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student:firstyearstartup:start [2022/06/28 11:31] bowersjcstudent:firstyearstartup:start [2022/10/25 09:30] (current) – [So I registered for and began my first semester, now what?] normanap
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 Many professors use PC laptops (mostly running Linux Mint) and many professors use MacBook Pros. If you are considering a Mac, know that Apple tends to keep the same prices and upgrade the hardware periodically. Keep an eye on [[http://buyersguide.macrumors.com/#Retina_MacBook_Pro|MacRumors]] to know when to buy. And order via the [[http://store.apple.com/us-hed/|Apple Store for Education]] to get the student discount. Or just get yourself a reasonable PC and install [[http://www.linuxmint.com/|Linux Mint]] as a 2nd OS -- that's what we use in the CS labs. Many professors use PC laptops (mostly running Linux Mint) and many professors use MacBook Pros. If you are considering a Mac, know that Apple tends to keep the same prices and upgrade the hardware periodically. Keep an eye on [[http://buyersguide.macrumors.com/#Retina_MacBook_Pro|MacRumors]] to know when to buy. And order via the [[http://store.apple.com/us-hed/|Apple Store for Education]] to get the student discount. Or just get yourself a reasonable PC and install [[http://www.linuxmint.com/|Linux Mint]] as a 2nd OS -- that's what we use in the CS labs.
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 +Also note that Apple has recently switched from Intel chips to Apple-made silicon. Certain software, like VMWare, may not work properly yet with the new hardware. This generally should not be a problem, especially not in any core class, but we have not thoroughly vetted the new hardware with all of our classes yet. 
  
 ===== How do Office Hours Work? ===== ===== How do Office Hours Work? =====
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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 [[https://www.jmu.edu/advising/1st-semester/wm_library/Computer_Science_BS.html|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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 Also check out the Libraries extensive list of support for students adapting to [[https://www.lib.jmu.edu/temporary-online-teaching/|online learning]].  Also check out the Libraries extensive list of support for students adapting to [[https://www.lib.jmu.edu/temporary-online-teaching/|online learning]]. 
  
-Not sure where to even start? Schedule a meeting with the [[https://calendly.com/paigenormand/30min|CS Advisor]], Paige Normand: you can talk through your situation and she can help point you in the right direction. +Not sure where to even start? Schedule a meeting with the [[https://jmu-cs.as.me/advisor|CS Advisor]], Paige Normand: you can talk through your situation and she can help point you in the right direction.