CS 105 Update Log

In this series we’ll cover how to get the software packages used in lab on your own computer so that you can work on lab assignments at home or on a laptop. There’s not much to it, and the best news is that everything’s free!

First, you’ll need to install Git, which you use to obtain lab materials and also provides the command line. You can download the installer at http://code.google.com/p/msysgit/downloads/list. Look for the most recent “Full installer if you want to use official Git” — as of this post the most recent download is 1.5.6.1. After downloading it, double click the installer to run it.  Accept all of the default options for the installer up to the point where it asks if you’d like to use git-bash, install to command prompt, or install all tools to the command prompt. The lab computers have been installed using the git-bash ONLY option (the topmost option); I suggest you do the same unless you know what you’re doing.

Next, you’ll need to get the Ruby interpreter. Look for the Windows “Ruby 1.8.6 One-Click Installer” at http://www.ruby-lang.org/en/downloads/. Download and install — use all the default options and install everything, if asked.  The Ruby installer will also install the SciTE text editor with a link in your start menu under All Programs → ruby → SciTE.

If you’ve any problems or questions with these instructions, ask away in the comments section.  Many thanks to Evan for helping to write and check these instructions!