Compsoc Exec Minnits

29th November 1999

Attended

• Chris Smith
• Chris Salmon
• Barry Boden
• Andrew Rudnicki

Contents

• Gaming on Uni Computers

• Dreamcast demo by Sega

• LAN Party

• Treasure Hunt

• New Webmaster

• Prospective Socials for next term

• Treasurer

• LAN Soc

1: Gaming on Uni Computers

The letter to CSV has been sent, Chris Smith to check pigeon hole for a possible reply, and to Mike about a follow-up email to the letter. The suggestion was made that investigations into using the SU computers might be useful.

2: Dreamcast demo by Sega

Nothing new was added.

Chris Smith to mail Sega, Baz to mail Ben Carter, Mike to mail his games developing friend.

3: LAN Party

This was seen by all to be a roaring success. 13 people turned up, with only a few problems; one network card problem, and one (not unusual) Win98 problem. This was a lot better than anticipated. A big thankyou to Ben Carter for printing IP/IPX address cards and idiot sheets – this was most useful!

However, the exec noted some room for improvement. Significat time wasa spent installing software, which could be eliminated if fore-knowledge of the games that are going to be played can be distributed to the participants. The exec suggested an on-line voting system for popular games, and event sign-up on the website. This is to be the responsibility of the new webmaster. This is dependent on getting the SU webspace up-and-running.

The exec decided that next term than LAN parties could be scheduled on a regular basis, i.e. every even week, with a tournament about week 6, and an Allnighter. This would hopefully involve staying up all night, but an alternative would be a weekend event, where computers are locked in overnight. The details of this are to be researched. (Chris Smith has already been told that a ‘lock-in’ in Meeting Rooms 4/5 is not possible).

The exec decided that the LAN parties should be kept members-only, but that anybody wanting to play can sign-up on the day etc at the SU reception.

Another observation, was that not all computers underwent a virus-check before connecting to the LAN. This is to be more strictly enforced next time. The exec noted that the capacity of the rooms was not even close to being reached, and that they hope to attract more members once the parties become more regular and start getting a following. Also, the exec recommends that members with cars park in the short-stay car park as opposed to parking right outside the Union, as one member was threatened with a fine for doing so.

One other note, was that exec could purchase spare networking equipment, just enough to cover any unforseeable problems (such as the network card problems experienced at the last social). It was decided to buy 1 spare network card, and about 3, 2m bits of BNC cable.

4: Treasure Hunt

This was decided to consist only of item gathering, due to the greater simplicity of divising the treasure hunt, and the lack of a need for people to stay in a particular location to give teams their next clue. An example of the kind of tasks, is that teams get 1 point for each beermat collected.

The social is to start at 7pm, and consist of a normal pub social for an hour whilst the exec waits for stragglers, explains the hunt and gets people into groups. Entry is to be 50p, with a 45ukp prize for the winning team of no less than 3 people. The date for the hunt is to be Wednesday week 10, and entries will not be accepted after 12pm. However, entries will be accepted until 12:30 but will incurr a 10% penalty.

5: New Webmaster

The applicants for the job were: J.S.McCarthy, Michael Sackur amd Phil Ross. The exec voted 2 in favour of Phil Ross, with 2 abstentions. This was because of Phil’s experience with ASP‘s, which can be used from the Union web space. Chris Salmon to mail Phil with society account details, and the other two to notify them of our decision.

Phil’s responsibilities are to involve (among other things):

• Post newsletters to the site

• Updating the socials page

• Post minutes to the site

• Write an event sign-up script

• Write a voting script (as discussed above)

• General upkeep/update of site

• Archive news dated > 2 weeks

• Add a member’s details form inc.

• Name

• Email

• Games owned, etc

• Add a prospective socials table to the socials page

• Possibly implement the site using a members DB, etc

It was agreed that Phil should have a free reign on the site and it’s implementation. However, it was decided that any visible changes (i.e. style changes) to the site should be check by the exec first.

6: Prospective Socials for next term

• Thurs Week 11, 8pm Airport

• Sun Week 12, LAN party

• Tues/Wed week 13, Bowling or IceSkating

• Sun Week 14, LAN party

• Wed week 15, Laserquest

• Sun week 16, Tournament (PC based) + LAN Party

• Sat/Sun week 18, Allnighter (or alternative)

Possible, unscheduled events: Laserquest Soc games, night event in Zippy’s (though this was decided to be very administratively tricky, with the need to organise some women attending), Gaming at CSV/SU, Dreamcast talk (or other), Computer Trade shows.

Baz to mail LaserQuest Soc for more info about team entrance and commitment.

