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 Table Of Contents

Y2K Progress Update

We are pleased to announce that all the central administration and academic support mission-critical systems maintained by the Computer Centre have been converted and tested and are considered to be Y2K compliant.

The results from the latest Y2K survey questionnaire show that approximately 95% of systems that were non-compliant in July 1998 have now been fixed and over 85 departments/offices have reported achieving full Y2K compliance. We appreciate the efforts made by these departments and the cooperation offered by the department Y2K coordinators.

In order to meet the target of full Y2K compliance set by the Hong Kong SAR Government, the Computer Centre's "Y2K sub-task group" again visited those departments which have not yet eliminated the problem and to offer our assistance. The Hong Kong SAR Government requires that departments having Y2K non-compliant systems must either rectify/replace these systems or draw up the contingency plans for these systems by June 30, 1999. The Director of the Computer Centre also represented the University to attend a Y2K panel meeting of the Legislative Council in May 1999.

The Computer Centre has already met the target of Y2K compliance by June 30, 1999 for all mission-critical administrative and academic support systems in the University. We are now concentrating on drawing up a contingency plan to enable us to operate normally even if there are problems with external supplies of goods and services at the turn of the millennium. Other departments are also encouraged to produce similar plans to ensure that they can cope with these situations as well. If you need any assistance in drawing up your contingency plans, please contact the undersigned.

D.P. Carthy
Tel: 28590535
Email: dpc@cc.hku.hk


Year 2000 Updates for Windows 95 and 98

We are pleased to announce that the Year 2000 Updates (Y2K patches) for English Windows 95 and Windows 98 are now available on all centrally-administered file servers. These Year 2000 updates are provided by Microsoft Corporation and help resolve those known year 2000 issues for Windows 95 and 98 operating systems. For more information about the year 2000 problems regarding Microsoft products, please visit the Microsoft web site at http://www.microsoft.com/year2000.
 

English Windows 95 Year 2000 Update

I. Installation Notes

A. System Requirements

You need 10 MB free disk space to install the Windows 95 Year 2000 Update. The Installation of Internet Explorer Service pack 2 (not necessary for all systems), if selected, will require approximately 80 MB free disk space.
 

B. This Year 2000 Update is for Windows 95 only

Users must note that Windows 95 Year 2000 Update is not for use on computers running Windows 98, Windows NT, or Windows 2000. For international versions of Windows 95, the suitable language version for your location must be downloaded and installed.

C. Before You Install the Windows 95 Year 2000 Update

Because the Windows 95 Year 2000 Update will overwrite your system files and require you to restart your computer after the installation, you should first save and close all documents and  programs before proceeding to install the Update.

D. Anti-virus software and Installing the Year 2000 Update

Because the Windows 95 Year 2000 Update overwrites some system files it is recommended that you disable any anti-virus software that is running. If you choose not to disable this software please accept the changes made to the Command.com file when prompted by the anti-virus software during installation of the Update or after restarting your computer.

II. Updating Microsoft Internet Explorer

Windows 95 Year 2000 Update will check your system for Microsoft Internet Explorer. When a version of Internet Explorer prior to version 4.01 Service Pack 2 is detected, you will see a message explaining that it is necessary to install Internet Explorer 4.01 Service Pack 2 to correct several minor year 2000 issues. If Internet Explorer version 4.01 Service Pack 2 or a later version of Internet Explorer has already been used, updating of the Internet Explorer components will not be required. For more information about Microsoft Internet Explorer and its year 2000 issues, please refer to http:www.microsoft.com/ie

Note: The download time for Internet Explorer 4.01 Service Pack 2 can be about 2 hours for a Standard installation, depending on the speed of your Internet connection.

Note: During the setup of Internet Explorer 4.01 Service Pack 2, if you choose the Installation Option "Browser Only Installation" rather than the default "Standard Installation", the files for correcting the year 2000 issues will not be installed. Instead, the "Browser Only Installation" will only install a subset of the entire Internet Explorer Service Pack and will not update your system for the year 2000 issues. You should therefore choose either the default Installation Option of the "Standard Installation" or choose the "Full Installation" to ensure proper installation of all the updates.

III. Installation Instructions

A. If you don't have Internet Explorer installed

1. Double click the "HKUWIN - Central Network Services" icon, select "Install Software on PC" and then "Install Y2K Patch for Windows 9X" .

2. Double click the 'Windows 95 (English) Y2k update' icon.

3. Follow the instructions that appear on your screen.

B. If you have a version of Internet Explorer prior to version 4.01 Service Pack 2 installed

1. Double click the "HKUWIN - Central Network Services" icon, select "Install Software on PC" and then "Install Y2K Patch for Windows 9X" .

