The instructional lab machines are Linux workstations in Hill 248 (known as the "cereal" machines). See the instructional lab web page for information and policies regarding these machines.

These labs are also used by other students; typically Computer Science undergraduate and graduate students.

As shown in the map below, Hill 248 is in the smaller (shorter) part of the Hill center. The easiest way is to use the door underneath the bridge that connects the two parts of the Hill center. (Supposedly, the doors under the bridge are always open - even at night. Let me know if you find otherwise.)

After you go upstairs, you'll need your keycard to access the rooms in that hallway; Hill 248 is at the far end of the hallway.

(Here is how to get your keycard deposit of $3.50 back at the end of the semester. If you have any problems with your keycard, send email to keycards@cs.rutgers.edu.)

(These instructions assume you haven't used a Linux system before. If you happen to know what you're doing, feel free to change what you see fit.)

Temporary notice: Use only the machines on the left side of the room. DrScheme doesn't work on the machines on the right just yet!

When you sit down at one of the machines, there will be a login window. For just the first time you log in, go over to the Session menu in this window and select GNOME. Then enter your username and password. (Gnome makes Linux behave more like the Windows interface; you'll find it a lot more familiar than other choices.)

After this, you should see a desktop; your personal folder is called Home.

Now you need to enter commands in a window (using something like the Microsoft Command Prompt window): right-click in the background, and select New Terminal from the pop-up menu. A new window will appear.

To run DrScheme, type "drscheme" in your terminal window. Soon after this, some windows will pop up.

For just the first time:

• tell it that you speak English (then hit Next)
• when you are asked to Please select a language, open up the PLT tab inside Professional Languages and select Graphical (MrEd, includes MzScheme).

For instance, you can type "3" in the bottom part of the window, and scheme tells you "3" back.

Typing "(+ 1 2)" also produces "3".

There is plenty of help available in this program. Use it! But don't be afraid to ask for help if you're stuck!

DrScheme examples from class are in the directory:

     /ilab/project/vfam/scheme

These are the same examples available on the course web page.

To log out, click the icon in the lower left to access the appropriate menu. You might consider checking the "Save Current Setup" checkbox upon logging out. This way, the terminal window you created will start automatically the next time you log in.