CIT Computer Training—Classes Still to Come in Summer Term

Many interesting classes are still available in the CIT Training Program before the term ends in September. In addition, many opportunities exist for studying outside of an instructor-led class.

Independent Study

You can study computing topics from your desk or home via our Self Study Library, which contains close to 500 books on an array of subjects. Many new books added recently include Microsoft Office for Windows and Mac, Java programming, and the Unix operating system.

•         Self Study Library

Titles available—A representative list of titles is posted on the training Web page at—use the link, “Independent Study Courses.”

Obtaining a book—You can either call TASC to see if the book or a similar one is available or stop by TASC (building 12A, room 1011).

Check out time—The period is two weeks, extendable for two additional weeks if no one is waiting for the book.

If you want a topic that does not seem to be available, please let us know. We continually refresh titles in the Self Study Library.

•         FasTrac

Independent study opportunities are considerable via the FasTrac program. For only $60 (over 12 months), you can get an ID that offers access to over 1000 online courses. This low price is available because of a large purchase across many government agencies. More information on how to take advantage of it is available via the FasTrac link on the training Web

Classroom Instruction

“Titan Account Sponsor Orientation” will help account sponsors navigate hurdles encountered with the move to the Titan system. Come prepared with questions—this is an opportunity to get answers.

If you are already using the NIH Portal and would like to customize it for your own use or create a module for others to use, you can take “Developing Modules for the NIH Portal Using Active Server Pages.” Charles Mokotoff will teach this new class on September 12.

Interesting courses in database training include, “Using Microsoft SQL 2000 in Data Mining,” taught by Dr. Augie Turano of Microsoft. The last session of this course generated a lively interchange of questions and suggestions—so please consider coming to learn about the topic and contribute to the conversation. A new class in September, “Oracle SQL Plus,” will teach how to manipulate SQL commands and perform additional tasks using Oracle’s command-line processor.

To understand more about hardware, sign up for “Meet Your PC – What’s Inside the Box.” The instructor will disassemble a computer and briefly discuss the functions of the various components and how they work together. “Introduction to Wireless Communications” will cover wireless networking at NIH.

A new Data Warehouse offering on using the tool in end-of-year processing has generated substantial interest. New sections are being opened as others fill, so please sign up if this would be helpful to you.

In the fall term, the training program will have more new courses—including a full-day course taught by MathWorks (maker of MATLAB and Simulink). The training Web page will post the full list—with course descriptions—beginning on September 20.

Registration

As always, classes are available free of charge to NIH employees and other users of NIH computing facilities. The courses are offered to help individuals become more efficient and effective in using computing, networking, and information systems. You can obtain full course information or register for classes via the training Web page.

You are always welcome to give TASC a call to discuss course registration or other training issues, as well as to volunteer to teach a class.