2. Double click the 'Windows 95 (English) Y2k update' icon.

3. A message will be displayed asking whether you want to install Internet Explorer Service Pack 2.

4. Click on the 'OK' button.

5. Select 'Install' when it asks for the 'Download Options'.

6. Select ' Standard Installation' when it asks for 'Installation Option'.

7. Select 'No' when it asks for 'Windows Desktop Update'

8. Select 'Hong Kong' when it asks for 'Active Channel Selection'.

9. Select your IE installed folder when it asks for 'Destination Folder'.

10. Select the default setting when it asks for 'Download Sites'.

11. Your computer will be restarted when the installation is complete.

English Windows 98 Year 2000 Update

Installation Instructions

1. Double click the "HKUWIN - Central Network Services" icon, select "Install Software on PC" and then "Install Y2K Patch for Windows 9X" .

2. Double click the icon 'Windows 98 Y2k update' .

3. The Internet Explorer will be invoked. Click the URL link PRODUCT UPDATES in the Internet Explorer.

4. A dialog box titled 'Windows Update' appears. Click the 'Yes' button to continue.


 

5. A list of Windows update software is shown. Scroll to the option 'Windows 98 Year 2000 Update', click the checkbox beside to select it and then click the blue 'Download' arrow button on the top left hand corner to continue with the installation.


 

6. A Download Checklist appears. Read and follow Instructions 1 to 3 and then press the Start Download button to continue.


 

7. Press the Yes button to accept the License Agreement and to start the download process


 

8. An Installation Summary dialog appears when the update is complete, check for successful installation and then press the OK button to continue.


 

9. A dialog box which asks 'Do you want to restart now?' appears. Press the Yes button to restart the PC to activate the Windows 98 Y2k update.

IMPORTANT: Save and Close all applications before pressing the Restart button to restart the computer.

Should you have any questions, please contact Katherine Kwok (2859 2497) or the undersigned.

Vitus Lam
Tel: 2859 2484
E-mail: lsw@cc.hku.hk


Reduction in Charge for PC Equipment Maintenance

The Computer Centre is pleased to announce a reduction in the maintenance charge for PC equipment and peripherials with effect from 1 July 1999. Similar to previous years, the price reduction is brought about by the continuous reduction in the price of PC hardware and equipment and we are passing this benefit to our users. The PC maintenance service is provided by the Computer Centre's in-house Maintenance Team, and it is our aim to provide cost-effective, convenient and fast-responding hardware maintenance service to all the PC users in the University.

This year, the maintenance charge for all PC models have been reduced, with the most significant drop in the Pentium models. We believe that the new pricing is very attractive and will benefit all PC users in the University as a whole.

The new annual maintenance charge for the common Pentium PC is summarized below:

Pentium P5 60-233 Mhz (with or without MMX) $450

w/512KB or below Cache Memory,
64MB or below Memory Board,
4GB or below Hard Disk
+ VGA Display Card + 1 Controller + 1 Floppy Disk Drive + 1 CD Drive + 1 Sound Card

Pentium Pro 200/ Pentium II 233 & 266 Mhz $550

w/512KB or below Cache Memory,
64MB or below Memory Board,
4GB or below Hard Disk
+ VGA Display Card + 1 Controller + 1 Floppy Disk Drive + 1 CD Drive + 1 Sound Card

Pentium II 300/35/400/450 $550

w/512KB or below Cache Memory,
64MB or below Memory Board,
4GB or below Hard Disk
+ SVGA Display Card + 1 Controller + 1 Floppy Disk Drive + 1 CD Drive + 1 Sound Card

Pentium III 450/500 $650

w/512KB or below Cache Memory,
64MB or below Memory Board,
4GB or below Hard Disk
+ SVGA Display Card + 1 Controller + 1 Floppy Disk Drive + 1 CD Drive + 1 Sound Card

Comprehensive pricing information on the computer equipment supported by our in-house maintenance team including microcomputers, printers and Macintosh equipment can be viewed under http://www.itservices.hku.hk/services/pricelis.htm.

Besides our in-house maintenance service, the Computer Centre also coordinates maintenance service for departments of the University on HP and Apple Macintosh equipment and accessories provided by external service vendors at an attractive bulk price rate.

If you are interested in joining our maintenance services, please fill in the application form on "Request for Maintenance Service" at http://www.itservices.hku.hkoffice/forms/cem-2.htm and return it to the General Office of the Computer Centre. For further information, please contact the undersigned or Miss Heti Cheng at 2859 2491.

Idy Tang
Tel: 2859 2491
E-mail: kytang@cc.hku.hk


    Annual Report 1997-98

The Computer Centre's Annual Report for the academic year 1997-98 has been posted on the Centre's webpage at URL http://www.itservices.hku.hk/annual_report/97-98.

