This page contains links to pages with information about the various software tools you will be using in this course.

Class Listserv and email: One of the primary communications tools outside of class is the class listserv. A listserv is an electronic mailing list. You sign up to the listserv and will then be able to post messages to the listserv. All subscribers to the listserv get all messages posted.

• See this web page to log onto the UT lists system: www.utexas.edu/its/mailinglists/answers/subscriber_logon.php
• go to this web page and follow the instructions to subscribe to the listserv: www.utexas.edu/its/mailinglists/answers/subscribing.php
• The name of the list is cs305j-scott@utlists.utexas.edu and the subject is CS305j class mailing list.
• I strongly recommend you set up a filter in whatever email program you use to direct messages from the listserv to a separate folder as instead of your normal inbox.

Turnin Program:  The turnin program allows files to be transferred to and from your account on the microlab server via an internet connection. It is like a simplified FTP (file transfer protocol - A way of transferring files over the Internet from one computer to another.) program. It is a Web based program so you can run it from anywhere, in the lab or from the comfort of your dorm room. The turnin program can be accessed via the following web page: http://turnin.microlab.cs.utexas.edu/turnin. See the turnin page for more details:

Java^TM 2 Platform, Standard Edition Version 6.0 and Documentation: According to Sun's Java homepage the"Java 2 Platform Standard Edition (J2SE) software is the premier platform for rapidly developing and deploying secure, portable applications that run on server and desktop systems spanning most operating systems." If you want to work at home you must download and install Sun's J2SE Development Kit  (JDK) which includes both the development tools (compiler, etc.) and the Java^TM 2 Runtime Environment, Standard Edition, v 6.0.  Essentially The Java 2 JDK, along with a text editor of some sort, is the minimum software you need to create and run Java programs. See this page for instructions for download and installation.

DrJava: Dr. Java is a simple Interactive Development Environment, designed by educators for use in introductory programming classes.  It is written in Java and a lot simpler than the high powered IDEs such as Eclispe, JCreator, JBuilder, or CodeWarrior which were designed for use in industry rather than education.  Go to the Dr. Java homepage  for information on the IDE.

• Download page. (Pick the "Most Recent Beta Release" and if you are using a Windows machine or Mac download the appropriate app (application) instead of the JAR file.) If you are having trouble with the download see this page. The i386 architecture is the Windows stand alone application.

  Instructions for download.
   

• Help page on running Dr. Java. If you are using Windows it is very simple.
• The Dr Java documentation page. PDF version of the documentation.

Adobe Acrobat Reader: Slides from class will be available in pdf format which can be viewed using the Adobe Acrobat Reader for whatever platform you are using at home. Acrobat reader is available for free via the web. The slides will also be available in PowerPoint format.