor email twice.
  1. All members should apply for a Unix account. You can apply for Unix accounts via the World Wide Web site for TCNJ Information Management: http://www.tcnj.edu/~im. You can gain access to the web through Netscape without an account on most Intel and Macintosh on campus. If you are not successful in getting accounts by Jan. 26  inform your instructor!
  2. Go to your class section resource page and find the link to Lab 1. For example, Dr. Martinovic's class web page is: http://www.tcnj.edu/~mmmartin Continue the lab assignment from there: (THIS IS WHERE THE PAPER LAB LEAVES OFF): Make sure each member of your group knows how to access Netscape from all three platforms (Sun, Intel, Macintosh).
  3. Learn how to navigate the Xterminal environment on the Suns: simply sit down at a Sun console, log in with your Unix account, and poke around.
  4. Learn how to navigate the Xterminal environment on the Macintosh :
    • Under the “Apple Menu”, drag down to MacX 8.99
    • Pull down the Remote Menu and choose a machine to log into (Don't take Dino or Barney, these are Silicon Graphics, not Suns)
    • Enter your login name and then your password (you may need to change your password the first time you log in)
  5. Learn how to navigate the Xterminal environment on the Intel: here's the adventure. Go to the intel lab and find the proper menu item!
  6. Learn how to read and send email:
    • You can send and receive email thorugh Netscape, however most UNIX users at TCNJ use pine. Once you have an open Xterminal window, simply type "pine" at the prompt. Explore pine a bit. Using its help facility, figure out how to send an attachment.
  7. Learn how to copy a file to your account.
  8. Learn how to compile and run a Java program.

Requirements:

You must send your instructor two pieces of mail:
  1. An email with the subject: "survey complete". Include your survey as an attachment.
  2. An email with the subject "Java program 1". Include the FirstProgram.java file as an attachment.

Hints and Other Advice:

DO NOT HESITATE TO ASK FOR HELP FROM YOUR INSTRUCTOR (Martinovic) OR OTHER TEAMS IF YOUR TEAM GETS STUCK.

Each member of the team should practice doing the assigned tasks. Do not rely on your teammates to touch the computer for you. You cannot succeed in this course without developing a confident relationship with a computer!