View Full Version : Some people complain their university requires them to use non-free software...
Bachstelze
March 15th, 2010, 08:21 PM
... well, mine requires us to use Emacs as an editor, and it's just as bad. It's like requiring a certain brand of pen for written stuff.
/me hates GNU fanatics, which apparently my university CS department is full of, and their peculiar conception of "Freedom".
Mods feel free to move/close/whatever this, just needed to vent.
Nevon
March 15th, 2010, 08:23 PM
While I agree that it is very odd, how would they notice that you're not using emacs? I assume it can export into some common format.
Bachstelze
March 15th, 2010, 08:27 PM
While I agree that it is very odd, how would they notice that you're not using emacs? I assume it can export into some common format.
During lab class today, I was working in vim, and the teacher came to me and said: "From now on, you'll use emacs, not vim." I think we're still free to use whatever editor we want for homework. I'll ask, though.
RiceMonster
March 15th, 2010, 08:39 PM
We use vim at my college. YAY!
Not for everything, just the stuff on Linux.
swoll1980
March 15th, 2010, 08:40 PM
We had to use Visio to make flowcharts in one of my classes, even though the text book came with Raptor. Because of this I had to do all the flow charting assignments for that class in the lab, instead of being able to use Raptor at my house.
Shining Arcanine
March 15th, 2010, 08:41 PM
During lab class today, I was working in vim, and the teacher came to me and said: "From now on, you'll use emacs, not vim." I think we're still free to use whatever editor we want for homework. I'll ask, though.
What university is this? I think you are at the wrong university for computer science if the professor dictates which editor you must use.
t0p
March 15th, 2010, 08:45 PM
How curious! I suppose someone there thinks that an ability to use emacs well is a vital skill for you students to master. But expecting you to actually use it all the time... If you don't mind me asking: what course is this? Is it just this particular tutor for this particular class that wants you to use emacs, or is it an actual requirement of the entire course?
There is an alternative course of action: continue to use a different editor; and when the tutor next says "From now you will use emacs," you reply: "Actually I won't." And see what happens.
I'd also like to point out that if this guy wants you to use emacs, you chose the best way possible to annoy him by using vim instead. That emacs/vi(m) thing is a holy war that makes the Palestine/Israel thing look like a bun-fight. But you already knew that, of course. ;)
Bachstelze
March 15th, 2010, 08:47 PM
What university is this? I think you are at the wrong university for computer science if the professor dictates which editor you must use.
I know. Sadly, I was a real slacker in HS, so my grades were good but not good enough to get admitted in a high-standard university.
Kids, if you're still in HS, don't slack off, even if it's boring as hell. :p
If you don't mind me asking: what course is this? Is it just this particular tutor for this particular class that wants you to use emacs, or is it an actual requirement of the entire course?
This is the only class I have this semester with lab work. I guess I'l see what happens next. The whole CS department is very GNU-oriented, though, so it wouldn't really surprise me if it was the norm.
There is an alternative course of action: continue to use a different editor; and when the tutor next says "From now you will use emacs," you reply: "Actually I won't." And see what happens.
Actually that thought crossed my mind, but I thought it would be a bit childish, tbh. I think I'll make a post on the course newgroup to see what the higher-ups think about it.
whiskeylover
March 15th, 2010, 08:49 PM
Use notepad just to **** him off.
RiceMonster
March 15th, 2010, 08:50 PM
Use notepad just to **** him off.
edit.com is way better
whiskeylover
March 15th, 2010, 08:52 PM
edit.com is way better
If you really want to go hardcore...
copy con filename
Bachstelze
March 15th, 2010, 08:55 PM
Use notepad just to **** him off.
I think WINE is installed on the lab machines, I'll try that. :p
Tibuda
March 15th, 2010, 08:58 PM
I have heard you can run vim on emacs. That's true? I'd do that, if I knew how to do it.
Bachstelze
March 15th, 2010, 08:59 PM
I have heard you can run vim on emacs. That's true? I'd do that.
You can run anything on Emacs. A great man once said "Emacs is a great operating system. Too bad it lacks a good text editor."
samh785
March 15th, 2010, 09:01 PM
I will defend free software tooth and nail, but I will just as vigorously defend the right of a person to use a proprietary application if they choose to use it. After all, choice is what really matters.
Tibuda
March 15th, 2010, 09:02 PM
You can run anything on Emacs. A great man once said "Emacs is a great operating system. Too bad it lacks a good text editor."
well, if you can run vim, it does not lack a good text editor.
lykwydchykyn
March 15th, 2010, 09:03 PM
You can run anything on Emacs. A great man once said "Emacs is a great operating system. Too bad it lacks a good text editor."
M-x vi-mode is your friend.
Although I use and like Emacs, I think your teacher's attitude is appalling. At least people require proprietary software for a reason (document compatibility); text files are text files, I can't imagine why they care how you make them.
On the flip side, at least you didn't have to pay for an editor you don't want to use.
Simian Man
March 15th, 2010, 09:04 PM
Are you sure he wasn't just pulling your leg? I've told my students they'll fail the course if I catch them using Emacs, but it's just a joke.
t0p
March 15th, 2010, 09:07 PM
http://imgs.xkcd.com/comics/real_programmers.png
Biochem
March 15th, 2010, 10:04 PM
During lab class today, I was working in vim, and the teacher came to me and said: "From now on, you'll use emacs, not vim." I think we're still free to use whatever editor we want for homework. I'll ask, though.
Actually, if the teacher doesn't know how to use vim he can't help you if you have problem during his class. Standardization of tools is common in a classroom. Ask him why, if that's the reason you will probably be able to negotiate with him while if he's just a zealot you will loose grade if you go against him.
katie-xx
March 15th, 2010, 10:07 PM
Well I can only relay my own experience.
I did my degree at one the the best uni's in UK.
We had to use whatever software was required for the course. No discretion allowed there and actually, I would have some difficulty understanding how it could be done otherwise.
Kate
Shpongle
March 15th, 2010, 11:01 PM
i had to use rational software architect and rational rose , for uml modelling and class , use case , sequence diagrams etc . its good software though
lisati
March 15th, 2010, 11:13 PM
My $0.02: learning how to deal gracefully with people who disagree with your choices is probably just as valuable as any material you might learn on a course. This is particularly important when the person could be perceived as having some degree of authority over your current situation.
katie-xx
March 15th, 2010, 11:21 PM
i had to use rational software architect and rational rose , for uml modelling and class , use case , sequence diagrams etc . its good software though
Yes we had to use Rational Rose as well.
What IDE did you have to use ?
Kate
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.2.2 Copyright © 2024 vBulletin Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.