OO Programming Newsletter #29 from Bruce Eckel July, 2001 = = = Contents = = = * Stupid/Clever virus * Thinking in C++ Volume 1 Solution Guide Done! * The final seminar schedule * Python distance learning * Zope BackTalk working session * Version 2 of the "Thinking in Patterns Working Session" * Objects & Patterns Seminar August 27-31 * Java Enterprise Programming: August 6-10 * Thinking in Java Hands-On Seminar, August 20-24 See the Calendar for the current schedule: http://www.mindview.net/Calendar =================================== * Stupid/Clever virus Clearly, a lot of people have been hit by the latest very annoying but clever virus, which seems to look around your machine, find a likely looking file name (often with a .txt or .doc extension) and use that with an extension of .bat, .pif or .com, hoping that you'll accidentally think it's a reasonable file and open it. One of the characteristics is that the message itself is most often blank. I say "clearly" because I have been getting a *lot* of these messages from people on this list. So please have a look at your system and try to eradicate the virus. Norton Antivirus seems to be a necessity anymore. And it looks like Windows XP, which I definitely *don't* want to buy, will provide more, rather than less, opportunities for viruses -- see http://grc.com/dos/intro.htm and http://www.pbs.org/cringely/pulpit/pulpit20010719.html. Sigh. =================================== * Thinking in C++ Volume 1 Solution Guide Done! Finally, the C++ Volume 1 solution guide is ready for sale ($12) and automatic delivery via email: http://www.mindview.net/Books/TICPP/Solutions/ The delay is actually not Chuck Allison's fault, since he had the initial draft ready last Summer (!). Naturally, it's my fault since it took me forever to polish it and figure out how distribution works (many thanks to my server guy, evan@theUnixMan.com). However, now that we have a system working (fingers crossed) it means that the Java solution guide should progress much more smoothly. =================================== * The final seminar schedule We have confirmed the following seminars, and still have seats available: - J2EE August 6-10 (class limited to 15) http://www.mindview.net/Seminars/J2EE/ - Thinking in Java Hands-On August 20-24 (class limited to 15) http://www.mindview.net/Seminars/ThinkingInJava/Java.html - Objects & Patterns August 27-31 http://www.mindview.net/Seminars/ObjectsAndPatterns/JavaDesignPatternsIdioms.html - Thinking in Patterns Working Session, September 3-7 http://www.mindview.net/Seminars/WorkOnPatternsBook/ You can find all the seminars listed on the calendar: http://www.mindview.net/Calendar =================================== * Python distance learning My assistant has talked about needing structure in her learning process, and wanting to learn Python, and I realized a lot of people might have the same need: a course that has the benefits of an instructor on hand, but not so intense or expensive (especially when you consider travel costs) as our public seminars. So Dave Bartlett and I have cooked up the beginnings of a distance learning course based on one or more existing texts, probably including "Learn to Program Using Python" (http://www.crosswinds.net/~agauld/). We would break the book(s) up into chunks, and create associated exercises that would induce people to understand in more depth. These would be weekly assignments that would be checked/commented, and Dave (who is a great teacher) would be available for questions by email. If feasible, we could also use CUCME or Microsoft Meeting (or equivalent) with webcams and a whiteboard to do "office hours". Much of what the course would provide would be a structure for people who need it, an instructor as a resource, and a certificate at the end. My first thought would be $500 for the course. We would want commitment from people; those who can learn on their own don't need this course, but those who need it must be put out on a limb a little bit, and of course we must pay for the instructor time. If this sounds interesting to you, please email comments to dbartlett@pobox.com. =================================== * Zope BackTalk working session This was another amazing working session; small but very stimulating and productive. You will eventually see the fruits of our labor in a much improved version of BackTalk, into which I plan to put all my books. =================================== * Version 2 of the "Thinking in Patterns Working Session" September 3-7, Crested Butte, Colorado The "Thinking in Patterns Book Working Session" was so great that I'm already planning a repeat. This one takes place the week right after the Objects & Patterns seminar, and to strongly encourage you to participate in both events I'm offering a $300 discount on the Objects & Patterns seminar if you also attend the working session. If you do not attend the seminar, the working session alone is $300, which will cover costs. In the first session we focused on filling out the basic set of patterns in the book, adding the ones that I had missed. In version 2, I want to focus on examples that demonstrate the evolution of designs, adding and changing patterns as the problem is better understood over time (similar to the last chapter in the book). This should be even more fascinating than version 1. http://www.mindview.net/Seminars/WorkOnPatternsBook/ =================================== * Objects & Patterns Seminar August 27-31, Crested Butte, Colorado This is team taught by Bill Venners and myself, based on both of our books, and it's always a great experience. http://www.mindview.net/Seminars/ObjectsAndPatterns/JavaDesignPatternsIdioms.html See above for discount if you participate in the working session. =================================== * Java Enterprise Programming Seminar The Java Enterprise Programming Seminar shows when, how and why to use the technologies in the Java2 Enterprise Edition. This exercise-intensive course covers EJBs, Servlets and JSPs. The next one is August 6-10 in Crested Butte, Colorado: http://www.mindview.net/Seminars/J2EE/ =================================== * Thinking in Java Hands-On Seminar We believe that this is the best in-depth introduction to Java that you'll find. August 20-24 in Crested Butte, Colorado: http://www.mindview.net/Seminars/ThinkingInJava/Java.html ___| Until Next Time... |________________________ Java programming questions: http://www.mindview.net/Books/TIJ/JavaQuestions.html Speaking & Seminar schedule: http://www.mindview.net/Calendar/ Anyone can sign up for this free newsletter by sending an email to join-eckel-oo-programming@earth.lyris.net. Bruce Eckel http://www.mindview.net