Purchasing the Visual C++ Compiler

We are officially using Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 for the course since the "Professional" version of the software is installed on every campus computer. Many former students in CMPSC 101 students were able to use campus computers (Luerssen, library, etc.) to complete the assignments for this course so it is not necessary to install the software on your home computer. However, the "Express" version of Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 is available as a free download at

http://www.microsoft.com/visualstudio/en-us/products/2010-editions/visual-cpp-express

After 30 days, you may have to register your downloaded software in order to continue using it. You'll simply be asked to supply an email address.

Microsoft Visual C++ is not available for Macintosh or Linux computers though there are many other C++ compilers available for those platforms. The code that you hand in for the programming assignments must execute properly on Visual C++ 2010 so it is not recommended that you use the other C++ compilers that are available for Mac or Linux computers. You should plan to do your assignments on a campus computer if you use Mac or Linux home computer.