[Vagabundo]

I am taking UNIX/Linux operating environment class, for some reason it is required to take Visual Basic prior to taking this class. I already passed that class. The part that I don't understand is, why would Visual Basic be pre-required class instead of C programming language?

[RobLinux]

Perhaps it's their basic introduction to programming concepts class?

Or they found if ppl learn UNIX/Linux evironment first that noone takes VB seriously after?

[briealeida]

I think RobLinux is on to something with his second suggestion.

You ought to raise the issue. If enough people make big enough of a stink, they'll change it. :-)!

[net_newsy]

The emphasis is on "the techniques of programming and problem solving". With *Visual Basic* you have a complete set of tools to SIMPLIFY development. Although (in my opinion) you can start learning C right away if you are into LINUX.

In short...
"some instructors assumes you are all beginners in programming"

[veribaka]

Maybe VB is considered an introduction to the "how things work behind the scene thing". At least I tend to look at linux that way.

[zchenyu]

Originally Posted by RobLinux

Perhaps it's their basic introduction to programming concepts class?

Or they found if ppl learn UNIX/Linux evironment first that noone takes VB seriously after?

Haha, I just laughed after the second comment.

Hmm, but yeah, you might want to bring that issue up to someone. It really makes no sense at all to have VB knowledge as a prerequisite to *nix.

[net_newsy]

BTW

If it is for programming concepts, Why not USE Gambas or Mono instead?


I tried learning VB6 before but stopped when I found out it is an ALL WINDOWS language.

Even freeBASIC, which also includes binaries for Linux, appeals MORE to me than VB.

[RobLinux]

One of the reasons not to use Windows is because M$ obsoletes it's technology regularly, and likes incompatible updates and expensive upgrades.

If you have prepared a course, and have training materials, it is not trivial to update it all and the environment. Yes it's bad that education, took upon itself to train ppl to use word, powerpoint, excel etc, but they did and in 2000 despite NT crashing every hour or two, I saw a Uni where most CS was done on evil empire boxen.

Part of the reason that may have been popular was laptops, which many students had, probably Win desktops.