NDSU CS Department Wiki

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====== I Have A Problem! ======

=== The first step in fixing a problem is knowing what you are trying to accomplish. ===

This is by far the most common issue people have. If you do not understand what you are trying to do, it's hard to determine what is going wrong.
  * Have you read and followed any directions you were given?
  * Have you examined the error message(s) you received? They can help you narrow down the problem (unless it's one of the often useless error numbers from Windows).
  * Have you Googled the error message? The internet has a lot of solutions to problems. Just be sure you understand the solution before implementing it as there is a LOT of BAD information out there. Try an official site before something like stack exchange.
  * If it's a program you wrote? Add debugging outputs or log files to help determine what is going on with the code.  A simple ''print "I'm here"'' statement can be of enormous help. 



===== How to ask for help =====

=== Can't fix it your self and the internet is no help? ===

Email your Instructor or Faculty Advisor for help and include answers for any of the following questions that might be related to your problem. Just saying "Help, I can't log in" doesn't provide any information as to what is wrong.
**If you are including a screenshot, be sure it shows necessary info and is legible!** An image that just shows the text "An error occurred" or one that is unreadable is {{:deptlab:cs101:bad_example_screenshot.png?linkonly|useless}}.

**For connection problems:**
  * What type of computer are you trying to connect from? (Windows, Mac, iPhone, etc.)
  * What is the name of the program you are trying to use to connect? (Putty, XTerm, iTerm, windows CMD shell, etc)
    * Do you know how to use the program you are using to connect to the remote computer? 
    * Use the proper command names and procedures when asking for help. For example "I'm logging into Putty." is meaningless as you do not log into Putty but use Putty to log into a remote computer X.
  * What is the address of the computer you are trying to connect to? (Name or IP)
  * When did you last try? Date and approximate time.
  * What is the username you are using when trying to connect?
  * Where are you trying to connect from? (NDSU, Home, China, etc.)
  * What happens when you try to connect? **Be specific.** Provide error messages or descriptions of behavior. If sending screen shots, **be sure they are readable by humans**.
  * Have you tried to connect FROM another computer?
  * Have you tried to connect TO another computer(s)? If yes, what is the computer(s) address?
  * Are you running aftermarket firewall and/or anti-virus software? IF yes, what? (McAfee, AVG, etc.)

**For programming problems:**
  * What class are you in?
  * What type of computer are you using? (Windows, Mac, iPhone, etc.)
  * What language are you using?
  * What IDE are you using and have you determined it is not an IDE problem?
  * What additional packages are you using? (Python libraries, JDBC Driver, MPI SDK, etc.)
  * What are you trying to accomplish? (Assignment number, project description, etc.)
  * What is wrong? **Be specific.** Provide error messages or descriptions of behavior. If sending screen shots, **be sure they are readable by humans**.
  * What have to tried to do to fix the problem and what were the results.  Again, be specific.

**For ITS Windows Lab problems:**
  * If it's a first floor lab in the QBB or other building on campus. Ask the [[https://www.ndsu.edu/it/help/|Help Desk]].
  * If it's an Office 365 problem (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.). Ask the [[https://www.ndsu.edu/it/help/|Help Desk]].



** For homework problems **
  * Ask your instructor, graduate advisor (if you are a graduate student), class tutor or learning assistant, or someone at ACE tutoring.
  * QBB 248 is the CS Department's Tutoring room. Stop in for help.
  * Copying someone else can only help you fail. [[https://www.ndsu.edu/academichonesty/|Academic Honesty]]