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Special - Sunday April 27, 2008, Room SSB-102

10:30 am to 11:30 am
The Apollo Guidance Computer: Architecture and Operation
Frank O?Brien, Infoage Science/History Learning Center

Abstract :

Perhaps the single spacecraft component that assured the success of the Apollo lunar missions was its guidance computer. Created in the 1960?s when most computers filled an entire room, the Apollo Guidance Computer (AGC) was small, low power, and included capabilities that are advanced by today?s standards. The Infoage Science and Learning Center has acquired an early AGC as part of its History of Computing Technologies collection. We will be discussing the computers hardware and software architecture, interfaces and how designers overcame its limitations. Additionally, we will cover the user interface and operations required for a flight from the Earth to the Moon. Attendees will get the opportunity to examine the AGC, its components and review its source code.

Bio :

Frank O?Brien is a contributing editor for the Apollo Lunar Surface Journal, and is co-editor of the Apollo Flight Journal, both found on the NASA history website. From this work, He was invited to the Cradle of Aviation Museum on Long Island to prepare the only remaining Lunar Module Mission Simulator and other artifacts for exhibition, and is now part of a team creating a new museum, the Infoage Science/History Learning Center in Wall, NJ.

11:40 am to 1:50 pm
Hands-On Java Programming Workshop
Michael Redlich, ExxonMobil Research & Engineering

Abstract :

This new hands-on workshop will provide an introduction to the Java programming language plus review some intermediate concepts. Java is an object-oriented programming (OOP) language created by James Gosling at Sun Microsystems. Since knowledge of OOP is vital in the development of robust applications, the OOP paradigm will be introduced along with a brief discussion of the advantages of OOP over structured programming. Some Java keywords will be reviewed before introducing the Java class mechanism. You will have the opportunity to build a small, working Java application to demonstrate how the attributes of OOP are utilized. You will then build upon your application as each of the intermediate features (JavaBeans, exception handling, Java Generics, and Java Database Connectivity (JDBC)) is reviewed. If time allows, there will also be a brief introduction to the Java 2 Collections. [Prerequisite: working knowledge of a structured programming language such as C, FORTRAN, or Pascal].

Bio :

Michael P. Redlich is a Senior Research Technician at ExxonMobil Research & Engineering, Co. in Clinton, New Jersey with extensive experience in developing custom web and scientific laboratory applications. He is the current ACGNJ President and has facilitated the monthly ACGNJ Java Users Group since 2001. Mike's technical experience includes computer security, relational database design and development, object-oriented design and analysis, C/C++, Java, Visual Basic, FORTRAN, Pascal, MATLAB, HTML, XML, ASP, VBScript, and JavaScript in both the PC and UNIX environments. He has conducted seminars at TCF since 1998 and has co-authored articles with Barry Burd for Java Boutique. Mike has a B.S. in Computer Science from Rutgers University.

2:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Introduction to Mac OS X v.10.5 Leopard!
Dave Marra, Senior Systems Engineer for Apple

Abstract :

Packed with over 300 amazing new innovations, Mac OS X v10.5 "Leopard" features a completely new desktop and Finder environment, making it even easier to quickly browse and locate your files; Quick Look, to view the contents of your documents without opening them; Time Machine, a revolutionary automated file backup and recovery utility; Spaces, an exciting new way to keep your Mac clutter-free and organized; Dashboard with Web Clip, to create your very own Dashboard widgets; iChat, for high-quality video and audio conferencing, remote screen sharing, slideshow and presentation delivery; along with significantly updated versions of Spotlight, Safari, iCal, Automator, Mail and much, much more! Discover Leopard today!

Bio :

Dave Marra is a Senior Systems Engineer for Apple. He has conducted more than 500 technology presentations, keynote addresses and workshops for schools, Mac and PC user groups, businesses and other professional organizations across the United States and Canada. His specialty areas include digital multimedia, internet technologies and Mac/PC integration. For more information about Dave, please visit his web site at www.marrathon.com.