I'm thinking of taking computer science in university. I know that it
will mostly be theory that will be taught, but I heard that the Mac OS
X is one of the better platforms to code on, since it is already a
UNIX environment?

Is Windows even an OPTION for computer science in university, or is it
looked down upon? (Not that I WANT Windows.)

I just actually purchased a Mac to learn more about it, and I'm
starting to get more and more comfortable with bash every day. I think
this could help me in the computer science world?

In my high school, we are taught on, as usual, Windows 2000 platforms.
ALL of our computers (except the science department, which uses Mac OS
9 for labs, etc.)

Thanks!

most definatly windows 2000 make sure it comes with service pack 4 or
that you download it. if you can not find w2k sp4 google split
streaming this is the process of taking a w2k sp1 or sp2 or sp3 disk
and intagrating sp4 into the files where you can burn a sp4 disk
hope you enjoy the new systems
the megreger

As a 3rd year Computer Science Student at a major California
University, I would say your best bet is Linux.  At our school we use
Red Hat Enterprise, however just about any flavor of Linux would be
ideal.  Mac OSX is Ok because it does offer the bash shell, but Linux
would be best.

Many of us still use Windows PC's, including myself, for projects and
testing.  In reality, most of your customer base will still be using
Windows PC's when you go to get a job in the "real world", so it's in
your best interest to understand how the environment works.  However,
Linux will probably be what your school is using (I think most schools
are, and if not they should be).

If you would like a free download, try "www.linuxiso.org" for a list
of ISO images for the different linux distros.  Hope this helps.

I agree with johnoconnor, Linux truly is the optimal system for
computer science and programming.  I'm only an amateur programmer, and
hence no expert, but Mac seems too simplified to be truly useful to a
programmer, even if it does include the bash shell, and while Windows'
use of the attractive .Net framework could prove useful, *nix seems
far more technically-oriented, and, hence, friendly to programmers.



You say that you've gotten comfortable with the bash shell; I don't
know what that translates to in terms of actual knowledge, but

http://linuxcommand.org/learning_the_shell.php

is a great reference for basic shell commands.

as a senior at the University of Central Florida, I would have to say
that there are a plethora of options you can take as a computer
scientist. The spectrum is soo broad. First, I think you should choose
a section that you absolutely love about computer science and focus on
learning the best techniques for it. This will keep you from spreading
yourself too thin. Whether it be databases, website design, game
programming, programming languages, operating systems, etc... see,
there's a bunch! However, i don't think there is one platform you
should stick with all the time. Getting invovled with multiple
platforms will help your career out. So, maybe have a dual boot, one
linux, one windows, or one with the new mac OS pc coming out. 8)
You're always learning something new. So don't keep your tools
limited. But I can already tell you're going to go far if you're
already starting in high school. Unix is a great tool to know,
especially in college, you'll be used to it.

There are probably more heavyweight free languages and programming
environments for Linux than anything else, so keeping your costs down.
Most universities will use a Unix based mainframe for at least some
programming and systems design work. Linux is *the* operating system
for the Internet. If you learn Linux, you learn the concepts behind
computer operation and can transfer those to Windows. If you learn
Windows, that's pretty much all you've learned. IMHO.

But no need to ditch the Mac if you like it. 

Owain


Owain

I'm going to have to agree with Johnoconnor. While windows is a must
for the ordinary user. You will need to know Linux. I reccomend Fedora

What can I learn in Linux that I cannot learn in Mac OS X (UNIX)?

Take some design and product management classes too... pure
programming jobs are going to get outsourced to developing
countries....

I think Windows is also looked down upon.Because now it is a lots of
people have used it.

Well, Windows I don't think is really 'looked down upon'. It is still
a useful skill. But I guess too many people do have that skill now.

There is no best platform.  The key to being successful in computers
is learning core knowledge that won't change as much as the vendor
specific implementations.  Once you pick a school just use what they
use.

You're talking about an Operating System and a Graphical User
Interface.  The Web is the future so UNIX is important, you'll have to
get the details at class.  LINUX, MAC-OSx are both Operating Systems
based on UNIX.  The Graphical User Interface(GUI) of the MAC on top of
UNIX is unique to Apple so don't over focus on the Apple GUI.  The GUI
in LINUX is easier to identify and you can even choose different
GUI's.  It's much easier to access the base Operating System in LINUX.
 Microsoft is working on putting their GUI on a UNIX base.  So, focus
on the UNIX commands.  They haven't changed much in a long time.  You
can get into the guts of LINUX because it's freeware, that's a very
valuable lesson on UNIX.  Stay generic on UNIX in school, understand
what is vendor specific.  Did you know that 90% of all business data
is still stored on an IBM mainframe?  IBM is migrating all operating
systems to a derivative of UNIX.  But if you're an application
programmer you may not care much about the Operating System for them
is the Programming Language.

Also, focus on learning the communication protocal TCP/IP that the
Internet is based on.  You'll need it.

Then there are programming languages.  They will change over time so
just learning generically how to program is the key.  Focus on
Internet related programming languages.  Microsoft likes you to go to
.net, Sun likes Java.  Definately learn HTML and its related
advancements for Web Page work.

It's also good to learn about SQL and Relational Databases.

In addition, you should know how to turn a business problem into
solution and that requires analysis, design and test.

Come out of school with knowledge of UNIX, TCP/IP, SQL, Relational
Database, HTML programming in some language, analyst skills and you
will be way ahead of the curve.  Then after school, you'll be learning
vendor specific implentations the rest of your career.

In short: "The only thing you can count on is change."  to keep these
things talking the underlying stuff does not change as quickly.  That
is what you should focus on, avoid the vendor buzz and bias.

Hope this helps.  I have a Masters degree in Comp Sci, worked for IBM,
started and sold a large computer consulting firm.  Now I have time to
answer questions for $5.00.

That was extremely helpful, kdr-ga. Thanks!

I enjoyed reading it, and was especially pleased that you listed out
several points, like a layout, of things I should know.

Regarding your points:

UNIX: I have a moderate understanding of the commands, so learning the
rest shouldn't be a problem. It appears to actually be easier for me
than in Windows (using the command prompt.)

TCP/IP: I have an extremely basic understanding of this. Enough to
network my several computers (in this awkward network configuration.
But hey, it works! So I don't touch it.)

SQL/Relational Databases: I have a pretty good understanding of this.
I  have self-taught programming PHP with the MySQL database, so I
shoudn't have that much problem here.

HTML: Ditto with this like above. Knowing PHP (and several other web
programming languages) really help. Also, knowing CSS is a huge
benefit as well.

Analyst Skills: Seems to be more of a general topic and understanding.
But I don't expect too much problems here for me as well, although I
probably could still improve.

Also, finally, what about the millions of people who only know how to
program in Windows? And know nothing about UNIX? The people who, for
instance, only have .NET skill, or Visual Basic skills. But I suppose
if they take a computer science course, then they would eventually
learn the skills required. Although, the learning curve would be much
greater for them.