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<center><h2>Welcome</h2></center><font size="2">This is a survey on the use of different operating systems in the
COmputer Science curriculum. We are investigating why instructors and lab administrators
choose the platforms they do. Primarily, we focus on Windows platforms vs. Unix/Linux,
since these seem to dominate the field. We are interested in learning about the
advantages and disadvantages of each system and how those weigh in the choices
you and your colleagues make. </font>
<p><font size="2">You will be asked to answer to a number of specific questions.
In addition, there are numerous text boxes in which you will be invited to give
your thoughts in free form.</font></p>
<p><font size="2">The survey is divided into six pages, one discussing general
OS usage in computer labs, and the other five corresponding to the following
groups of courses:</font></p>
<ol>
<li><font size="2">Introduction to the use of a particular OS, e.g. using the
Windows interface or Unix shell.</font></li>
<li><font size="2"> Introduction to programming in a particular OS, e.g. Unix
shell programming, using Microsoft Foundation Classes, and Unix system calls.</font></li>
<li><font size="2"> Certification-based courses, e.g. Cisco network management
certification.</font></li>
<li><font size="2"> Introduction to the use of some applications, e.g. Word,
Excel, Photoshop.</font></li>
<li><font size="2"> Principles of operating system design and implementation,
e.g. process scheduling, concurrency, ISO network model.</font></li>
</ol>
<p><font size="2">Courses in the first three groups are inherently OS-specific.
Those in group 4 tend to be OS-specific, in that many applications are predominantly
associated with one OS. Those in group 5 are generally not OS-specific, but
may become specific when case studies are done or programming assignments are
given.</font></p>
<p><font size="2">Presumably every college has some general computing labs, so
that part of the survey should be filled out by everyone. Other than that, you
will be asked to fill out only those parts of the survey for which your school
offers courses.</font></p>