You will need access to a computer with a C++ compiler for this course. You should be able to use just about any C++ compiler for this course. It is best to use a compiler that supports the ANSI standards.

If you buy the course textbook new from the ACC bookstore, it will come with a student version of the Borland compiler. The textbook also has appendixes that describe how to get started with Borland C++ and Microsoft Visual C++ .Net.

Our department has an agreement with Microsoft that allows students enrolled in any of our courses to get copies of its development software for free or cheap.

Visual Studio (includes Visual C++ and Visual Basic) is on the list. The list also includes various versions of Windows and other software you might be interested in. The list does NOT include Microsoft Office. Each piece of software is available in one or more of 3 formats:

• CD's cost $5 per CD plus a small shipping charge
• download directly to your PC - free
• download an image to burn installation CD - free

In order to download the software, you will need a high-speed Internet connection like cable modem or DSL. It can take 24 hours or more to download using a dial-up connection. You cannot download this software from the machines in our Computer Studies labs on campus. If you do not have a high-speed Internet connection, Visual Studio .NET is available on CD.

If you are interested in signing up, send me an email stating that you want to sign up for the Microsoft Academic Alliance and be sure your email includes your name. Once a week I will send a list of names. Within a couple of days, you should receive an email with an account name, password, and a URL where you can order or download the software.

Note: You cannot download multiple copies of the same program. If something goes wrong while you are downloading, there are instructions for re-starting the download. If you have problems, please contact me.

One option is to use the computers in the Computer Studies Lab on any of the 7 main ACC campuses. The lab locations can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/cit/. (see the Lab Schedules link on the left side of the screen). Lab technicians are available at each campus to acquaint you with lab use procedures.

The table below lists some compilers that my students have used in the past. Standard Disclaimer: Just because a compiler is listed in this table does not guarantee that the compiler is suitable for this course or that it is virus-free. When downloading files off the web, be sure that you trust the site from which you are downloading and that you virus-check the files.

Some of these compilers can be downloaded for free from the web. Be aware that many compiler vendors offer Academic Pricing for students. Some of these products are available at the ACC Bookstores; some are available from various retail stores or directly from the compiler vendor. Academic Pricing may also be available at certain retail computer stores with your ACC id or fee receipt - call ahead to check.