Resources for Computer Science beginners
With the available resources and sites, you should be able to get off to a running start if you are new to the Computer Science game.
Arduino
Curious about what we're doing? Well all your answers will be solved at Arduino's main website. This website will show you exactly what these circuit boards are all about and a ton of examples of what we can do with them. It even has the free download to download the IDE usd to program the Arduino boards
Click on the icon to access Arduino's main website
If this website does not answer all of your questions, leave any further questions in our support letter.
Fritzing
Have you ever wanted to be able to program things like a pro but never had the chance or time to get all of the materials? Download Fritzing to be able to do just that. With Fritzing you are able to virtually use Arduino boards and accessories to build programs to run virtual creations. This app is especially good for people who are not quite sure where to start but don't want to ruin all of their expensive equipment.
Click on the icon to run virtual programs on Fritzing
HackStore
Hackstore allows you to put your app onto their site for free. This site also has a ton of other fun apps for you to look at too. Everything is free and has no virus's. To clear up any confusion, this does not put your app on the Apple app store, it puts it onto the HackStore website for other users to look at.
Click on the icon to access the HackStore website
*Hackstore can only be accessed by Apple product users
Codecademy
Always wanted to learn how to code? Go to Codecademy to learn how! This site teaches you several different programs and how to code to them in a short period of time. The several different languages include Java, Python, Ruby etc. All of these languages are free to use and learning how will only take a week or two with dedication. These languages are nesseccary to run the Arduino boards that our Advanced Technology class will be using.
Click on the icon to learn how to code at Codecademy
Ubuntu
Ubuntu is a free Debian-based Linux operating system. Now for some people who aren't too involved with computers, that sounded like non-sense. In simpler terms, it is a type of interface such as windows or mac but with higher security and for more advanced usages such as programming and editing. If you're a programmer and need to use Linux but don't want to pay for it, use this. It's free and it's easy to use!
Click on the icon to access the download process for Ubuntu
Adafruit
Adafruit is one of the websites we use to get ideas for new projects. It has in depth instructions for projects along with what products you'll need which you can order straight off the site. It also has extra libraries for your arduino IDE in order for you to do some of your projects. Libraries are just one line scripts that you can insert into your code that contain long lines of codes. Adafruit is great for beginners who want to do some good projects that will wow their friends.
Click on the icon to access the Adafruit homepage
Makezine
This site contains more advance projects along with a place to purchase more advanced pieces of tech. It contains a blog, videos, DIY tutorials, and keeps you updated on day-to-day advances in technology. This site contains not only Arduino projects but Raspberry Pi projects and 3D printer projects. If you are looking to advance your learning in the field of computer science, Makezine has kits and books that will help you along.
Click on the icon above to access the Makezine website.
Tinkercad
Tinkercad is a drag-and-drop 3D modeling site that allows easy access to other creations along with snap to objects. Tinkercad is a form of computer aided design which architects and other designers use. With this program, you are able to upload your designs into .stl files and upload them directly to the printer or straight onto an SD card. Tinkercad is easily accessible and saves all of your previous designs for safe keeping.
To access Tinkercad's website, click on the icon above.
Tor
Tor is free software for enabling anonymous communication. Tor directs Internet traffic through a free, worldwide, volunteer network consisting of more than six thousand relays to conceal a user's location and usage from anyone conducting network surveillance or traffic analysis. Using Tor makes it more difficult for Internet activity to be traced back to the user: this includes visits to Web sites, online posts, and instant messages.
Click on the icon above to download the Tor browser
Bittorrent
How many of you have wanted to view a shared file but it costs money such as a movie or game. BitTorrent is a protocol for the practice of peer-to-peer file sharing that is used to distribute large amounts of data over the Internet. In order to view torrent files you will need a bittorrent application in order to view those files. Just find a torrent you want, download it, then open it using bittorrent. Bittorrent is not meant for piracy but more for peer-to-peer file sharing.
Click on the icon above to download the Bittorrent application.
Circuit io
Like fritzing, you are able to use circuit io to plan out your project without messing with any of your tools. You simply go to their website, choose which parts you are using, type a simple explanation of what you want your project to do, enter your email, and the people at circuit io will send you a link to a github repository with schematics of the project and a working code for you to use. It's that easy and it's very simple and useful for beginners.
To get started with Circuit io, click on the link above.
Instructables
Instructables is a lot like makezine, in that, it is used for people looking to do simple projects but aren't sure what or how to do them. Instructables offers many projects submitted by users all over the world for you to try. This site isn't just for arduino or other microcontrollers, they offer projects for all sorts of hobbyists looking to advance their knowledge in a certain field by getting hands-on experience.
To go to the instructables website, click on the link above.