<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, Linux, and Unix,
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 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 seven parts, the first six 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, concurrencymodel.</font></li>
  <li><font size="2"> Principles of computer networks, 
    e.g. 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 and 6 are generally not OS-specific, but 
  may become specific when case studies are done or programming assignments are 
  given.
You 
  will be asked to fill out only those parts of the survey for which your school 
  offers that type of course.</font></p>
<p><font size="2">The seventh part is a catch-all category that includes questions to be answered by everyone.  Primarily, they concern the provision of computer labs (which, presumably, every college has.)
</font></p>