Starting computing degree

[burtie]

Hi all I'm starting my computing degree in September and i was looking to see if anyone has any pointers they could give me to get a head start on the course. The first part of the degree or towards the degree is this course which is the first one I'll be trying. Data, computing and information - Open University course This will go towards this degree BSc (Honours) Computing - Open University qualification I'll be doing all this at home while i look after the kids until there all at school age, 3 more years, just so I'm ready to get back to work. Any help or info anyone can give me would be great thanks.

burtie

[kalniel]

I would avoid trying to teach yourself any programming - it is usually better to let them teach you from the ground up so that you don't pick up any bad habits or familiarisations (on my Bioinformatics masters degree there was only one person who had programming experience with Java.. come the assessment he nearly failed while everyone else scored in the top two grades).

Better would probably be to try and look at all the different uses of computers, how they are being used, what makes something computational easy to use and what makes it hard etc.

[Rosaline]

I'd personally disagree with respect to not learning programming, however I would recommend a language that is not only different from the one you will have to learn (don't worry, the raw skills will be transferable), but one that also encourages you to form good habits. Look into Pascal/Delphi, or maybe Python.

As it's an open university course, you've less to worry about, to be honest. They typically have a very high quality of teaching. Revising your maths would be a great idea, though, as that's normally the hard bit.

With respect to the first module, simply keep your eye on current affairs, look into the history of computing, and most of all - think. Consider the topics yourself and real life examples you find. It doesn't matter if you're 'right' or 'wrong', simply getting the practice is good and will help you get the most from the content.

[Stringent]

I would learn a programming language. You don't have to use it. I did, hated it but I have done it and I can advise others accordingly. I agree, don't teach yourself it though unless you are disciplined, its best to have a tutor or someone help you out with stuff.

Logic is good and formal specification, databases are a may if you like that stuff, SQL, Oracle etc. I didn't do it for my masters as the teacher who was doing it was naff!

[TheAnimus]

Maths and Logic. Even simple things like brain teasers, or perhaps playing Go.

The problem with people who often teach themselfs a language is they become a biast zelot who is of little use. Be a whore, program every language you come accros, trying to learn the key features that make it great.

With regards to Kalniel's sample size, he might well of just been thick, or many other reason why he'd score badly. As long as you don't get arogant, theres nothing wrong with learning a language that you'll be taught later, as long as you don't bother learning it their way, because you think you know it.

[kalniel]

With regards to Kalniel's sample size,

I should point out that the example I gave was just that - an example. It wasn't where I got the idea from (that came from my Java lecturer).

[b0redom]

• How relational databases work.
• How networks work.
• The differences between object orientated languages and procedural languages - this will take some getting your head around.
• Install and have a play with some form of Linux/Unix OS

[burtie]

Thanks all for your input you've all given me lots to think about in the next few months. I think I'm going to have a play with python which I've just installed, also I'm looking into a maths refresh course in the summer. I'm going to buy a second pc just to do my work on and install different operating systems on and have a play.Really looking forward to it all

[TheAnimus]

I'm going to buy a second pc just to do my work on and install different operating systems on and have a play.Really looking forward to it all

Enless you want another PC, why not use a virtual PC system, both VMWare Player, and Microsoft Virtual PC are free.

Play with the OS's in there, no damage to main PC

[burtie]

Enless you want another PC, why not use a virtual PC system, both VMWare Player, and Microsoft Virtual PC are free.

Play with the OS's in there, no damage to main PC

Now I've been looking into this and i think its a good idea could save me a bob, VMWare seems to be the one to go for could have a play with that today. Do you need good system specs to run it?

[Magnets]

Now I've been looking into this and i think its a good idea could save me a bob, VMWare seems to be the one to go for could have a play with that today. Do you need good system specs to run it?

Yes, you need plenty of RAM (1GB+), but a moderate system will be able to keep up.

[burtie]

Ohh cool I've got 4GB running so it should be fine thanks.