The report gives a comprehensive review of the major achievements of the Computer Centre in 1997-98. It includes the development of our University's IT network infrastructure, performance of our numerous system servers, new administrative applications development including Oracle Financials, Student Connect and Staff and Student Smart Cards, major upgrade of our IBM RS6000/SP supercomputer, web-based courseware development, Y2K compliance work, our PC support and maintenance services, help desk, user training, quality management practice, and our new development initiatives.

It had been a busy but productive year of the Computer Centre. I would like to acknowledge the hard work of our devoted staff. Any comment on the Annual Report is most welcome.

Ng Nam
Director

Computer Centre
Tel: 2859 2491
Email: nng@cc.hku.hk 


System Messages Now Announced on the Web

"System messages" are announcements from the Computer Centre to notify users of upcoming scheduled system down times due to system upgrade or maintenance work.  These notices will be displayed when users first login to the host systems.

Since more systems are now client/server and web-base interfaced, users can access the services on the host computer via a PC client (e.g. Eudora) or a web browser (e.g. Netscape Communicator) without the need to log in the host systems. Thus, they may miss to read those important notices.  In view of this, we have developed a new web-based Announcement Board to allow our users to read the system messages whenever they are connected to the network. Its URL is at http://www.hku.hk/operation/notice/index.htm.

The web-based Announcement Board allows these system messages to be kept for a longer time and users can read the messages at any time and at their own pace (they will not scroll up the screen quickly). You may choose to display the announcements by selecting the computer system e.g. hkusua and the incident date of that system.

In the example shown below, the system chosen is 'hkusua' and the incident date chosen is '18-MAY-1999'.  The system message indicates that there is a reboot of the system on that day and the service would be interrupted. If the cause of the problem is identified, it will also be given in the message.


 

The system incidents may be planned (e.g. system upgrade, disk re-allocation etc.) or sudden (e.g. disk crash, power failure etc.).  For planned or scheduled incidents, we will post the notices at least two days in advance of the incidents.

Users are encouraged to visit our Announcement Board on system messages regularly to stay tuned to the scheduled outages of systems or network services in order not to be affected by the systems' unavailability.

Chan Wai Ling
Tel: 2859 2496
Email: cwl@cc.hku.hk

Telnet to Centrally Operated Host Systems from Remote Systems

Members of the University are reminded that Telnet access to the central host computer systems operated by the Computer Centre, namely the HKUCC, HKUSUA, HKUSUB etc. from outside of the University's campus network can only be made through the Telnet Gateway "hkuccsys.hku.hk".

The procedure for gaining access to the central computer systems from Internet outside HKU is as follows :

1. At the remote site, telnet to "hkuccsys.hku.hk" using the command telnet hkuccsys.hku.hk.

2. At the login prompt, enter your HKUPPP account username and password

3. After you have successfully logged in the hkuccsys.hku.hk system, you may then select one of the Centre's host systems from the displayed list for telnet.

For more information about remote telnet to HKU Computer Centre's host systems, please contact the undersigned.

Lui Tun Yee
Tel: 2857 8633
E-mail: lty@cc.hku.hk


The HKUVMS System to be obsolete

We would like to remind our users that the operation of the HKUVMS system, i.e. the "old HKUCC" system, which runs OpenVMS V.7.1 will come to an end on 30 June 1999.

Most of the applications, such as the GCG package, SAS program, C compiler, COBOL compiler and FORTRN compiler previously provided on the HKUVMS system are now available on the new HKUCC system which has been put in regular service since February this year.  The MINITAB program is now provided on the HKUSUB system.

As the HKUVMS system will be decommissioned soon, users who are still keeping their files and/or email on HKUVMS are urged to transfer such files and email to the new HKUCC systems as soon as possible.

The steps for moving files or email from the HKUVMS to the HKUCC system are as follows :

  1. Login the HKUVMS.HKU.HK system via the Telnet program (using the old password)
  2. At the system prompt, type "ftp hkucc.hku.hk"
            $ ftp hkucc.hku.hk

The ftp program is then invoked and will display the following:

     hkucc2.hku.hk FTP server (Digital UNIX Version 5.60) ready.

     Connected to HKUCC.

You are then requested to enter the user name and password of your HKUCC system:

     Name:
     Password:

Type "ascii" for transferring a  text file or "bin" for transferring a binary file.

Supposing you are transferring a file with the filename a.file, type the following at the ftp prompt:

     ftp> put a.file

To exit the ftp program, simply type "bye" at the ftp prompt.
 
Please refer to the Network Services Guide for Unix Users , chapter 4, for detailed commands of the ftp program.
 

