Learning Java

Java is the main language used in the MSc Advanced Computer Science programmes. If you need to learn it, then look at this page for more details about what you need to know. 

Most of the software you will use this year will be Open Source software.

This means that all of you with laptops can also use the same tools as the others, without needing to worry about licences.

In addition to the software listed here, there will also be module specific ones detailed in those course webpages. 

If you want details about where to start looking for a laptop to buy, then look here.

Start of year downloads - September 2009

For now don't worry about what each of these do, just unpack them and we'll work on what they do in the coming weeks. The main thing is to get them all on your machine, so that you're not wasting valuable practical time downloading software.

Java APIs

Be sure to also download the documentation so that you have the APIs to work with when you're offline.

Create a directory under C:\ called 'Java' and then install these there.

Java 2 standard release 1.6 Pick the most recent release candidate.

Apache Ant is the only way to build projects. Pick the latest stable release from the binary directory.

Check the CS5011 (Mobile Computing) information page for which Java Mobile Edition to install.

Servers

Tomcat for Java EE

Tomcat is the Java web server that we use. Download the latest 6.0.x (zip) version for your machine.

. Install this under C:\Java.

IDEs

Eclipse Use the Java EE edition. Eclipse provides a good supporting environment to develop code.

XEmacs is also a highly regarded option for those that prefer plain text editors.

Database

MySQL does everything we need and supports transactions too.

Laptops

We strongly suggest that you purchase a laptop if you do not already have one. The MSc  programme involves a lot of coding and writing and computing workstations in the department are at a premium.

You can find laptops for purchase from a number of places, but here is a list to get you started.

Do remember that in order to log into the network you will need at least Windows XP. However, a number of students have also used Macs and Linux too, if you'd prefer.

The University has an arrangement with Toshiba to buy laptops as part of  the 'Lapops for Students' scheme available. Apple also provide educational discounts for its products.

Dabs.com offers a wide variety at reasonable prices over the Internet.

PC World is located nearby and offers a variety of laptops to take away on the spot. 

As far as spec goes you want a laptop that will allow you to put at least 2gb of RAM into it. If you only have 1gb, then you will suffer as the laptop performance decreases as you fire up your applications.

Virus and Spam

There are four components necessary to combat viruses and spam. Together these applications should keep your PC functioning throughout the year.

Anti-virus

Be sure to have the university version of Sophos (local link only) installed on your laptop, and desktop machines. The off-campus version is to be recommended for automatic updates using your DIT computer account details. If used with the browser and email client below, you shouldn't have any serious problems.

Browser and Email Client

Firefox is extremely good at reducing your PC's risk to viruses and other hazards on the internet. It is also very fast.

Thunderbird is an excellent alternative to Outlook with good spam tools.