Computer Science 15-190-mini, Spring 2010
Optional Homework 1
Due:  Never (optional)

This optional hw has no due date and will not affect your grade. But we'd be happy to grade what you do, and to provide whatever helpful feedback we can. And the assigned material is very worthwhile (or so I think!). I do hope some of you give it a go!

As for optional hw#1, I recommend that you do the corresponding labs from TMCM:

http://math.hws.edu/TMCM/java/index.html

Look for these labs:

Introductory Lab: The Web, Java, and DataReps.

"This lab is mainly an introduction to the use of the World Wide Web and to the idea of Java applets. A simple applet, DataReps, serves as an example of an applet. It also serves to demonstrate how several different types of data are represented in a computer."

xLogicCircuits Lab 1: Logic Circuits.

"Explores logic circuits created out of AND, OR and NOT gates. The relationship between circuits and Boolean algebra is also covered."

Then, for a greater challenge, try this one:

xLogicCircuits Lab 2: Memory Circuits.

"Shows how circuits that contain feedback loops can be used as memory circuits, and how a RAM (random access memory) can be constructed and used."

Finally, for the highly motivated among you, take the next step in seeing how circuits are used to build computers with these 3 labs:

xComputer Lab 1: Introduction to xComputer.

"Introduces the xComputer, a simple model computer, and investigates how it operates in a fetch-and-execute cycle to carry out machine language
instructions stored in its memory. "

xComputer Lab 2: Assembly Language Programming.

"Covers assembly language programming for the xComputer, including labels and indirect addressing."

xComputer Lab 3: Subroutines.

"Introduces the idea of a subroutine and shows how subroutines can be implemented "by hand" in the assembly language of xComputer, even though
that language does not offer direct support for subroutines."

Carpe diem!