CS Lab Frequently Asked Questions

• Where's the lab?
  McBryde 116-118.

• Where are the NT machines and when can we work?
  In 118, 9am-Midnight M-Th, 9am-4pm Friday, and 4pm-Midnight Sunday. Closed on Saturday. Some morning classes reserve 118.

• Where can I submit a program to the automatic grader?
  The submit client is accessible from the Start menu of the NT machines in 118.

• My machine doesn't look like it's running NT
  These machines are dual boot...they run UNIX and NT. If yours does not show the NT logo it is running UNIX; turn it off, wait a few seconds, and then turn it on again.

• How can I log in from home?
  The NT machines are networked within the lab only, so you'll have to work there.

• How do I change my password?
  When you are in NT, type CTRL-ALT-DELETE at the same time. You'll get a panel with the set password option. Make sure you don't forget the new password.

• How do log off?
  Type CTRL-ALT-DELETE at the same time. You'll get a panel with the logoff option.

• How do I find the programs?
  Press the START button in the lower left corner, select PROGRAMS, and then locate the MSDOS prompt and the C++ compiler.

• What good is an MSDOS window?
  You can format a diskette, print a text file, or copy a file to or from a diskette. Your data drive is the Z: drive.

• Can I read mail in the lab?
  A Eudora Light mail client is available, though you may have to set the configuration. For example, you would probably want the mail gateway to be mail.vt.edu.

• Where should I save my work?
  If your user name is xyz, then you should keep all your work in z:\xyz. If you run an MSDOS window, that will be your default directory. You won't be able to store information anywhere else. When you save your work from the C++ environment, make sure you get the path right.

• How do I print a text file from an MSDOS window?
  Type lpr -S print -P ps <filename> to print a file on the laser printer ps in 116.

• How do I create a new file in the C++ environment?
  Start the C++ program, under the FILE menu select NEW, and then select TEXT FILE (version 4). In version 5 select Win2 Console Application under the Projects tab and C++ SOURCE FILE under the Files tab.

• How do I resume work on a program on my Z: drive?
  Under the FILE menu select OPEN, and then locate the file you wish to work on.

• How do I compile a C++ program?
  Under the BUILD menu select BUILD.

• How do I execute a C++ program I have just compiled?
  Under the BUILD menu select EXECUTE.

• How do I print a file from the C++ program?
  Under the FILE menu select PRINT.

• How can I send program output to a file so I can print it?
  First build your executable. Then under the BUILD menu (version 4) or PROJECT menu (version 5) select SETTINGS. Select the DEBUG tab. In the PROGRAM ARGUMENTS text box, type > outfile, where "outfile" is the name of the file on the z: disk to which you wish program output sent.