Charles Cheung
Tel: 2859 2488
E-mail: cyw@cc.hku.hk

System Security for Unix Systems

During the past few months, the Computer Centre received several reports from the departments on system intrusion to their PCs running the Linux operating system.  In these cases, although there was no obvious damage to the data files of the intruded systems, much effort was required in cleaning up the compromised systems.  To help departments avoid any unauthorized access to their Linux or other Unix systems, the following paragraphs discuss the general information and guidelines for protecting Linux or other Unix systems from intruders' attacks.

Exploit of Vulnerable System Commands

Some of the system commands, especially network services daemons (continuously running programs) on a Unix system,  have to be run as privileged users. A vulnerable command is a continuously running program whereby hackers can exploit this security loophole, get into the system and then run other programs pretending they are the real privileged user.  For example, network services daemons such as the FTP daemon and IMAP daemon are considered as vulnerable to attacks.

Trojan Horses

According to the Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) Coordination Centre, a Trojan horse is an apparently useful program containing hidden functions that can exploit the privileges of the user and  posing a security threat to the system.  Contrary to vulnerable system commands, the trojan horse is intended for hacking the system and is installed by system users or intruders who can gain unauthorized access to the systems concerned.

Preventive Measures

In order to protect your system from hacking by others, the following tasks are recommended to be performed on a regular basis:
  1. visit security advisory web sites and/or subscribe to security alert mailing lists, e.g., the CERT Coordination Centre
  2. obtain and install the latest security update/patch from your system vendor
  3. disable any unused network services or known vulnerabilities
  4. perform audit on system logs, user accounts and passwords

Getting Help on System Security

If you have any question on Unix security, please visit the Computer Centre Unix security FAQ.  For reporting any breach of system security of the computer systems in the University, you can send your email message to security@hku.hk or write to the Computer Centre directly. More detailed information can be also found at the CERT Coordination Centre.
 

KC Chang
Tel: 2859 7972
E-mail: kcchang@hkusua.hku.hk


MATLAB 5.3 available on HKUSUA/B

The MATLAB mathematical package was upgraded from version 5.0 to 5.2 (Release 10) on HKUSUB/A (SUN Solaris) systems in early May 1999.  It was further upgraded to version 5.3 (Release 11) on 31 May 1999.  Both versions, 5.2 and 5.3 are Y2K compliant with new enhanced features.  Below are the highlights of MATLAB version 5.2 & 5.3 :

MATLAB 5.2 Highlights:

MATLAB 5.3 Highlights: MATLAB on HKUSUA/B can be started from UNIX workstations by the following procedures:

Note: Assume C shell is the user default login shell

(1) Login a UNIX workstation (e.g. hkusu15, hkuppc20, ......)

(2) Enable the access control on remote machine (hkusua/b) by typing the command e.g.:

(3) Display the nodename (e.g. hkusu15) of your workstation by typing the command: (4) Login to hkusua UNIX server using the telnet command e.g.: Note: Steps (5) - (9) should be done within a hkusua/b login session.

(5) Direct graphic display to your workstation, say hkusu15, by typing the command:

(6) Invoke MATLAB by typing Note: the MATLAB invoking command is placed under /usr/local/bin.

Then, the MATLAB session will start and the following prompt will be shown:

>>

(7) Invoke the on-line help for MATLAB by typing:

(8) Start a Web browser (i.e. Netscape) to read the MATLAB Helpdesk Information by typing: (9) To quit MATLAB, type: Please report to our Helpdesk at 2859 2480 should you encounter any problems on using the latest version 5.3, (Release 11) of MATLAB as soon as possible and the MATLAB 5.2 version will be removed on 1 July 1999 to free more disk space on the systems.

For further enquiries regarding the MATLAB software, please contact the undersigned.

Nick Chi
Tel: 2859 8936
Email: nhychi@hkusua.hku.hk


ARC/INFO & ARCDOC 7.2.1 available on HKUSUA/B and HKUGIS

The ARC/INFO & ARCDOC packages running on HKUSUA, HKUSUB and HKUGIS (SUN Solaris) systems have been upgraded from version 7.1.2 to 7.2.1 in April 1999. The upgraded ARC/INFO and ARCDOC are Y2K compliant with the following key features :

This new version of ARC/INFO or ARCDOC 7.2.1 can be invoked on HKUSUA/B and HKUGIS by the following procedure :

Note: Assume C shell is the user default login shell

(1) Login a UNIX workstation (e.g. hkusu15, hkuppc20, ......)

(2) Enable access control on the remote host computer (hkugis or hkusua/b) by typing the command e.g.:

(3) Display the nodename (e.g. hkusu15) of your workstation by typing the command: (4) Login the HKUSUA/B or HKUGIS UNIX server using the telnet command e.g.: Note: Steps (5), (6) & (7) should be done within a hkugis or hkusua/b login session.

