conrad@wucs.UUCP (Conrad Cunningham) (05/17/85)
Students in a "good" computer science program probably need access to more capability than can be provided by the typical PC's such as the AT&T. But this class of PC may be a low cost entry into computing for schools that are relatively "poor". I don't think that forcing students to buy a specific PC is a particularly good idea though. What really disturbs me about a few of the articles is that the authors seem to imply the validity of the equation computer science = hacking I think that this is more acute with the "kids" who grew up with PC's at home. I think that some aspects of the current computing scene encourages sloppy thinking, inefficient work habits, and unprofessional attitudes. (Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't want to give up Emacs on a Vax and go back to punching cards for an IBM batch system.) Two points: (1) I think that valid computing science programs can be taught without every major having his own personal Vax to hack on. The most important storage for computing scientists is still inside of their heads, not on magnetic disks. (2) Students being forced to do some of their work on limited computer systems may be good--it encourages the student to be more innovative in the design of algorithms and data structures and be more efficient in his/her work habits. (It can also encourage bad habits, e.g., an excessive concern for efficiency.) Conrad Cunningham