Here's a thought...Begin with the end in mind. Think of the possibilities! A master of mine once said, "Set goals, and work on your goals with a positive attitude, and you'll see that you'll enjoy the journey."  Perhaps, if we develop a vision for applying that which we've learned or will learn in computer science, we could expand our opportunities and great journeys will come our way.   

Master students have already began reviewing what resources are here on this website. I encourage everyone to do likewise.  Experience the difference, start now!   - H. Salas                    

Charles Babbage, a British Mathematics professor, is regarded as the Father of Computers. He was born in England in 1792 as the son of a rich banker from Devon. He was inspired by Napier's logarithm tables and Napier's logs and bones. He began to design a "difference engine" in 1821 which was a very large and complicated machine intended for doing logarithmic calculations automatically.

The device was based on the principle that the difference between certain values of the expression at a certain stage becomes constant. But it was difficult to make the machine parts accurate enough to prevent errors to occur, using the technology available at that time.

Encouraged by the work of "difference engine", he began design of another machine "the analytical machine", which could carry out many different types of calculations. Analytical engine used the concepts of Automatic Loom and Difference Engine.

The Analytical machine had five units- input, output, store, mill, and control. Store was used for storing numbers and Mill was used to do the calculations by rotation of gears and wheels. Control unit did the job of supervision of all other units. Note that these five units are similar to the functional units of a modern digital computer. No wonder he was called the "Father of Computers"!

Working with him was a mathematician Lady Ada Lovelace, who provided the input material in the form of programs. Thus, Lady Ada Lovelace became known to the world as the first computer programmer. She coded these programs on punch cards. Her contribution was so valuable that a language called "Ada" was named after her.  By the way, punch cards were still being used in 1989 in the USA. 

The two concepts implemented in this machine, which revolutionized the Computer era in the following years are as follows:

* The machine was able to compare quantities and then decide which of the sequences to follow.

* The results of a calculation could alter the numbers and instructions already stored in the machine.

Babbage devoted his last 37 years for the development of the analytical engine. His machine was too ahead of the time of development. Lack of better technology leaded to incomplete work of Babbage that time and he passed away in 1871 before he had completed his work.

CS1 - Programming Challenge Winners Have Game!
The final four resulted in two fine teams competing for the Programming Challenge Honors and after much decompiling, hacking, exploring, and discovering the source code to success, the best team honors went to Justin Schluraff, Dean Elliot, Mason Fox, and Todd Dutro. These hackers architectured the "AWOL Game" which consisted of nearly 1000 lines of raw programming code. Software, Internet time, and certificates of achievement, Hall of Fame honors, plus extra hacking time was awarded to the participating teams and winners.  Congratulations... way cool! 

CS1 - Preparing for the Workplace
Ninety percent of the American businesses use Microsoft Office and there is a great demand for people with the skills necessary to be productive with computers. How CS can help you? The goal of this course is to provide each student with the necessary skills and hands-on experience for success with the most commonly used e-tools in today’s society. Each student will become proficient in Windows OS, Keyboarding, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access, FrontPage, Publisher, and Programming for the Web before graduating.

The Computer Science course provides experience with popular computer operating systems and application software, including word processing, spreadsheets, multimedia presentation, database design and management, graphic design, and web publishing. Internet access is restricted to college research and to gathering support materials from approved web resources for planned computer science projects as well as other academic projects such as English, Social Studies, Science, or History. 

Career Exploration: Computer and Information Systems Managers
How and when companies and organizations use technology are critical to remaining competitive. Computer and information systems managers play a vital role in the technological direction of their organizations. They do everything from constructing the business plan to overseeing network security to directing Internet operations.

Computer and information systems managers plan, coordinate, and direct research and facilitate the computer-related activities of firms. They help determine both technical and business goals in consultation with top management and make detailed plans for the accomplishment of these goals.  Learn more...

Major Fields of Technology 
Begin with the End in Mind!  What's your dream job? What's your vision? What path will you take? Computer Science just might give you the edge you need to compete, if you get with it. >> See the chart... learn more. 

Trends in I.T. Compensation & Certifications; Salary Report 2006
GKT offers a look at trends in IT careers, certifications, and salaries for the top 25 IT jobs. >> Learn more...(PDF)