(5) Direct graphic display to your workstation, say hkusu15, by typing the command:

(6) Invoke ARC/INFO 7.2.1 by typing: (7) Invoke the on-line help for ARC/INFO (ARCDOC 7.2.1) by typing: (8) To quit the on-line help, (9) To quit the ARC/INFO 7.2.1 system, type quit at the Arc:prompt and then press <Enter>.

If you still wish to use the previous versions (7.1.2) of the software, type arc712 or arcdoc712 accordingly after logging in the HKUSUA/B or HKUGIS system.  However, please be informed that this old version will be removed from the HKUSUA/B and HKUGIS systems on 1 July 1999.

Should you encounter any problems on using the new version of ARC/INFO and ARCDOC, please feel free to contact the undersigned.
 

Nick Chi
Tel: 2859 8936
Email: nhychi@hkusua.hku.hk


Upgrade of Central LAN PC-Servers

The Computer Centre is in the process of upgrading the operating system of all central LAN PC-Servers for supporting academic departments.  The Network Operation System (NOS) of these PC-Servers will be upgraded from the current version Netware 4.1 to Netware 5 and the PC hardware will be replaced by a more powerful and fault-tolerant DELL server.

Each of the new DELL server is configured with a 450MHz CPU, 512 megabytes of memory and a total disk capacity of 18 Gigabytes. The server is also equipped with a DLT4000 tape drive which can back-up the data files kept on the server at a speed of 1.5 megabytes per second. The machine is installed with RAID level 5 (Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks) which offers data protection through the storage of redundant information across an array of disks.

The Netware 5 Operating System comes with many new features and enhancements. One feature is to provide a pure TCP/IP network environment which enables the server to communicate directly with the Internet.  Another feature of the product is called "Novell Distributed Print Services" which simplifies printing for network users and increases the performance and reliability of network printing. Most importantly, the product is Y2K compliant to serve us in the Year 2000 and beyond.

At the time of writing this article, HKUMB1, the server for supporting departments in the Main Building, has been upgraded. Other central PC-Servers will also be upgraded in the next few weeks.
 

Tony F.K. Lai
Tel: 2859 7976
E-mail: lfk@cc.hku.hk


Warranty Service Offered by Dell Computer

Starting from April 1999, Dell Computer has offered a local on-site support service for all the Dell computer equipment acquired by the departments of the University which are under warranty. This service is provided by Dell in addition to the toll-free tele-support service from Malaysia. Their local service hotline is at 2191 3813 and the opening hours are as follows:

Monday to Friday : 9:00 to 17:30

Saturday : 9:00 to 13:00

Departments can place the maintenance service requests to Dell directly through their local support hotline.  Or, you may log your service requests through the Computer Centre's maintenance hotline at 2859 2774 or via our service request form on the web at http://www.itservices.hku.hk/services/maintain.htm and the Computer Centre will arrange the maintenance service for your Department.

Idy Tang
kytang@cc.hku.hk
Tel: 2859 2491


Annual Renewal of Site Licensing Arrangement for SPSS / SAS

The Computer Centre will continue to coordinate the annual renewal arrangement for the software packages SPSS and SAS for use by the departments of the University. Under our site licensing arrangement, departments can enjoy much discounted prices on these software products for the ensuing year.

SPSS

The Computer Centre is coordinating the license renewal for the SPSS statistical package for Windows covering the period between 1 June 1999 to 31 May 2000. Below are some highlights of this year's arrangement :

1. The SPSS software, Lisrel 7, has not been renewed starting from 1 June 1999 since the software can only run on Base V.6.1 or V.7.0. As an alternative, it is advised to use another SPSS product, AMOS.

2. A new update, SPSS for Windows version 9.0 has been released and is now available for installation. Departments who have renewed their SPSS for Windows licenses and wish to upgrade to version 9.0 may contact our Miss Pansy Kwan at 2859 2491 to make the necessary arrangement.

3. New SPSS software modules, allCLEAR, AnswerTree, Data Entry - Builder, Data Entry - Station, Diamond, LogXact, NewView, Remark Office OMR, SamplePower, StatXact, TextSmart and Trial Run are available for subscription. You may refer to SPSS's webpage at http://www.spss.com for detailed product information.

Other available SPSS modules include Base, Statistics, Professional Statistics, Tables, Trends, Categories, CHAID and QI Analyst.

All the SPSS licenses are subject to annual renewal and departments are required to pay an annual renewal fee in order to continue the use of the software. For the detailed license fees for SPSS for Windows, Macintosh & PowerMac, please refer to our web page at http://www.itservices.hku.hk/services/tender.htm.

SAS

The commencement date of the annual license period for SAS for Windows and Power Macintosh for the ensuing year is 1 July 1999 and 1 September 1999 respectively. Same as the site licensing arrangement for SPSS, all the SAS licenses are subject to annual renewal and departments are required to pay an annual renewal fee to continue the use of the software upon the expiry of the license period.

