[KEY] Any word in a box indicates a special key typed at the keyboard. (For example, [RETURN] means the RETURN key.)
[ [KEY] [KEY] ] When keys are to be held down while others are typed,
they are enclosed in boxes. For example, [[CTRL] C] means that the control
key should be depressed and the C key struck. [[ALT][DEL][INS]] means to
depress and hold the ALT key, depress and hold the DEL key, and finally
type the INS key.
Several Trademarks, and Registered Trademarks of other corporations
and companies are mentioned throughout this manual. Lack of mention of
ownership in this copyright notice should not be interpreted as infringement
of copyright.
We look forward to hearing from you! We need your comments to help us improve the manual and the information in the manual. Please tell us what you think! You can write to us at:
CS Users' Manual
Department of Computer Science
University of Regina
Regina, Saskatchewan, S4S 0A2
If you have specific suggestions, please make sure you cite the section and page numbers so we can find the problems easily. THANK YOU!
Perhaps a word of caution is called for when using this new type of manual. The emphasis has changed with this manual. Please keep in mind that we are now giving you MORE INFORMATION than before. In many cases information is divided up into an introductory section, and an advanced section, but not always. The advanced section has been provided for those who want to pursue the topic further. Some sections are given to you without the information being filtered into complexity categories. We view this as a positive change since we can now give you a more rounded view of topics. Please pay attention to what we REQUIRE you to read and what you CAN read.
Master Table of Contents
Preface
1.0 Introduction to Labs
2.0 Structured Programming
3.0 Numeric Representation
4.0 Systems
5.0 Editors
6.0 Communications and Networking
7.0 Languages
8.0 Software Packages
9.0 Circuit Design
10.0 Notes
11.0 Glossary
12.0 Appendices
Reader's Comments
Divisions are always numbered with a ".0" (for example: Systems is 4.0). Each division is broken up into several SECTIONS, all numbered on a "level two" basis. For example, sections in the Systems Division are 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, and so on. Any level below "level two" is called a SUB-SECTION.
Introduction to Labs introduces you to our lab operating guidelines, as well as providing information on our computer resources, rooms, user accounts, and several other pieces of essential information.
Structured Programming discusses flowcharting, good programming practice, and other related topics. WE EXPECT YOU TO KNOW THIS! PLEASE READ IT!
Numeric Representation talks about how numbers are physically stored on several of our computers, and how numbers are converted and processed through different bases and so on. This information is useful when determining the limits of computers in terms of how much they can really calculate (you may be surprised at what computers CAN'T do!).
The Systems division covers all our operating systems and hardware. It discusses system commands and other information specific to each operating system. Part of the philosophy of our Computer Science Department is to give you exposure to several different machines throughout your education. You will work on most of the popular computers in today's business and scientific market.
Editors discusses all our system editors (usually one per operating system). Editors are simply programs used to enter information or data into the computer. They all behave differently, have different ways of doing things, and are suited for different tasks. People usually develop a "favorite" editor. Here, we provide all our editiors to show you what is available.
Communications and Networking talks about how our Computer network works, how our computers are interconnected, and how we interface with the rest of the world. The University of Regina is in the process of installing a new, state-of-the-art, computer network, so information in this division will change on a regular basis.
The Languages division covers several computer languages. It discusses commands that are specific to each language, as well as structuring, compiling, and running the programs. You will be exposed to most of the major computing languages in the world after you have completed Computer Science.
Software Packages discusses several of the packages we use in our courses. You will only need specific sections of this division at any one time.
Circuit Design talks about the practical hardware application side of Computer Science. This information is required in higher level courses.
The Glossary and Appendices are meant to supplement the rest of the manual, and are intended as a quick reference.
Pauline Van Havere
Jason Breti
Dean Holroyd
Ali Rezazadeh
This manual continues to be updated on a current basis. The following individuals maintain and add new material as it is developed:
Pauline Van Havere
Takis Skagos
Zhiwei Wang
Previous material brought into this manual can be attributed to the
following individuals:
Fred Cawsey
Mark Haidl
Brad Klinger
Glenn Schmidt
Carolyn Steen
Rod Young
Acknowledgements:
Jason Adams
Art Exner
Terry Hall
Michel Hermann
Takis Skagos
Nalin Wijesinghe
Lida Yang
And thanks to anyone else we've forgotten!