Minimum Resources Required 

Students must have adequate computing resources able to do the following:

  • You must have a Colorado State University eIdentity (eID), before you can be installed into the Canvas system. If you don’t have one, visit the eIdentity and eServices web page. You will not be able to take part in the course until you have an eID.
  • Access the class Canvas page. Students must use a browser installed on their computer that is compatible with Canvas. Browsers are generally available for free.
  • To keep things simple for students, we will use Canvas for (1) disseminating slides, papers, and videos, (2) all submissions, and (3) maintaining a detailed calendar of activities and deadlines. The schedule on the course website will only show the topics being covered every week.
  • Create, compile, and run Java/Python programs. Any up-to-date personal computer or workstation should be adequate for Java/Python development. The Java/Python Development Environment is available for free on the internet. Students typically use some IDE (e.g., VSCode, IntelliJ, Eclipse).
  • Lectures will be held in person. Distance students may also watch the lectures live on Echo360 (Not available on Spring 2025).
  • Lectures will be recorded and made available on Echo360 via Canvas (Not available on Spring 2025).
  • We will use Microsoft Teams quite a bit. I prefer the app to the web-based version. Install the Microsoft Teams app on our phone or desktop. Use your-eid@colostate.edu and password to log in. You can chat using text, audio, and video. You can also use Teams in a web browser. Go to login.microsoftonline.com and use your-eid@colostate.edu and password to log in. Click on Apps to locate the Teams app.

Connecting to CS Machines 

Using departmental machines is optional. You can do all your work on your personal machines. You can choose to connect to departmental machines to check whether or not your programs will run here.

Distance students, your CS account login should be the same as your eID. The password is initially set to be your 9-digit student id number.

There are several linux machines named after state capitals (e.g., salem.cs.colostate.edu, denver, etc) that you can connect to. You must have an ssh client on your machine. For windows, you can install putty or Bitvise SSH client. Linux machines and macs come with ssh. A VPN is required to connect to the CS machines. You can transfer files from departmental machines to yours using sftp or the same Bitvise SSH client. You can get the directions for remote connections here.

Canvas Information & Technical Support 

Canvas is the place where course content, grades, and communication will reside for this course.

The Technical Requirements page identifies the browsers, operating systems, and plugins that work best with Canvas. If you are new to Canvas quickly review the Canvas Student Orientation materials.

Software Tools 

You will need several tools in this course:

  • Python, Python notebooks (Recommended). You can install Anaconda, Google Colab, Cursor, or use similar tools in a cloud environment.
  • Java IDE: Edit, compile, and run Java programs (Recommended). You can install VSCode, IntelliJ, or Eclipse.
  • Token for GitHub API access.
  • Token for LLM API access.
  • More tools will be added here or to course assignments based on the topics being covered.