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Preparing for the First Class

This document will help you to prepare your computer and yourself for the journey ahead.

Computers

  1. You can use a desktop computer or a laptop.

  2. You can use either a Mac, Windows, or Linux (advanced users only) computer that meets our requirements as outlined below.

  3. You may NOT use a Chromebook, tablet (such as an iPad), a phone, or any device other than a Mac, Windows or Linux desktop or laptop. The reason for this requirement is simple. The software we will use in the course will not work on those other devices.

  4. You do not need a new computer for the Jumpstart course - many machines manufactured since 2015 will work just fine although some may benefit from upgrades (in particular upgrades to RAM).

  5. Even if you are going to acquire a computer it need not be a brand-new machine. Many students acquire used or refurbished machines.

    However, if you do need to acquire a computer, and you plan to continue to the NSS Software Engineering course, you should make sure it meets the Software Engineering Program hardware requirements.

    The hardware requirements for the Jumpstart course are not as demanding as those for the NSS Software Engineering course, so if you have an existing Mac, Windows or Linux computer that does not meet the Software Engineering Program hardware requirements, you should still be able to use it for the Jumpstart. You will need to acquire a different computer if/when you take the Software Engineering course.

Feel free to contact us if you have any questions regarding your computer hardware.

Preparing your computer

Prior to the first class session you will need to do a few things to prepare your computer.

Ensure you have administrative rights

You will need administrative rights on your computer for this course. Having “administrative rights” means the username/password you enter when you login to the computer has permission to install software and change settings on the computer.

If you are unsure about the rights of your user account use the instructions below to verify your rights.

In Windows

  1. Select the Start button and type the words Control Panel.
    • In Windows 10, this button is located in the lower-left corner of the screen.
    • In Windows 11, it is the left-most button on the center-aligned taskbar.
  2. Click on the Control Panel app to start it.
  3. In the Control Panel window, select User Accounts, then Change your account type.
  4. Make sure Administrator is selected. If you can’t select the Administrator option, contact the person who has administrator rights on your computer and ask them to give you rights.
  5. Close the Control Panel window.

In macOS

  1. Click the Apple menu (in the upper-left corner of the screen) and select System Preferences.
  2. In the System Preferences window, under System, select Accounts.
  3. Select your user account and view the right panel. If Allow user to administer this computer isn’t checked, you don’t have administrative rights and you will need to ask someone with administrative rights to give you rights.
  4. Close the System Preferences window.

In Linux

If you can run commands with sudo you should be ok.

Install Slack

Slack is a text-based, instant messaging application similar to Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp or any number of other messaging tools you may have used. Slack is popular amongst development teams and it’s free, which is why we use it at NSS.

You should download and install Slack from this website: https://slack.com/downloads/

You might also want to check out Slack’s Quick Start Guide.

NOTE: Slack has a mobile app that you may wish to install, but it is not required.

Install Zoom

Zoom is popular video conferencing software. We use Zoom to host remote classrooms.

You should download and install Zoom from this website: https://zoom.us/download#client_4meeting

You might also want to check out Zooms’s Getting Started Guide.

NOTE: Zoom has a mobile app that you may wish to install, but it is not required.

Additional Installations

On the first day of class we will install a few more tools, but if you’d like to get a jump on those installations, you can find instructions here.

Preparing yourself

  1. Be prepared to be a few minutes early to class. Class will start on time and being a little early will give you time to get settled and to resolve any connection issues that might occur.
  2. Set up your computer in a quiet, distraction-free environment. This course will require a lot of concentration and deep thought. Your environment will have a great impact on your ability to focus.

    NOTE: We know this is sometimes easier said than done, but do your best.

  3. Be prepared to take notes. Some people find hand writing notes to be an effective way to boost their memory. Others prefer typing up notes. Either approach is fine.
  4. Be prepared to ask questions. Remember your instructors don’t have magic access to your mind to know what topics you need clarified. They need you to speak up. Also, remember your question is NOT dumb.
  5. Finally, and most importantly, be prepared to be challenged, because this class will be difficult. There will be times when you do not understand what’s happening. This is NORMAL. It’s also something many students struggle with. Not understanding something, and admitting that you don’t understand something, is often uncomfortable. One way to prepare for this is to begin to cultivate a growth mindset.

Now you’re ready for the course introduction.