On September 15, the fall CIT Computer Training Program will go up on the Web at http://training.cit.nih.gov, and registration for the fall term will begin. Classes are still being scheduled as Interface goes to press, but a variety of new courses have already been planned.

For traditional mainframe users, Perry Plexico and Pete Morton will give a presentation on planning for the retirement of WYLBUR. They will discuss the alternatives for replacing its functionality and describe some of the approaches being taken by customers in making a successful transition.

The Advanced Laboratory Workstation service (ALW) has revamped their series of seminars and is giving a new one focusing on the ALW version of the common desktop environment (CDE).

Perhaps the most remarkable feature of the computer training program is the fact that because the great majority of instructors are volunteers who take on the task of presenting classes in addition to their already busy work schedules, we are able to offer the entire program without fees or tuition charges. Even more remarkable, ten of the instructors come from outside CIT, sharing their knowledge from a pure enthusiasm for their subject. For example, Karen Skinner from NIDA will be giving two presentations on FLASH4, which she uses to provide animated presentations with multi-layered video.

Sometimes we can take advantage of a vendor’s willingness to bring someone in to make a presentation highlighting new features of software used at NIH. On September 21, SPSS Inc. will give a full day series of seminars on SPSS 9.0 in the Natcher Conference Center. Also in Natcher, Wolfram Research, Inc., will present a seminar on Mathematica scheduled for November.

Most often though, students request new classes and someone from CIT with expertise in the area steps forward and volunteers to prepare and give the class. For the last two terms Perl has been the subject most often requested. This fall, Sandy Orlow of CIT, who has many years of experience in object oriented programming, has agreed to give a class for experienced coders. The class will stress the special features of Perl and will offer optional hands-on labs.

While application via the Web or by telephone is very easy, students must remember to get their supervisor’s agreement before applying. For students from outside NIH, their classes must be related to use of NIH computing services. Contractors may be admitted to classes that are closely related to their NIH projects only after their NIH Project Director has determined it is in the best interest of the government for them to attend. Please call TASC for information and advice about any aspect of the program.

Interface 211 (September 15, 1999)