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Top Ten+ CS155 Misconceptions
Unix is just like Windows
- Clearly, you need this class.
Y’know we’re not programmers!?
- Yes, I do. I have homework that shows that beyond any doubt.
The computer should know what I mean!
- Wouldn’t that be great?
- If it were that easy, anybody could do it.
- The whole purpose of this class is getting the computer
to understand what you mean.
This is a 100-level course—easy!
- Yes, there are many courses that are harder.
- That doesn’t mean that this one will be easy for you.
- Many 100-level math and science (chemistry, physics) courses are very difficult.
- This class is only five weeks long — slack off for the first two weeks,
and you’ve missed 40% of the class.
One-credit course: not much work.
- It’s only one credit, but it’s only five weeks long.
- How much work would you expect for a semester-long three-credit class?
- CS courses typically require 2-3 hours outside of class for every hour in class.
Tried really hard; I’ll pass.
- Perhaps, in high school, they passed you just for trying.
- Wasn’t high school great?
- Welcome to college.
Attended all classes; I’ll pass.
Graduating senior; I’ll pass.
- When I figure our your grade, I do not take into account
what other classes you’re taking, what else you’re doing with your life,
or what grade you need.
- Your grade in this class is based on your work in this class.
I have a job; I’m special.
- Your grade in this class is based on your work in this class.
- Your life outside of this class is your own business.
My partner left me.
- Your personal life is just that: personal, and none of my business.
- I’m concerned with your work in this class.
You’re mean!
- I’m fair. I’m an engineer, a rules-based kind of guy.
Doing it by the rules is the fairest way to do things.
- I’m not a monster — if your house burns down, or you have a family tragedy,
let me know, and we’ll work something out.
Late homework is OK; I’ll get it done.
- I love video games — this isn’t one.
- There are no do-overs, no extra lives, and no reset button.
- The homework is due when it’s due. After that, it will not be accepted.
- Well, there is a do-over: next semester.
I’m never going to do computers.
- Could be. However, your department seems to disagree, because you’re here. They win.
- Welcome to CS155.
