Termcard for Trinity Term 2002

Stephen White - Introduction to Python

Thursday 25th April, 08:00
Comlab

Stephen introduces programming in Python. Python is seen by many as a suitable alternative to Perl for system and CGI scripting; this talk will attempt to cover the features of Python that make it good for these purposes, as well as looking at other uses, such as its use as an embedded interpreter in other software.

Web Programming

Thursday 2nd May, 08:00
Comlab

This will be a general introduction to server-side web programming. It will start with the ubiquitous CGI interface and various methods of programming to this interface, and go on to discuss other interfaces such as mod_perl, HTML::Mason, Embperl and Safeperl (as offered by Compsoc). We will also offer some advice on writing secure scripts.

Whilst the main focus will be Perl under UNIX-like operating systems, there will be a possibility of covering other languages (e.g. PHP) and interfaces (e.g. ASP), as well as database backends. If you have any requests or would like to contribute your knowledge of a particular area to this talk, please email compsoc@ox.compsoc.net as soon as possible.

NaturalMotion

Tuesday 7th May, 08:00
Comlab

Note: this event is not at the usual time for external speaker events.

Evolving Humans for Games and Films - Real-time neural control of physically simulated characters.

The producers of both action films and 3D computer games are now beginning to realise the potential of physical simulation technology for their titles. It saves them time, enhances realism and increases interactivity. However, only with the appropriate AI techniques to control these physical simulations, can these scenes be brought to life.

Colm Massey, co-founder of NaturalMotion Ltd., an Oxford University spin-off, explains how they are applying biologically inspired control and optimisation techniques to simulated humans for games and movies.

Hands-on Web Programming

Wednesday 8th May, 08:00
NAPL

Following on from the Web programming talk in week 2, come along and try out your knowledge. Seek advice from the self-declared masters of the subject!

OxLUG

Sunday 12th May, 06:30
Comlab

Note: this event is not organised by Compsoc.

The topic of this month's Oxfordshire Linux Users Group talk has not yet been decided. See http://www.oxlug.org for up-to-date information.

Linux Software Packaging

Wednesday 15th May, 08:00
Comlab

Linux distributions such as Redhat and Debian make your life easier by compiling software and distributing it in a common format to work together with packages from the same distribution. The ideal way to install a piece of software that doesn't come with the distribution is to package it up in the same way so that it can be easily removed, upgraded, or installed on another machine. This talk will be an introduction to doing this for the two most common Linux packaging formats, RPM and DEB. It's easier than you think!

The Moving Picture Company

Thursday 16th May, 08:30
Comlab

Huw Lynes from the Moving Picture Company will talk about the digital post-production and the computer systems used for it.

Please watch the website for a more up-to-date description of this event.

Termly General Meeting and Curry

Thursday 23rd May, 07:00
Corpus

Come along and tell the new committee how much you wish you had voted for someone else. As is traditional, after the meeting we will head out for a curry.

OxLUG Installfest

Sunday 26th May, 10:00
22nd Oxford Sea Scout Hall, Meadow Lane, off Donnington Bridge Road

Members of OxLUG will be helping anyone who wants to install Linux on their computer. Please see the website http://www.oxlug.org/linuxday/ for more details. If any members of Compsoc would like to attend with their computers but need help with transport, please contact ganesh@ox.compsoc.net who will try to arrange something.

Michael Meeks - Gnome 2.0, coming to a Desktop near you

Tuesday 28th May, 08:30
Comlab

Note: this event is jointly organised by Compsoc and OxLUG.

This talk will present the latest and greatest, smaller, faster, more beautiful Gnome 2.0 desktop environment, and explain why this is going to be the platform of choice for Unix Vendors and ISVs for the next 5 years. You will catch a glimpse of the power of the new environment, and the (fading) glory of the exciting things still happening on top of the Gnome 1.4 platform. You should come away inspired with the vision of an accessible Free software desktop.

Compsoc Punting

Saturday 1st June
Somewhere on (hopefully not in!) the Cherwell

Enjoy a sunny afternoon on the river with the rest of Compsoc. Please email committee@ox.compsoc.net ASAP if you intend to come since we'll need to know numbers to book punts.

Social - Compsoc Programming Project

Wednesday 5th June, 08:00
NAPL

At the same event last year, grand plans were laid for the hotshot programmers of Compsoc to write a distributed appointments management system. At a subsequent social, a rather less ambitious attempt was made to turn the Compsoc termcard into XML to make it easier to convert to other formats (e.g. WML, or to sync to PDAs). Come along and do your bit to advance either or both of these projects, or just to have a chat and mess around with computers.

LaserQuest

Tuesday 11th June, 08:00
Gloucester Green

End the term in time-honoured style, making new friends and enemies down the barrel of a laser gun. Meet outside LaserQuest at Gloucester Green.

If you'd like to come, please let us know with an e-mail to committee@ox.compsoc.net by the end of sixth week.

BBQ

Wednesday 12th June, 06:30
11 Goodson Walk, Marston

Finish off the term and indeed this year with the annual Barbecue. Food provided; bring your own drink. A party will leave from outside Keble lodge at 6pm if you don't know the way.