CSoc

Hi,

Sometimes, we go to far away places to give ourselves a better education and a better future. But it is a challenge like no other. It is thus important to develop a sense of belonging in the new place, which could come in many shapes and colours. For me, it came in the form of the Computer Society.

When I first came to the University of Essex, I found it very welcoming. But I was particularly pleased with the idea of being a member of the Computer Society here. It is my field of study after all... and after the very first meeting of the same, I knew I belonged.

The Computer Society (CSoc as I like to call it) was set up singlehandedly by Jenya Kovalchuk, a charming and enterprising PhD student from the School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering. While it is still in its first year, it is already flourishing.

We, members of CSoc, gather on Wednesdays to attend seminars on very interesting topics by experts in the field. So far, I've had the privilege of attending the following seminars: Glassfish by Jenya Kovalchuk, Sun SPOTs by Bernard Horan, Wonderland by Bernard Horan, and OpenSolaris by David Cole. Some of the technology presented in these seminars is quite cutting-edge and left me very impressed indeed. I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to get a first-hand taste of such concepts that are changing the world around us.

As members, we also have the opportunity to give presentations/demos on tech topics of our choice. So far, Bogdan Suvar, one of our society's most active members, has presented the much talked-about topic of Web 2 to us. I have been wanting to make use of this wonderful chance myself, but have been unable to, due to the frantic pace of my post-graduate academic commitments.

CSoc also backs the concept of Open Source. It has enabled people all over the world to not only access different kinds of technology but also contribute to them and make them better. Some of the coolest new innovations in the tech world are open source. One of the trailblazers of this concept is Sun Microsystems (which has proven to be a source of excellent speakers for us). In fact, when Bernard Horan demonstrated the awesome technology of Sun SPOTs to us, he emphasised the fact that it was accessible as open source and students could also make a difference and help take the technology forward with their contributions!

We are therefore also associated with the Essex Open Source University Meetup community i.e. Essex OSUM (pronounced "awesome", as says the website : D) Becoming a member here is quite simple, very beneficial, and totally FREE!!! For one thing, it provides us with means to keep track of new ideas emerging in the open source world. We can also attend web seminars (smartly called webinars), interact with other members (from Essex and other tech schools all over the world), keep track of upcoming events, read blogs, view relevant photos and videos, and so many other cool things. Here's how you get there:

http://osum.sun.com/group/essexuniversityosum

Another CSoc advantage is SAI. As members of CSoc, we gain FREE access to the Sun Academic Initiative portal. Here, we can undertake various online courses and there is plenty to choose from! I must also mention that members who do these courses would be in the running for an iPod touch! Not just that, we also get a 50% discount for getting certification; so also, members who obtain these certificates would be in the running for a trip to Sun ONE in California!!! To access SAI, here's the link:

https://sailearningconnection.skillport.com/

(You would need login details which you can easily obtain from Jenya - yvkova@essex.ac.uk)

The positives don't stop there. One of the coolest things about CSoc is the excellent goodies we get thanks to Sun and Jenya! Installation CDs, other freebies, free giveaways during seminars... too cool, I say!

CSoc and OSUM are here to stay... and it's time you joined the party!

CSoc: http://www.essexstudent.com/organisation/6490/

Essex OSUM: http://osum.sun.com/group/essexuniversityosum


Kshitija Rane (Secretary, CSoc)