Q: Is attendance mandatory?
A: Attendance is mandatory for the labs. However, your presence at the lecture is *strongly* recommended.

Q: Am I supposed to know a lot about computers and programming before taking this course?
A:Not at all. This is an introductory class so no programming knowledge is required. However, minimal knowledge of computers such as Windows, e-mail or Web browsing is expected.

Q: Is it mandatory to buy the textbook?
A:In class, the professor will try to cover all the required elements but it is your responsibility to complement those readings with the textbook. The recommended book is also very handy to take notes in class and contains valuable exercises.

Q: I have difficulties installing Quincy99. What do I do?
A: Be sure to follow the instructions very carefully. Especially the parts about establishing the compiler paths. Better yet, install Quincy 2005. It installs itself automatically. Quincy 2005 is available for free download in the Toolbox area.

Q: My total marks give me a passing grade and yet I got an F. Why?
A: You need to get at least 50% on tests and exams to pass the course. Even if you get 100% for labs and assignments you may still fail the course if you fail the total of tests and exams. Remember: No matter how good your assignments and labs are, you cannot pass the course using only those.

Q: Do I need to pass the final exam to pass the course?
A: You need to pass for the total of tests and exams to pass the course. If you fail the final you may still pass if you obtained strong marks in the two term tests. However, labs and assignments will not save you from a failed exam.

Q:You told me I have not handed in an original assignment, but it is actually the other person which copied my work and yet you gave me zero. Why?
A: You are responsible to hand in original assignments. If I find two identical assignments, I will fail both assignments. In the real world, you will be responsible for the security of your work. If you throw an assignment away and somebody else picks it up from the trash you could probably be fired. It is a lot worse than a zero in a course assignment.

Q:What happens if I can't come to a test or an exam?
A: You need to have a *valid* reason. "I just forgot it was yesterday" will earn you a zero. You and your doctor need to fill an official form and bring it to the First Year Common Science Office (KHE-124). All reasons other than medical must be discussed first with the FYCSO, not the professor.

Q: What is the way to submit labs?
A: Labs must be shown in person to the TA during the lab time. No electronic submission is necessary for most labs.