CSE 142: Information for Incoming Students

If you are thinking of taking CSE 142 at some time in the future, here are a few pointers to help you ensure that you're ready when class starts.

1. Not sure if it's the right class for you?  Here's information to help you decide if it's the right class for you, and what some alternatives are.
2. You may wish to check the latest draft of the Course Syllabus. It will give you some idea of what the course will be like.
3. If you don't already have a uniform access account at the UW, you will want to get one. The University's Computers and Communications (C&C) organization has information to tell you how to get started.
4. If you are new to using personal computers, you can give yourself a big head start by taking time to learn a little bit about it before the quarter starts. The basic things you will need to know are how to use Windows 95/98/2000/Me/NT/et al., how to use the World Wide Web, and simple file management skills like copying, moving, and renaming files. If you have a PC at home, you might simply get a book like Windows 98 for Dummies (don't laugh!) and go through it yourself.  UW's Computing and Networking offers many courses and workshops on all levels of computer use. Of particular interest to beginners is the Introduction to Microsoft Windows 98, which is typically offered several times shortly after the beginning of each quarter.
5. Students who already have a computer at home may wish to use it to do their coursework. We encourage you to do so, and we have information on computing at home.