7: Treasurer

Chris Smith to mail the members to offer the job of treasurer.

8: Lan Soc

Chris Smith to post the society’s reply to the proposed LAN Soc.

The next meeting is set for Mon 6th at 14:00, meeting at the Fyshbowl.

Compsoc Exec Minnits

22nd November 1999

Attended

• Chris Smith
• Chris Salmon
• Barry Boden
• Mike Squire

Contents

• LAN meeting

• LaserQuest

• Gaming on the Uni machines

• Dreamcast demo

• Next Event

• Webmaster

• Website

• Jan resigns

1: LAN meeting

This was attended by 12 members, which was an acceptable turnout, but below our expectations given the enthusiasm for the idea on the newsgroup. Notes of what was discussed have been posted on the compsoc website under the ‘Gaming’ section. Disks have been bought to copy the virus checking software onto. A suggestion was made that the social could have a ‘tournament’ element, so that even those without PC’s would be guaranteed some time on a machine. Chris Salmon is to mail those who didn’t turn up to meeting to reassert the confirmation that they are coming, and to tell them to mail the society if they need transport help (done). If all the people who have shown a definite interest attend, then the LAN will number approx. 19 PC’s.

2: LaserQuest

This is booked for 27 people at 4:00pm, with 3–4 substitutes.

3: Gaming on the Uni machines

The final draft of the letter is to be given to Jill by Mike, with a follow-up about a week later asking for confirmation of it’s receipt.

4: Dreamcast demo

Members have said that they have access, but have not yet mailed the society with the details. It was suggested that the society contact Sega, and ask if it would be possible for a talk/demo by them next term – with an emphasis on the technical/development/capabitity side of the Dreamcast. This was seen as being scheduled next term. Chris Smith to mail Sega for info. It was also suggested that the society could also arrange other talks, and that Baz should email Ben (ben@gunk.demon.co.uk) to ask about possible contacts/previews/demos etc. that the members might be interested in. Mike also said that he would email a friend who works in at a local games developer.

5: Next Event

Andy not present.

6: Webmaster

Possible strategies were discussed concerning who the exec should accept. However, as there were not any details to hand, the exec could not make a decision on who would receive the post. It was suggested that all applications would be accepted, and each applicant be given a specific task, but this was decided against as it was felt the job only needed one person, and that the applicants were expecting only one of them to be selected.

7: Website

Chris Smith mailed the SU /again/ for a link to our site. The suggestion was made that a link be requested from the main DCS site, and that the person to contact would be Mike Joy

8: Jan resigns

Jan has resigned as treasurer, due to too many commitments. He has offered to remain treasurer in name, for as long as we need to find a replacement – if we do. It was suggested that an enthusiastic first year could be encouraged to take the role, in preparation for the formation of the next exec.

The next meeting is set for Mon 29th at 14:00, meeting at the Fyshbowl.

Compsoc Exec Minnits

15th November 1999

Attended

• Chris Smith
• Chris Salmon
• Barry Boden
• Andrew Rudnicki

Contents

• LAN meeting

• LaserQuest

• Gaming on the Uni machines

• Dreamcast demo

• Next Event

• Webmaster

1: LAN meeting

Chris Smith cannot be at the meeting, which is from 18:30 – 20:00, meeting rooms 4/5 Union North.
A plan for the meeting is as follows:

Say what we know about the arrangements for the LAN party.

• When

• Where

• How many PC’s

• Network protocols

• Policy on sharing PC’s

• Policy on games (legal copies)

• Virus Checking

Group Discussion. Possible topics:

• What games do people want to play? (how many popular?)

• Organisation of sharing

• Transport organisation

• Hardware problems

• Q ‘n’ A

• Sign-up

The following points have to be emphasised. No food or drink near the computers. The society does not allow the use of illegal copies of software. Take regular breaks from your PC (RSI/Eye-strain). The society takes no responsibility for it’s members actions. ROAR. All PC’s are to be virus checked before being allowed onto the network. (Chris Smith to buy 3 * 10 3.5” disks to copy virus checking software).

Baz is to post the hardware requirements to the Compsoc newsgroup to allow members to beg/borrow/steal (scratch that last one!) the necessary bits of kit.

The policy on sharing is that priority will be given to those who are willing to share their machines. Non-members are not allowed to attend this preliminary LAN party, and so those non-members lending their machine to a member will not be able to participate (i.e. the computer you bring to the party is (in the eyes of the society) yours, and no-one else’s).

