FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions about my CISC 192 C/C++ Programming class.

• Is this a fully online class?
  Yes, this is a fully online class.

• Will there be any days where we have to meet on campus?
  No. All class activities are online. You only have to go to the campus if you do not have a computer or for non-class related activities.

• What is the required textbook for this class?

  	Starting Out with C++ Brief: From Control Structures through Objects, 7th Edition, by Tony Gaddis. Copyright © 2012, Pearson Education, Inc. ISBN 0-132-77289-2.
  An eTextbook is available for about half the price of a paper textbook. Your professor uses an eTextbook and likes it a lot. Check out CourseSmart.com for details.

• Can I use the 6th edition of this textbook?
  There are a number of changes between the 6th and 7th edition. I would prefer that you use the 7th edition because I will not be able to provide you information on all of the changes between editions.

• Can I use another C++ programming textbook?
  Yes, you can, but you must also use the required textbook since all assignments and lessons will be based on the required textbook.

• How can I get an add code for this class?
  I have a link to that on this web site. See the "Add Code" link for details.

• Can I get free software?
  The software for this class is all free from Microsoft. See the "Software" link for details.

• What computer do you recommend?
  Any Windows XP, Vista, or Windows 7 computer will work for this class as long as it has at least 1 GB of memory and about 2 GB of free hard disk space. See the "Software" link for more detailed system requirements.

• Can I take this class on a Mac?
  Yes, you can, but you will have to find a ANSI/ISO standard C++ compiler/program development environment. Microsoft Visual C++ works only on Microsoft Windows. Since I am not a Mac user, I will only be able to help you with C++ programming questions.

• I never took a computer programming class before. Will this class be right for me?
  This class does not require any previous programming experience. I will be teaching this class as if this is your first computer programming class. But you must know how to use a computer and how to get around on the Internet and Windows. This is not an introduction to computers class. If you fear or hate mathematics and logic, you should not take computer programming.

• I never took an online class before. Will this class be right for me?
  If you have the discipline to read the textbook, take notes, read my notes, do the exercises, do the assignments, and take quizzes without me telling (nagging) you to do so, you will do fine. If you need hands-on assistance, if you are a visual learner, if you learn by seeing and doing more than by reading and doing, you may have trouble keeping up in this class.

Email me at rpelleti@sdccd.edu if you have any questions that were not covered here or on the syllabus.