UAlbany ECL/Programming Course Collected Lab Tips

  •  Using the terminals in HU-25 Tip: Print this if you're new to HU-25
  • In HU-25 or other resource limited systems, use the lynx web browser.  Try it in a terminal window.  It's available on ITSUNIX and typical Linux installations.
  • In LC-3 and LC-4, use XWin32 and ssh to use multiple windows and graphical programs (like emacs and ddd) on ITSUNIX.  Two steps: Follow the menu sequence (Start) (Programs) (XWin32) (Step 1:Start Server) and then (Start) (Programs) (XWin32) (Step 2:SSH).
  • Don't use Windows Hyperterm..it's terminal standard conformance is too weak to allow comfortable use of emacs, less, lynx, etc.  Use the free ssh client Teraterm, available on the student "survival" CD from the ITS Helpdesk office.
  • Another nice free SSH clients for Windows is putty.
  • A suite of free software for Windows that emulates the GNU/Unix programming environment AND includes a free X Server is cygwin.
  • Recommended for CS students: On a old spare computer, or on a second hard drive, learn to install, manage SECURELY and use Linux or FreeBSD.  It provides an environment essentially like ITSUNIX, fast and efficient, and gives you experience with another leading IT of today.  But make sure you know and follow all security instructions when you put it on the Internet.
  • If you're using a typical Linux installation, ssh -l <your ITS user name> itsunix.albany.edu works very well to connect you to ITSUNIX.  It sets up an X Server connection, so graphical ITSUNIX programs like emacs and ddd will put their windows on your machine.  It all works nicely provided you have a fast Internet connection (dorm ethernet, cable modem, DSL).  X Server usage doen't work comfortably over a dial-up connection though.
  • DO NOT name your program test !  A program named test exists as a Unix command and some shells including bash have a builtiin function named test.  Depending on your shell settings, this builtin test will be run instead of your own program!  The builtin test doesn't print anything unless it detects a command argument error.
  •  Please email me other suggested tips to share with fellow students.(sdc@cs.albany.edu)