Other details:

• When = Sunday 28th 9:00am – 5:00pm (check website)

• Where = Meeting rooms 4/5

• Capacity of Room = ~30 machines (will arrange tables on Friday to judge actual capacity)

• Protocol Used = BNC (may need to agree on IP addresses)

2: LaserQuest

This is arranged for Wed 24th Nov, in response to member’s responses to the newsletter. This was agreed as it is cheaper and people are going to be free. LaserQuest holds 27 people, and we can book it for this many once we know 27 people are coming. Andy to mail people to ask them to mail us to sign up. We will wait until the deadline for this before booking. Cost is 5ukp for 3 games, though we can pair people up if they only wish to do 1 or 2 games. They are to pay when we get there as there is no booking fee. Meet in Rootes Reception @ 2:00pm. Andy suggested that people might want to play using their ‘Quake names’. Also, it was suggested that we go to a nearby pub afterwards to dissect the day’s gibbage.

3: Gaming on the Uni machines

Mail Mike for the address of his contact in ITS.

4: Dreamcast demo

It was suggested that Compsoc members might be interested in a demo of the new console from Sega. Andy to include a request for Dreamcast owners in his mail about LaserQuest.

5: Next Event

The exec were lost for obvious ideas for the next social, but the following were suggested:

• Murder Mystery Weekend

• Go-karting

• Ice Skating

• Paintball

• Atomic Bomberman Tournament

• Campus Pub crawl

However, it was also suggested that we organise a Treasure Hunt. Andy is to write some clues, the first of which is to be posted on the website. Various tasks were discussed, such as bringing back something yellow with the name of a beer on it , etc. The teams were decided to be randomly selected from those signing up, to encourage mingling.

6: Webmaster

Closing date is the end of the week (19/11/99). We have had 2 applications so far. The role of the person in the job was discussed, and decided that it should involve keeping the site up-to-date, and adding things such as the newsletter and minutes to the site as they become available.

The next meeting is set for Mon 22th at 14:00, meeting at the Fyshbowl.

Chris Salmon – Computing Society Secretary

Compsoc Exec Minnits

8th November 1999

Attended

• Chris Smith
• Chris Salmon
• Barry Boden
• Andrew Rudnicki

Contents

• GoldenEye Tournament

• LAN party

• Publicity

• WWW

• Server

• LaserQuest

1: GoldenEye Tournament

The random draws for the tournament have been put up on the society noticeboard, and email notification sent out. There are about 7 groups, i.e. about 28 people entering the tournament. A desk is to be set up at the door to collect money and check off the people as they arrive. The start is at 8:00pm. The amuzing awards have been printed (e.g. Robinson Crusoe award for being lost goes to….) and umpires are to keep their eyes open for possible candidates. The umpires are also to check that the players sit in the correct seat, corresponding to their position on the group list. The main prize has had to be changed to a certificate, a 2.99ukp McDonalds Voucher, 10ukp and a bar of chocolate. The runner-up will receive a bar of chocolate. Andy forwarded that he thought the final should only involve pistols, and this was passed by a 3–1 majority. (Andy would also like it minuted that he used Jedi Persuation to achieve Barry’s vote. It was decided that the profits would NOT be put into the society account, due to difficulty in taking money out, but the amount recorded.

2: LAN party

It was agreed that someone needed to get the address of the person to whom the letter is to be sent from Mike, so that it could be sent as soon as possible. After the success of the GoldenEye Tournament, the exec agreed that Union North was the most viable venue for the LAN party. Meeting rooms 4/5 have been booked for Friday week 7 (60 people) for a LAN party discussion + sign-up. The purpose of the meeting is to organise a LAN party to take place one day in one of the weekends after the meeting (Chris to book). It was agreed that this would be run as a sign-up aswell as a discussion, so that once things such as the number of participants and transport are organised, people can confirm that they are going to show up. The exec suggested some items that need to be discussed at the meeting:

• Transport

• Network hardware (cards, cable)

• Range of computer specs (possibly a straw poll on a banded set (i.e. PII+, P133-PII, -P133))

• Games people want to play (we can schedule popular games, so that everyone knows what is happening when)

It was decided that BNC would be the preferred method of connection, but that if people using Twisted-Pair cards had a hub with a BNC uplink, that this could be accomodated as long as they supplied the hub.

The society has been given a preliminary ok by the technical support guy at the Union, as long as he can check the setup before people turn their computers on (as per the GoldenEye Tournament).

Chris to mail the society about the discussion. It was decided that it would be too diffucult for the exec to officially buy network cards for its members and resell them, but that exec members could do it on a personal basis. As it is the first such event, it was decided that this LAN party be for members only, but that on subsequent parties, non-members could pay to join the network.

