Termcard for Hilary Term 2003

Introduction to TCP|IP Networking

Wednesday 22nd January, 20:00
Comlab

TCP/IP is the "glue" that allows completely different networks and computers to be put together to form the Internet. In this talk we will discuss TCP/IP's constituent protocols (IP, ICMP, UDP and TCP) and explain what happens when you connect to a resource on the Internet. There should be plenty of scope go into more detail on any aspect the audience is interested in.

Basic Unix Usage

Wednesday 29th January, 20:00
Trinity

Please note that this event will take place on 29th January, which is a Wedesday, not a Tuesday as stated in the printed termcard!

Following on from last term's introduction to Linux, Alasdair Kergon will show you how to actually get things done with the system.

Video Night

Thursday 30th January, 20:00
Trinity

Now the term's well started, it's clearly time to relax for an evening. Come along and watch some vaguely computery films. Previous favourites have included Hackers and Wargames; if you've got a particular request, let us know.

Hands-on: The Compsoc Network

Wednesday 5th February, 20:00
NAPL

Many Compsoc members will have applied for an account on the network when they joined, but may be at a bit of a loss as to what to do with it. Building on Alasdair's talk earlier in the term, this will give you a chance to see just what the network is good for and ask questions of its administrators.

Perl

Thursday 6th February, 20:00
Comlab

An interpreted scripting language, Perl is sometimes referred to as "Unix's Swiss Army Chainsaw". It's ever more ubiquitous, and, with the ongoing work on Perl 6, it's the subject of active and exciting development. Ganesh Sittampalam will give an introduction to what Perl can do for you.

Ruby

Thursday 13th February, 20:30
Comlab

Ruby is a completely object-oriented language from Japan. As a scripting language, it is influenced by Perl and Python, but also draws on CLU, Smalltalk and many other less mainstream languages. Simon Cozens, a former Perl devotee and recent Ruby convert, explains how Ruby gives you the best of both worlds.

Unix and Shells

Wednesday 19th February, 20:00
Comlab

Moving on from his basic Unix work earlier in the term, Alasdair Kergon will talk about some of the more advanced features of the Unix environment, especially focusing on the wonderful world of the shell.

Hands-on: Perl and Ruby

Thursday 20th February, 20:00
NAPL

In the last couple of weeks you've heard all about these two great scripting languages — now come along and try them for yourself.

Subversion

Thursday 27th February, 20:00
Trinity

A version control system is a useful tool in the armoury of anybody who works on substantial projects on a computer. It can keep track of old versions of files (usually, but not necessarily, source code), and keep a log of who made changes, when and why they did so. In the open source — and many other — worlds, this role has been traditionally filled by CVS. Subversion is an up and coming new project which aims to address CVS's deficiencies.

Annual General Meeting

Tuesday 4th March, 19:00
Magdalen

At the annual general meeting, all aspects of the running of the society will be up for discussion, so come along and have your say. Furthermore, we'll be electing a new committee to lead the society into the next year. Afterwards, we'll wander off down Cowley Road for the traditional curry.

Examining Options for XML Storage and Retrieval

Wednesday 5th March, 20:30
Comlab

Tom Dyson of Torchbox will be talking about XML, XSLT and related technologies. XML is one of the great industry buzzwords, and Torchbox are interested in employing Compsoc members, so it's an opportunity not to be missed.

LaserQuest

Tuesday 11th March, 20:00
Gloucester Green

Compsoc's members will be emerging from the darkness of their terminal rooms to, well, the darkness of LaserQuest. This long-standing tradition is always fun and well-attended.

If you'd like to come, please let us know with an e-mail to committee@ox.compsoc.net as soon as possible.