Just the facts, ma'am......

And this coming Fall 2010 in our brand new Computer Forensics course, Comp 375, we'll have the opportunity to explore the fascinating world of finding out the facts based upon the clues left behind on computers. Guiding us to through this exciting topic will be USF Computer Science alumna and IT Director of the Will County Sheriff's Office, Jacqueline Falbo. Her work and experience in the various facets of law enforcement and technology will allow her to give her students insight into the whys and wherefore of a topic that draws instant interest.

Computer Forensics extends beyond the desktop computers and the servers. It also looks at social networking, cell phones and preservation of evidence. Ms Falbo has had training in various forensics techniques from the FBI and worked with the Sheriff’s office hi-tech lab.

If you have an interest in networking, security, or just want to expand your horizons, this class will be one not to miss!

With a little (a lot of) help from our friends.

On March 18th, Thursday afternoon, the students who attended the USF Computer Club/IEEE Branch event were introduced to the newly configured CompSci Server courtesy of USF Computer Science Alumnus & Director of USF Information Services, Tim Archer.



Tim described the servers now available and how students could VPN in to access the server resources. The servers include the firewall server, the virtualization server, the web server and the database server that was configured in the Fall database class with USF Computer Science Alumnus, Scott Walton. Tim gave everyone an opportunity to suggest what they'd like to see be part of our new configuration.

New proposed plans for the Computer Science Lab were also shown. This gives us a target to aim for as we look ahead to the future.

Cris & Ruth extend their thanks to Tim for all his work on the server room and making a new environment available to our students.

Playing ball

When Coach Ed Serdar of Plainfield was looking for to create a website for his girl's softball team, he turned to his friend Coach Richard Smith of USF, who in turned called on the USF Computer Science department. Three of our students are stepping up to meet the challenge and lend a hand. Megan O'Brien, Computer Science Sophomore, Alex Schmid, Computer Science Junior, and Caleb Piggott, Computer Science Senior are going to provide Coach Serdar's team with a web presence and gain valuable experience at the same time. Teamwork, developing new skills, and gaining a first exposure to working for a client are important aspects of a student's growth.

We're looking forward to seeing the website they create.

Seeing through - website development

The call came out from USF Solutions and Information Technology junior, Matt Strama, answered it. He's helping a company that has never had a web presence create one. He is currently working with a glass company to identify their needs and help them understand what they will be able to accomplish with a company website. This will give Matt another competency on his resume and he'll be able to work around his busy schedule. We're looking forward to spreading the word once his project is completed. Good going, Matt.

Beyond the Books

What’s up at the library? Ask Matthew Strama, Information Technology junior , he is a Computer Technician for the Morris Area Public Library. He maintains, fixes, and troubleshoots the network and computers, which includes staff and public computers. And if anyone, staff or customers, has a computer question, Matt is the go-to guy. Maintenance on the machines includes Windows updates, reinstall OS if it needs to be reinstalled, run the spy-ware cleaner, install the library check out system when it is needed, and installing deep-freeze on the public machines (a program that wipes the machine after its restarted.). He gets involved in networking troubleshooting if the internet drops, the switches and routers are having connection problems or the public needs help connecting to our wireless router.

The Morris Area Public Library network is made up of switches, routers, and a sonic wall. They have 20 public computers and 14 staff computers that need to be maintained on a daily basis. That means running updates and other software on them. Matt just assisted in the switch from ATT DSL to Comcast cable internet. Not only did Matt help setup the internet system, he teaches computer classes as well to the public. The classes he has taught include computer basics, Word 2007, Internet Explorer 7 & 8, Yahoo email, and intermediate computers. Besides teaching the public he does staff training as well on the new updates and software that purchased for the computers.

So if you thought libraries were just about books, talk to Matt. Whether its helping someone get online to make that important change to their Facebook status or teaching them about using their computers, he knows that support comes with a variety of responsibilities.

Excellent work, Matt!

Opportunities from USF Solutions

Bonnie Covelli of USF Solutions approached us with opportunities for students. She is looking on the behalf of a local business for website design. The company is a glass company. According to Ms Covelli: "They have zero web presence at the moment. The website would primarily include information on company location and products. No e-commerce, no outrageous bells and whistles are needed."

At this point it would be donated time, but this would be an excellent opportunity for students who have not had any experience or just a little experience. Perhaps two students could cooperate on this. It would be a good entry for your resume and help you when more formal jobs or other paid opportunities occur.

Additionally Ms Covelli, also informed us of another opportunity, this one paid, but will require more experience.

"It's for a small retail store, but the website will need a bit more "bells and whistles" and someone with enough knowledge to advise on hosting and long-term maintenance carriers. The store has a current "basic" website, but they are ready to upgrade to a more sophisticated look. ... For this project, the designer would only need to work with me, and I'd serve as the interface with the client. Also, the designer would be paid."

Please contact either Cris or Ruth if you'd like to take advantage of either opportunity.

Paid or unpaid - experience will help you land the job of your choice.

Join us on Facebook!

We now have a Facebook group: Computer Science at University of St. Francis. Anyone interested in our Computer Science program whether student, alumni, faculty, staff, prospective student, former teacher, or just plain interested, is welcome.

Facebook Link

So sign in, add photos, links, start or join a discussion. This can be a great way to reconnect with old friends and classmates.

You're always welcome!