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Do give me some advice here :X
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on 2011-08-03 19:11:03 |
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Hi there, I will be entering University taking up courses in programming or multimedia related subjects soon. However I'm a total newbie in this since this course is somehow chosen for me and not what I had expected. Therefore I would really like to ask if there is anything that can be done for me to learn basic programming so that i may be able to catch up and not fall behind although its kinda late(I only know a tiny piece of it). Maybe some related books,internet servers,related software's and such. Was wondering if there any specific type of laptop's or notebook that should be used. My seniors somehow told me not to expect much from my lecturers and it freak me out. Hope someone will be able to advice and help me in this. Thanks a lot :D 
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Re: Do give me some advice here :X
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on 2011-08-03 20:38:11 |
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hi jo, just try learning some basic algorithm it will help you a lot. and do some exercise to increase logic and some out-of-the-box-thinking things. usually they'll start with C or C++, but at some place they start use java or other 'high language'. there are no specified laptop or computer needed, since you can do programming using notepad (seriously). if you start using java like me, I might be able to help you a little more about the basic things.  |
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Re: Do give me some advice here :X
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on 2011-08-03 23:31:18 |
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@Schaz Algorithm eh.. X.x Thanks a lot. Yes.. According to the module. I think mine is gonna start with C.. However if I'm not mistaken most programming now is using C++ isnt'it?
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Re: Do give me some advice here :X
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on 2011-08-04 06:09:30 |
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if you use C it's good then. learning C makes it's easier to understand other hi-language because the logic's more clear there. C++ is very similar to C, with several things added up. C is a good start, but I'm sure they give you C# or java after that. Object Oriented Programming is said to be important these days. |
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Re: Do give me some advice here :X
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on 2011-08-04 08:09:44 |
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I see.. Anyway,does that mean i should start with algorithm? Is there any books related that is suitable? or Should i just browsed through the net instead? Any idea? X.x I'm so lost.
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Re: Do give me some advice here :X
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on 2011-08-04 15:17:40 |
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As for laptop, what kind do you use? Or do you use PC? I'm personally a Macbook-type guy. As for desktops, it can go either way, I don't think either will hurt you in the long run (unless a virus hits ya ;P). 
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Re: Do give me some advice here :X
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on 2011-08-04 18:59:20 |
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@DA Haven't got one myself a laptop yet. I have a PC at home though but it's pretty much getting out of shape. However I will still need to buy a laptop soon since I will be using it in University(since I will be staying in the University Hostel). So I was wondering of any recomendations in this?? Since Schaz told me that programming uses mostly the notepad only, therefore I guess any type of Laptop will be fine isn't it? :D I do notice that most people uses Macbook nowadays but it's superb expensive (X.X).
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Re: Do give me some advice here :X
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on 2011-08-05 00:32:54 (edited 2011-08-05 00:45:45)
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To Jo: If you want to learn basic algorithms in programming language, you can add "OBJECT ORIENTED PROGRAMMING" in your study. I just use this method while programming C++, JAVA, PHP, and Pearl. OOP is just a methodology and logistic methods in dealing with basic programming algorithms that you can use in almost all programming languages. Commonly my friend use this method to construct command codes and display using Assembly Language. You can start using C Language with OOP to guide you. But I think you're using C++ or Visual C++ as your compiler for that because almost all universities use those compilers instead of the old once. I recommend "Teach Yourself C++ in 21 Days" and "Studying Object Oriented Programming" as your reference book. And also, even a Pentium II or III can be used as a Test PC / PC to be used for programming lessons, so don't mind if you have a fast or old desktop or laptop for your lessons, but just check your OS system requirements and your compilers system requirements in order it to run smoothly. (~_~) I hope that I just help you to solve your problems... Edited: I just read your first post and I just see that your seniors adviced you that don't expect too much in your professors. Well, it is true even it freaks you. Almost all professors don't use "Spoon Feeding Tactics" now in this course. And specially, they often forgot important hints and tips to be discussed with their students, specially the advance and new ones. So better to take advance study in your lessons. There is Internet as your Multi-purpose Library. (~_~) |
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Re: Do give me some advice here :X
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on 2011-08-05 01:31:14 |
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Yeah Macbooks are expensive, hell that's Apple, and honestly there should be a price drop. I honestly thought their "Macbooks" (not Pros) would drop, but I guess not? I use a regular Macbook, because when I had it I used my old PC (which is R.I.P. now). Now I dual-wield my PC monitor with my Macbook and use the speakers from my desktop from then, too. I also keep my mouse and if I ever need it for some reason, my keyboard, too. There are programs like Notepad on OS X too, no worries. I know with Notepad you can save it as an html page and view it via browser, which is neat. Not sure if any of the regular programs similar do that, I never tried (though I have Dreamweaver and such). I personally recommend getting a Macbook/Pro cause one, it'll last you quite a few years and even more so. Yes it's expensive, but you're paying for the best laptop in my opinion. I don't do technical stuff so often on my Macbook, but if you get a regular Macbook, definitely upgrade on RAM. That depends if you like doing/using other softwares that require a bit more (though 2's average is fine, I regret not getting 4). One thing I hate though with OS X is that a lot of people still don't make ports over, so some softwares you might commonly use on windows might not have an OS X version for example. And even sometimes with that, people don't upgrade from Tiger, which is annoying. I mean if you don't want to spend that type of money on a Macbook, that's totally understandable. You can pay for something half the price and still do what you need to get done, but will you have to buy another one in a few more years? That's where Apple's computers shine. If you're more business-oriented/tech-savy, get a Macbook/Pro. For your situation, it seems you don't do much, so just get a regular laptop. I've had my Macbook for about two years now, and not a single issue (virus oriented) yet!
