FAQ

Recommended Computer

Much of what we do in CS courses can work in Windows, Mac OS, Linux, or Chrome. There will be an odd thing or two still that may not work in Chrome.

All other things being equal, getting a computer that is not "bottom of the barrel" would be good. Chromebooks in the $400+ range should generally work reasonably well. For Windows/Linux/Mac OS laptops, you should be looking for 8GB RAM bare minimum, preferred 16GB if possible, and avoid getting a laptop with an i3 or Celeron processor; this roughly corresponds to the $500+ price range. You can potentially get anything to work, but will have an easier time with a medium-range computer than a low-end system.

For laptops, we recommend getting at least a 3 year warranty (since they tend to break if you actually do transport them around). Also, we recommend getting an option that has a long battery life (rule of thumb - battery life will be half of its original rating after 1-2 years of regular daily use).

You should also have the ability to install programs on the system and have a normally reliable internet connection at home if possible.

If you have a particular system in mind for purchase that you would like an opinion on, please feel free to contact one of the CS faculty members.

University recommendations are listed here and are similar to that described above.

CS 151

New students majoring in computer science should take ECT 130 and CS 151 their first term. ECT 130 is an overview of CS, IT, and CEET majors. It is required for all of those majors. There is a small amount of programming. CS 151 is the first programming course in the CS major, is a full semester of programming (in Python, as of 2026), and helps to decide whether you prefer CS or IT.

If you are a new student and have a really full first semester, you might just take ECT 130 your first term, and wait to take CS 151 your second term. But we recommend taking CS 151 your first term if you can fit it in; it helps you decide if you want to stick with computer science, and it gets you further into the major sooner (which is good for applying for internships).

Should you buy your textbooks?

Find a copy for a reasoanble price, and yes, purchase it. You will be more likely to actually read it if you have a copy (rather than trying to borrow a copy or something). Whatever your major is, you should want to learn the course content. Also, not everything you need to know is covered in lecture (there just isn't enough time), and it's up to you to fill in the gaps.

Positions in the department

We consider all CS students whenever we have an opening. The most important qualities we consider are how well you do in your courses (are you one of the top few students?), how responsible and hard-working you are, and how well you communicate and interact with others.

Finding information at ISU

Think of what the department might be called, and try going to the A-Z Department/Office Directory and searching using the browser's search option (ctrl-f). You can also try doing a regular internet search (google, bing, etc.) with Indiana State University and whatever you are looking for (directory, schedule of classes, etc.). That sometimes gets you to the right page faster than using ISU's search page.

How to contact your professors

Check your professor's class schedule (see the schedule of classes linked off the CS homepage). You can normally catch a professor just before or just after one of their classes, and then ask them when you could come to their office or how they prefer to be contacted. Once the semester starts office hours should be in the syllabus for each course.

Why are you Here?

Ask yourself why you are paying ISU thousands of dollars for a degree? Hopefully because you are interested in CS and also want to get a job in CS after graduating. This is much more likely to happen (getting a job in CS) if you take your courses seriously and put your full effort in. Students who do not do their best, or try to get others to to their work, have much less success in securing good jobs after graduating.

Programming and Linux

Many professors (e.g., Kinne) require students to turn in assignments on the CS server. For these courses you will do most (or all) of your programming assignments for the course on the CS server. To be counted as correct, in these courses your program must compile and run on the CS server. See Programming and CS - Getting Started for help in getting started on the CS machines.

Planning Ahead

You should begin to think about applying for jobs at least one year before you will do so. If you wait until you graduate to think about how to get a job after graduation, you will not be as successful. Some of our graduates have decided to complete an industry certification program (e.g., from Microsoft, Oracle, or Cisco) to increase their chances of getting a job after graduation; we have been told this can take about one year from when you begin.

For both on campus jobs and jobs after graduation, you wil benefit by doing well in your classes - (i) doing well better prepares you, (ii) having a higher GPA looks better to prospective employers, and (iii) your professors can give you good recommendation letters if you have done well in their classes. It really does pay off to do your best in your classes (and participate fully - pay attention, answer/ask questions, etc.).

On Campus Jobs

You can view available on-campus jobs by visiting [1] and clicking on the appropriate category for you. Make sure to check back regularly because jobs might not all be posted by the beginning of the semester. To apply for a position, you need to apply online; it will normally not do you any good to contact the department in person as well. Make sure to submit all documents that are asked for (e.g., resume, transcripts, cover letter). A cover letter should briefly explain your background and interests, and indicate enthusiasm for the position you are applying for. For the resume, see Careers for advice and you can find examples online to get ideas for the appropriate format and contents; as a general philosophy, you should be very positive about yourself, but do not ever lie (e.g., do not say you know Java if you do not). For additional help in writing your resume and cover letter, you can contact the Career Center or more senior CS students (e.g., lab assistants who are currently on duty in the lab).

Note for new students. The application system asks you to list some number of references. You can list professors who you will have in class or your advisor, but they will not be able to say much about you other than what they might know from your transcript. It is better to list a reference that knows you (possibly someone you had in previous studies or work). Once you have been in class long enough to have had some assignments or exams graded, the professors you have in class might able to give more support in a recommendation for you. And always check with someone before listing them as a reference.