The SAS modules available include BASE,GRAPH, ETS, FSP, AF, IML, STAT, INSIGHT, ASSIST, LAB and ACCPC.

For the detailed license fees for SAS for Windows and Power Macintosh, please refer to our web page at http://www.itservices.hku.hk/services/tender.htm.

Departments who wish to acquire any of the SPSS or SAS licenses may send the "CC Order Form" available at  http://www.itservices.hku.hkoffice/forms/ccorder.htm  to the Computer Centre. 

For further enquiries, please feel free to contact our Miss Pansy Kwan at 2859 2491.

Idy Tang
Tel: 2859 2491
E-mail: kytang@cc.hku.hk


Site Licensing Arrangement on Norton Anti-Virus Product

The Computer Centre is coordinating a site licensing arrangement on Norton AntiVirus software product for the University with Symantec Hong Kong Limited. The arrangement is intended to provide a cost-effective and easy-to-manage program for the departments to acquire and maintain this Anti-Virus product.

The program covers a period of 12 months which will be effective from 1 July 1999 to 30 June 2000. Details of the program are as follows :

Should you wish to acquire the Norton Anti-Virus product for departmental use or for further enquiries regarding the arrangement, please feel free to contact the undersigned or Miss Pansy Kwan at 2859 2491.

Idy Tang
Tel: 2859 2491
kytang@cc.hku.hk


A New Arrangement on Corel Site License

Following the renewal of the CLP Universal Academic Agreement (CLPUAA) signed between the Joint Universities Computer Centre (JUCC) and the Corel Corporation, a new arrangement on Corel site license has been effected from 1 June 1999.

Highlights of the new arrangement are summarized as follows :

         
For details on the latest price of the Corel products under the new arrangement, please visit our web site at http://www.itservices.hku.hk/services/tender.htm.

Please feel free to contact the undersigned or Miss Pansy Kwan at 2859 2491 for further enquiries.

Idy Tang
kytang@cc.hku.hk
Tel: 2859 2491


Staff News

The Computer Centre welcomes the following additions to the Centre as Assistant Computer Officers:

Mr Lau Chun Pong who started on June 14,
Mr Yau Ka Fai who started on June 24,
Mr Victor Ng Ho Keung who will start on July 26, and
Mr Mo Chung Shing who will start on Aug 1.

Training News

The Computer Centre is pleased to announce a series of courses between June and August, 1999
to assist staff and students in using our Centre's facilities. The courses will cover the following areas:
 
 
  • Spreadsheet
  • Word Processing
  • Chinese Information Handling
  • Unix System and Application Software
  • Internet Browsing 
  • Web-page Authoring
  • Web Course Tools
  • Parallel Programming
Most courses are open to all staff and students and are free.  Some courses may require pre-requisites.  Courses provided by a course vendor are charged a fee. Click on the course number to see the description of each course.

Register through the "CC Course Registration" icon in HKUWIN or go to the General Office (Room RR-223) in the Computer Centre and fill out a Registration Form, or register via the web by clicking one of the following links.
   Staff Registration   or   Student Registration


Course Schedule from June to August 1999
 
Courses on Parallel Programming
 
 
C1213598 SP2 Parallel Programming with Workshop June 21, 1999 
2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.		 Run Run Shaw Building, 
RR-101
C0513798 
 		 High Performance FORTRAN July 12, 1999 
2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. 
July 13, 1999 
2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. 
July 14, 1999 
2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.		 Run Run Shaw Building, 
RR-201
C1313598 SP2 Parallel Programming with workshop July 21, 1999 
2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.		 Run Run Shaw Building, 
RR-201
C1413598 SP2 Parallel Programming with workshop Aug 26, 1999 
2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.		 Run Run Shaw Building, 
RR-201
   Staff Registration   or   Student Registration
 

Courses on Web Browsing, Webpage Authoring and
Web Course Tools
 
 
C1014098 
 		 Getting started with Internet Services and WWW 
 		 June 22, 1999 
9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. 
 		 Run Run Shaw Building, 
RR-201 
 
C0915198 HTML Editing June 30, 1999 
9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.		 Run Run Shaw Building, 
RR-201 
 
C0215898  Advanced HTML Editing : Imagemap, CGI and Frames July 7, 1999 
2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. 		 Old Library Building, 
LBO-135 
 
   Staff Registration   or   Student Registration

Courses on Microsoft Office and Other Topics
 
 
W0580798 MS Excel 97 for Windows95 

(For HKU students only)

 June 23, 1999 
9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 
June 24, 1999 
9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 
June 25, 1999 
9:30 - 12:30 p.m		 Run Run Shaw Building, 
RR-201
W0480798 MS Excel 97 for Windows95 
 (Staff only) 		 June 28, 1999 
9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 
June 29, 1999 
9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 
June 30, 1999 
9:30 - 12:30 p.m.		 Old Library Building, 
LBO-135
W0280998 
 