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Re: Do give me some advice here :X
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on 2011-08-05 07:09:03 |
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jo, I didn't say mostly... but if it's C then notepad is enough to make a program. you'll need to get compiler, but usually they'll give you a copy-able education version or something like that. you can go to bookstore and find a programming book. try seeing what's inside it first, some books does put "for beginers" in the title but it's useless without any knowledge in algorithm and language. try finding something like "basic algorithm with C++" or something like that. it's very important to know that a computer do things one-by-one, so maybe you should do some thinking like that, I mean how thing going in a process. like the process of "taking shower", for example: 1. go inside the bathroom 2. open your clothes 3. step under the shower 4. turn on the shower 5. turn off the shower 6. shampoo-ing and soap-ing 7. turn on the shower again 8. turn off the shower 9. dry yourself 10. wear clothes everything inside a program do things in an order like that, so learning how things done in steps will be good. (oh and there are diagrams showing these steps, but i'm not sure what they call it in English and there's Pseucode. Pseucode is very important! be sure you learn that!) |
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Re: Do give me some advice here :X
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on 2011-08-05 20:19:58 |
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@Ruy Lopez Thanks a lot for the guidance. Surely you had solved a hell lot of my problems already! I will definitely start looking through the references and make sure I do learn something in advance before I start my course and well listening to the professor's. In such case,I will need to do lot and lots of self learning. Ganbare~ @DA O.o I was apparently waiting for a price drop.. But It seems like it will never drop or I should say it is still expensive. Anyway,it is a nice one,pretty awesome too. Well I wouldn't want to be fixing my laptop all the time when it had a breakdown or virus attack. However,currently I'm in a tight situation,I really wouldn't be able to afford it(a regular laptop for now) X.x Knowing that you had been using Macbook for 2 years now and reading through :D Will it actually be hard to find programs or software that is compatible to Mac OS X? Even ports for example. Plus will it be difficult to share a document with Window user's? Since Window's is still widely used. @Schaz >.< There is certainly lot's of things to learn. Well I'm browsing through the internet for now and gotta go to bookstores to search for something related soon. O yes ,Pseudocode as well,surely i will get my hands and mind on it. Wonder how I actually used CSS..HTML before. Now I think i have the idea of what to start with. Thank you so much SIR!! :)
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Re: Do give me some advice here :X
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on 2011-08-05 20:37:15 |
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Yeah the price is grand, but I think it's worth it. I doubt you need a 17" and you don't need an iMac, but for the cost of protection and durability that'll last for years, I think a Macbook is at least worth it. I think it's still around 999.99$ USD? That's not bad for a Macbook and you can still do plenty. Of course if you want to run like Adobe Premiere or After Effects, a normal Macbook might not cut it. And about ports, it really depends on what programs you'd use from a Windows to OS X (Snow Leopard). At first I had a bit of an issue, but after getting used to it I've been fine now. Usually for me, there's a program I can find easily for OS X, but that depends on the user of course. However you can also use Bootcamp and use Windows on a Mac too, so no worries there. There's also formating stuff like flash drives which can be annoying as well.
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Re: Do give me some advice here :X
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on 2011-08-08 08:39:13 |
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@DA I may reconsider myself on getting a Macbook too :D Well,most of my friends do advice me on getting it as well. Then again,I may use it in a long term. Will there be any promotion on this(searching for PC/IT fair).. I wonder. Anyway,thanks a lot for the feedback and help here!!
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Re: Do give me some advice here :X
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on 2011-08-08 19:00:01 |
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@jo: if you want to take multimedia as your extension then macbook is the best you can get, since all the best multimedia maker program is in it. and about CSS/HTML that you have been using, maybe it's a little different with java and C. better check out your curriculum if you're going to have something like assembly and ask the professor's opinion before you buy laptop |
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Re: Do give me some advice here :X
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on 2011-08-11 08:40:27 |
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@Schaz Macbook will be the best.. Anyway,your right. I'm planning to buy only after my orientation and start of my course. Hope everything goes well for me,Start of a new term. Well,Thank you all for helping out here!! Really appreciate it.
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