CS462 Frequently Asked Questions

  1. I've never used Linux before. Will I be able to pass this course?

    Yes, plenty of people who've never used Linux before have successfully completed this course in the past. You'll catch on quick. I'd recommend that you don't form groups with others who have no Linux experience, however, unless it can't be helped. Its always nice when someone can mentor the others.

  2. I've heard that this class is a lot of work. Is that true?

    Yes. Tell your {spouse,{girl,boy}friend} that you'll miss them, but you'll return at the end of the semester better for the experience. I'm warning you right now that this clas is more work than what you might expect a 3 credit class to have. If you're not prepared for the workload, bail out now rather than whining later.

  3. I've not had CS345, but I'm taking it now, is that OK?

    Yes. Concurrent enrollment in an OS class is OK.

  4. I've not had CS330. Is that OK?

    You'll probably have some trouble when I refer to concepts from 330 in class, but you'll be OK if you ask questions when you don't understand something.

  5. I don't want to use Fedora, I'm used to Ubuntu (Debian, Suse, Mandrake, etc.). Can I use another Linux?

    Yes, but I won't guarantee any of the examples will work and I won't be able to help you if you get into trouble. You're on your own, including building your own EC2 images. Good practice if you like.

  6. I'd rather use PERL/PHP/Java/C#/Cobol/FORTH instead of Python. Can I?

    Yeah, go ahead, but the examples will be in Python. You'll have to figure some things out on your own (like is there a JSON library or XML parser that works??).

  7. I worked really hard in the class and I only got a C+, I don't understand.

    In this class, as in other aspects of life, you are graded on results, not effort.

    • Good intentions aren't good enough.
    • Good decisions aren't good enough.
    • Good analysis isn't good enough.
    • Good planning isn't good enough.
    • Good systems and processes aren't good enough.
    • Good implementation isn't good enough.
    • Even good ethics aren't good enough.

    All of these will likely be necessary, but the results are what count. I can't judge your effort or intentions, I can only judge what you turn in. Your boss will not give you a raise and your clients and customers will not continue to buy from you just because you tried really hard. That lesson is more important than anything else I could teach you.