 
 		 Access 97 

(Staff Only)

 July 5, 1999 
9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 
July 6, 1999 
9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.		 Old Library Building, 
LBO-135
W0680898 
 
 
 		 Chinese Inputing Method & Chinese Word 97 for Windows95 
(Staff Only)		 July 19, 1999 
9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 
July 20, 1999 
9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 
July 21, 1999 
9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.		 Run Run Shaw Building, 
RR-201
W0680698 MS Word 97 for Windows95 Aug 2, 1999 
9:30 a.m. - 16:30 p.m. 
Aug 3, 1999 
9:30 a.m. - 16:30 p.m. 
Aug 4, 1999 
9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.		 Old Library Building, 
LBO-135
W0680798 MS Excel 97 for Windows95 
(Staff Only)		 Aug 11, 1999 
9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 
Aug 12, 1999 
9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 
Aug 13, 1999 
9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.		 Run Run Shaw Building, 
RR-201
   Staff Registration   or   Student Registration
 
 

Courses on Computer Centre Orientation
 
 No registration is needed for the following courses.
 
Course Name Date       Time Venue
Computer Centre Orientation 
(4 sessions)		 19/8/99   9:30-11:00 am 
23/8/99   2:30 - 4:00 pm 
25/8/99   9:30-11:00 am        ““  ““ 
27/8/99   2:30-  4:00 pm        ““  ““		 Meng Wah Complex T1 
    ““  ““ 
   ““  ““ 
   ““  ““
PC and Network Services 
(3 sessions)		 20/8/99     9:30-12:30 pm 
24/8/99     2:30-5:30 pm                “ 26/8/99     9:30-12:30 pm 		 Meng Wah Complex T1 
All workshops will be held at Room 134, Old Library Building 
Introduction to Connecting to the HKU Campus Network 
(3 sessions)		 25/8/99  3:00-5:00 pm 
27/8/99  10:00-12:00 pm              “ 
31/8/99  3:00-5:00 pm 		 Meng Wah Complex, T1
 

Course Descriptions:

Courses on Internet Browsing and Webpage Authoring

Course No. C0814098, C0914098 - Getting Started with Internet Services and WWW

This is a 3-hour introductory course. It shows the users how they can obtain information and services offered by the Computer Centre and the Internet.
 

Course No. C0115898  - Advanced HTML Editing Techniques

This is a 2-hour course on advanced techniques for homepage authoring and HTML editing.  It covers how to download and imbed cgi programs in a web page, building frames and using image maps in a web page.  Pre-requisite: Basic Web Authoring and HTML Editing course.
 

New WebCT Training Courses

Course No. C0215098 - Introduction to WebCT

This 2-hour course will discuss the basic functionalities provided by WebCT from a student's point of view to give participants some feelings on what WebCT can do for their course. e.g. browsing course materials, attempting on-line quizzes, using bulletin boards.
 

Course No. C0715198, C0815198 - HTML Editing

This 3-hour course will discuss the basic HTML editing skills using Communicator 4. Note that although this is a general HTML editing training that is also suitable for web masters, priority will be given to those who are taking this training for preparing courses on WebCT.
 

Course No. C0215298 - WebCT Course Designer's Basic Workshop

This 4-hour course will cover steps for course designers (staff members who actually prepare courses on WebCT) to post lecture materials on WebCT, and to perform customization on course homepages. Note that knowledge on topics covered in both Introduction to WebCT and HTML Editing is a pre-requisite for attending this session.
 

Course No. C0215398 - WebCT Course Designer's Advanced Workshop

This 2-hour course will cover more advanced features for course designers, e.g. preparing on-line quizzes, checking statistical data, managing student records. Note that knowledge on topics covered in WebCT Course Designer's Basic Workshop is a pre-requisite for attending this session.
 

Courses on Parallel Programming

Course No. C1013598, C1113598, C1213598 - SP2 Parallel Programming with Workshop

This is a 3-hour seminar and workshop for people interested in parallel programming using the IBM SP2 Supercomputer. It covers the methodology of writing parallel programs using the message passing interface (MPI). Students should have programming experience in C or Fortran but experience in parallel programming is not needed. Sample programs will be given to users in the hands-on workshop.

Course No. C0413798, C0513798 - High Performance FORTRAN

This 3-hour seminar on High Performance FORTRAN provides an easy way to write data parallel programs in MIMD computers such as the IBM SP2. The High Performance FORTRAN is an extension of the FORTRAN 90 in several areas, including:

Courses on Unix System and Application Software

Course No. C0511898 - Introduction to UNIX

This is a 3-hour introductory course for users with little or noUnix experience. The course will cover the Unix environment in the University, the Unix file system, the editor, electronic communication and other hints to better user the Unix facilities
 

Courses on Microsoft Office and Other Topics

Course No. W0480698, W0580698 - Ms Word 97 for Windows 95

This is a 2 1/2 day course especially designed for users who want to learn how to navigate through and work with documents; manipulate text; change formatting and page layout; and preview and print a document.

