Optional Courses

• Introduction to computer programming using C++
• Introduction to Ubuntu Linux and the Orca screen reader

Introduction to computer programming using C++

Instructor: David Hathaway

This course will teach you how to write a simple computer programme in the programming language C++.

If you know C++, it’s pretty easy to learn almost any other programming language used today. Languages like Java, Microsoft’s .net C Sharp, and Python are all similar to C++.

We shall use Borland’s free C++ compiler and command line tools, which can be downloaded here. Please refer to this page for help with installation. If you want to continue learning C++ after this course, a good resource is the C++ Tutorial at C++.com. This tutorial starts with basic programming concepts and teaches you everything you will need to create useful C++ programmes. It can also be downloaded as a single pdf file.

In order to compile the example programmes, you will need to know how to use the DOS command line. Please refer to this page for a good tutorial on using the command line.

Introduction to Ubuntu Linux and the Orca screen reader

Instructor: Mr. Amir Teh

Ubuntu Linux is a freely available operating system. It includes a free software speech synthesiser and a powerful screen reader called Orca. Participants will learn how to use the Gnome desktop and the Orca screen reader.

You can find more information about Ubuntu Linux on the Ubuntu Home Page. Please see this page for more information about the Orca screen reader.