15-213/18-213/15-513 Intro to Computer Systems: Frequently Asked Questions

    General Programming Issues

  • When I try to run an executable file included in a lab handout, I get a "Permission denied" error. What should I do?

    • The executable bit is not set. You have two options:
      • Reextract the files from the tarball (preferred).
      • Run “chmod +x <filename>” to set the executable bit (risky—the file itself may be corrupted).
    • This problem may occur if you extract the handout tarball on a Windows machine. Always extract the handout on a Linux machine.

  • How do I extract a tarball on a Linux machine?

    • Run “tar -xvf <filename>” to extract it.

  • How do I avoid mixing tabs and spaces in my code?

    • If using vim, add the following to your ~/.vimrc: 
      set expandtab
set tabstop=4
set shiftwidth=4

  • How do I make sure I don't have any non-ASCII characters in my code?

    • Look at your code on autolab -- it will complain if you have non-ASCII characters.
    • Run “file mycode.c” You should expect to see: “ASCII C program text”.

  • My code has non-ASCII characters, how do I find where they are?

    • Try grepping for UTF-8 (common) characters in your code as follows: 
      grep --color='auto' -P -n "[\x80-\xFF]" mycode.c

    • General Course Issues

  • Why can't I access Autolab?

    • Did you recently join the course? It is possible you do not yet have an account.
    • Make a piazza post if you need an account created for you.

  • Why can't I access the shark machines?

    • You should be able to access the shark machines with your Andrew credentials. Make a piazza post if you have trouble.

  • Must I work on the shark machines?

    • Your work will be graded on the shark machines, so it is in your best interest to work there.
    • For most labs, you may alternatively work on the Andrew Unix machines, which are nearly identical.
    • You must complete bomblab and attacklab on a shark machine.

  • I have trouble working on the shark machines because I'm uncomfortable using the shell or available editors.

    • Consider attending the Linux Boot Camp at the beginning of the semester.
    • Consult the quick-reference sheets posted on the Resources page.

  • Should I read the lab writeup before seeking help?

    • Yes.
    • Did we say, "Yes"?
    • Yes, we did.
    • Please read the lab writeups.
    • :-)

  • How can I get help?

    • Post questions on Piazza (for assignments and exams).
    • Stop by during office hours.
    • Schedule a 1:1 meeting with your instructors or TAs.

  • Must I attend a particular recitation?

    • You may attend any recitation you wish as long as the instructor leading the recitation allows it.
    • Please make sure the recitation you normally attend is the one specified on your Autolab account; if this is not the case, email the staff list.

  • I am working from a Windows machine. How do I connect to the Shark machines?

    • Use the Cisco VPN client if you are off-campus: Cisco VPN client. There is a known issue with connection stability if you do not use the VPN client: your connection will randomly freeze or drop.
    • Use the CMU recommended Windows SSH/SFTP client: Tectia SSH/SFTP . If you need a lightweight SSH client you can use PuTTY instead: PuTTY
    • Avoid X-Windows (X-Term, XEmacs etc.) and the WIndows AFS client if you do not have experience with them. Instead open multiple Tectia SSH/SCP windows and use text-based editors on the Shark machine (emacs, vim or nano).
    • There are other nice tools like a Windows AFS client (OpenAFS), X-Windows support (X-Win 32) and the Linux-on-Windows port (cygwin). They are powerful tools in the hands of experts but often very painful to set up and can be the source of a lot of frustration and painful data loss when not used well. If you have no experience with them, leave the finger from them.

  • I have some command line output that I'd like to send to the staff. Should I send it as a screenshot?

    • No. Text (copy and paste) is fine.

  • My editor shows me that my C code looks fine, but when my TA prints it out it looks different!

    • Your editor is configured to use tabs as a certain width. Please use spaces instead of tabs.
    • To see what we'll see when we grade your submissions: run 
      a2ps -s2  --pretty-print --landscape --columns=2 --rows=1 --tabsize=4 --chars-per-line=80 somefile.c -o someotherfile.ps
    • To replace all tabs with spaces, run 
      expand -t4 file > otherfile

  • How do I set up GIT?

    • 1) Go to the GIT server to access GIT
    • 2) If you do not have access to GIT, please make a post on Piazza. You may have to wait a few days into the semester for everyone in the class to have access. If you just signed up and are waitlisted, please wait 24 hours and then post to Piazza if you still do not have access.
    • 3) Set up your SSH keys. Follow the instructions here