3: Publicity

It was felt by the exec, that they could do better in advertising society events. Chris passed around an information pack regarding the various information services offered to societies (poster runs, entries in the word etc). It was felt that better, earlier publicity could help attendance and awareness of events. It was also suggested that newsgroup postings could be sent to furthur advertise events.

4: WWW

The member who was interested in administering the site has now replied saying that he is working on the Union site, but that he can contribute to the site if it is needed. Phil Ross replied saying that he was interested in the position. It was suggested that in the interest of EquiOpps, an advert be placed in newsletter so that all interested parties can contact us to be considered. Barry to investigate the web facilities offered at the Union (Frontpage extensions, server side scripts etc)

5: Server

An email was sent to RAG, but there has been no reply. Chris Salmon to email the other societies if there is no reply within the week.

6: LaserQuest

The exec agreed that they would organise a LaserQuest social for this term, Chris to book this for Thursday Week 7 if possible. Selection for the society squad(s) can also take place.

The next meeting is set for Mon 15th at 14:00, meeting at the Fyshbowl.

Chris Salmon – Computing Society Secretary

Compsoc Exec Minnits

1st November 1999

Attended

• Chris Smith
• Mike Squire
• Andrew Rudnicki
• Jan Schultz
• Barry Boden
• Chris Salmon

Contents

• GoldenEye
• LAN party
• WWW – Comms Officer
• Refreshers Fair
• Joint Evening Events
• Newwords
• Accounts
• Server

1. GoldenEye

The rooms have been booked as follows:

Meeting Rooms 4/5 for:

Wed 3rd November 7:00 – 11:00 (7:30 start and finish about 10:45)

Mon 8th November 7:30 – 11:00 (finish about 10:45)

We currently have 2 N64’s, 1 TV and another TV pending. Jan to organise another N64, and another TV should it be needed.

It was decided that to ensure fair competition and safety, the exec would elect umpires to stop too much noise, and to ensure the safety of the equipment. At the moment, the people able to do this (whilst not playing) are for Wed: Chris Smith, Barry, Andy and Chris Salmon. For Monday, the possible umpires are Jan, Barry, Andy and Chris Salmon.

The posters have been printed, and put up around campus, but those in the Union had be taken down as they don’t have the stamp of approval from the Union. It was recognised that any further posters needed to be stamped. It was also suggested that Barry could take some flyers or posters to the computer fair on wednesday.

Chris Smith is to get a T-Shirt for the tournament prize.

2. LAN party

The exec were shown the draft of the letter which has been decided to be sent to Jill Buxton, the person that Mike talked to previously. Amendments were suggested, including the addition of a statement to the effect of RSVP with your decision ASAP. It was also decided that the letter should ask Jill to forward it to whoever it may concern in the department.

It was decided that the society should hold a forum for LAN party discussion so that arrangements can be made more swiftly than through the newsgroup/email. It was suggested that it be marketed as part-social, with the members going on to the airport or similar afterwards. Chris Smith to book a room for this around week 6/7. Possible venues were discussed again, with Chris Smith to talk to technical support about any safety concerns with holding the party in Zippys or a meeting room for a day in the weekend. Another suggested venue was the Business School lecture theatre with network ports at each seat. Again, Chris Smith to ask about booking/availability.

It was suggested that the exec could provide a service for it’s members by renting out network cards for use at these Lan parties. It was decided that this might be too costly, but that the exec could help its members by selling known to be good network cards through the society.

3. WWW – Comms Officer

It was suggested that the exec could ask Paul Doyle if he was interested in maintaining the CompSoc website. However, it was recognised that he might either be too busy or not interested, so it was also decided to wait to hear a reply from the member who previously expressed an interest. In addition, an email to Phil Ross asking if he is interested in the position was also suggested. It was suggested that the position created would be that of the Comms Officer, so that the member concerned would also be responsible for the societies email.

4. Refreshers Fair

It was decided that the society did not need to actively recruit more members. However, Chris Smith is to find out the deadline that the exec can signup members until.

5. Joint Evening Events

It was recognised that the society does not contain many female members, and that if an evening event was planned it could be done in collaboration with another society. Suggested societies were: Psychology, Archery or a marksman-type society. It was suggested that such an event could take place in the second term.

6. Newwords

Barry to investigate revitalising Newwords for the society.

7. Accounts

Jan to talk to the finance officer to get info on the compsoc account.

8. Server

Chris Salmon to mail RAG (done this) about the computer they have connected to the University network. The idea of owning a seperate server was seen as being too expensive and awkward to organise, and seen as both a liability and computer security risk.

The next meeting is set for Mon 8th at 14:00, meeting at the Fyshbowl.

Chris Salmon – Computing Society Secretary