Course Outline :

  • Word 97 processing concepts
  • Using dialog boxes and icons
  • Documents editing
  • Files save/retrieve and Management
  • Files conversion and import/export filters
  • Selecting fonts and using special text and symbols
  • Auto formatting and style options
  • Using thesaurus and hyphenation, spelling and grammar check
  • Creating multiple columns and table
  • Positioning text and graphics with frames
  • Assembling documents with mail merge
  • Working with long documents
  • Printing master documents, envelopes and labels
  • Data linking and embedding

    • Course No. W0180998 for Windows 95

    Access is a powerful database software allowing users to create
    database and database applications without any programming work.
    Access 97 is part of the Microsoft Office 97 system which operates in
    the Window 95 or Window 98 environment and is Y2K compliant.
    This is a 2 day course.

    Contents of this course include:

    1. Introduction to Access 97
        - Basic concepts of Access 97
        - Starting the application
        - To quit Access 97
        - To open a database in Access 97
        - How to read from and write to standard text files

    2. Creating tables
        - Data type
        - Creating tables
        - Saving table
        - Data entry table

    3. Finding data
        - Sorting data
        - Filtering by selecting data
        - Filtering by form

    4. Query
        - Creating a query
        - Creating multi-table query and calculated field

    5. Creating a form
        - Creating a form with form wizard
        - changing design of form
        - preview designed form
        - formatting toolbar

    6. Creating reports
        - creating reports
        - creating mailing labels
     

    Course No. W0380798, W0480798 & W0580798 **- Ms Excel 97 for Windows 95

    The course outline of this 2 1/2-day workshop include :

  • Spreadsheet concepts, basic movement
  • data entry techniques & create formulas
  • using special functions formatting
  • cells formatting, data & formulascell reference
  • workbook save & retrieve
  • using dialog box commands, icons & toolbars
  • creating an embedded chart on worksheets
  • creating graphical objects on worksheets
  • worksheets printing techniques
  • database query and table handling auto filter
  • worksheet and workbook linking
  • useful built-in & functions, PMT, vlookup, (if, sumif)
  • add-in program, auto save
  • graph and picture handling and slide show
  • goal seeking and scenario manager
  • view manager

    •  

    ** Fee paying course (HK$360 per participant) for HKU students only.
     

    Course No. W0580898 - Chinese Inputting Method & Chinese Word 97*

    This is a 2 1/2-day course especially designed for users who are familiar with the English microcomputer working environment but with little experience on Chinese microcomputer operation. The course will cover :
     

  • Basic principle Changjei Chinese character input method.
  • Basic operation of Microsoft Word 6.0 under the Chinese Windows 3.1 working environment.
  • Techniques and common practices in preparing Chinese document.

    •  
    Computer Centre Orientation Courses

    This is a series of orientation seminars and workshops  to get acquainted with the computing environment at HKU.
    No registration is needed to attend.

    Computer Centre Orientation -  what computer services and facilities are available at HKU and how to access
         them.
    PC and Network Services - concepts of LAN and WAN networks, what network services are available at
         HKU and how to access these services.
    Introduction to Accessing the HKU Network - how to access the campus network using:
             (1) plug-in to "Network Access Everywhere"
             (2) PPP Dial-up services
             (3) connection from Residence Halls.

    1. Since the workshops on Chinese Inputting Method & Chinese Word 97 , MS Word 97, MS Excel 97 and Adobe Photoshop 4.0 for Windows are organised in conjunction with a course vendor, the Whiz Company, there will be a nominal charge of HK$360 per participant.

    For courses requiring a fee, please send payment to the Computer Centre together with your registration form, or as soon as you have registered on the web, otherwise your registration is considered invalid and will be replaced by another applicant.  Payment can be made in cash or cheque (payable to the University of Hong Kong), or through departmental requisition (for applicants supported by departments).   Successful applicants will be notified by e-mail or telephone at least one week before the commencement of the workshop. Once accepted, the fee is not refundable. However, substitution of participant is possible by written notification to the Centre.

    2. The workshops on Chinese Word 97  will be conducted in Cantonese.

    3. Enrolment for some courses may be for students only while others may be for staff only.  Where it is not specified, the courses are open to all students and staff members of the University.  

    * The maximum number of participants for workshops held in Room 135, Old Library Building is 25; Room 201, Run Run Shaw Building is 22; and Room 101, Run Run Shaw Building is 20.