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student:firstyearstartup:start [2020/09/15 16:22] – ridderabstudent:firstyearstartup:start [2020/09/15 16:45] – ridderab
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 ===== So I registered for and began my first semester, now what? ===== ===== So I registered for and began my first semester, now what? =====
 +
 Registering for classes can often be a stressful time for students, especially when trying to figure out what to take as a freshman going forward. In terms of CS classes, a good place to start would be using the graduation requirements found by downloading the checklist of the year you started at JMU [[department:graduation|here]]. Using this checklist, prerequisite tree found [[department:curriculum:start|here]], and the online catalog available (showing when classes are often taught) within MyMadison, it is highly recommended that you make a spreadsheet with each of the semesters you intend to be at JMU, fill it first with your graduation requirements, followed by any interested minors, and lastly electives. Having a preliminary plan of what you are planning to take from start to finish can be a good visual way to alleviate the stress you may have on class registration. Feel free to share this spreadsheet with your advisor for comments as well! Registering for classes can often be a stressful time for students, especially when trying to figure out what to take as a freshman going forward. In terms of CS classes, a good place to start would be using the graduation requirements found by downloading the checklist of the year you started at JMU [[department:graduation|here]]. Using this checklist, prerequisite tree found [[department:curriculum:start|here]], and the online catalog available (showing when classes are often taught) within MyMadison, it is highly recommended that you make a spreadsheet with each of the semesters you intend to be at JMU, fill it first with your graduation requirements, followed by any interested minors, and lastly electives. Having a preliminary plan of what you are planning to take from start to finish can be a good visual way to alleviate the stress you may have on class registration. Feel free to share this spreadsheet with your advisor for comments as well!
  
 ===== I feel there are so many tools I need to have for different courses. Is there a way I can get everything I need all at once for my at-home workspace? ===== ===== I feel there are so many tools I need to have for different courses. Is there a way I can get everything I need all at once for my at-home workspace? =====
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 One of our CS-department affiliated clubs, JMU Unix Users Group, has really great resources available so that you get the tools you need, even at home. On [[http://www.jmunixusers.org|jmunixusers.org]], you can take advantage of the Linux Mint virtual machines this club compiles preconfigured with software needed for JMU CS courses. For installation instructions, click [[http://www.jmunixusers.org/presentations/vm/|here]]. To download the virtual machines directly, click [[https://w3.cs.jmu.edu/uug/|here]]. A virtual machine is a full operating system that operates within a piece of software, essentially similar to having the operating system you're on now be inside an application. The Linux Mint OS on the provided VMs is the same Linux flavor on our CS lab machines, which will help you get acquainted with a new operating system that you will use a lot during your time at JMU. One of our CS-department affiliated clubs, JMU Unix Users Group, has really great resources available so that you get the tools you need, even at home. On [[http://www.jmunixusers.org|jmunixusers.org]], you can take advantage of the Linux Mint virtual machines this club compiles preconfigured with software needed for JMU CS courses. For installation instructions, click [[http://www.jmunixusers.org/presentations/vm/|here]]. To download the virtual machines directly, click [[https://w3.cs.jmu.edu/uug/|here]]. A virtual machine is a full operating system that operates within a piece of software, essentially similar to having the operating system you're on now be inside an application. The Linux Mint OS on the provided VMs is the same Linux flavor on our CS lab machines, which will help you get acquainted with a new operating system that you will use a lot during your time at JMU.
 +
 +===== I've never/barely used/need a refresher on using the Linux command line. What can I do? =====
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 +Our remote student Linux server, or stu, is more important than ever in these unprecedented times (more information on stu [[student:stu:start|here]]). While this resource is great, it can be a bit daunting if you're not very familiar with the Linux command line (or using an operating system without a graphical user interface). Trust us when we say you're not alone and there are many resources to learn more about it. A good overview of how to navigate a command line can be found [[https://www.linuxtrainingacademy.com/linux-commands-cheat-sheet/|here]], which goes through a brief description of each command and how to use it. And, as always, if you have any questions, be sure to ask your professors for help.