Computing Topics: Introduction
The topics in this section provide physicists with a starting point for
some of the major operating systems, languages and applications that are
used in the Physics department at Oxford University. The objectives of
these short topic documents are:-
- Awareness
To provide just enough information to permit the reader to decide
whether it could be useful to investigate the topic and to highlight
anything that is specific to its use in the department.
- Introduction
To provide links to any existing introductory material suitable for the
beginner.
- Reference
To provide links to reference material suitable for any user.
Each topic is a divided into the following sections:-
although not every section is supplied for every topic.
This gives an overview of the topic, it is divided into the following
sections.
This give a very brief description of the purpose of the component that
the topic describes. The aim is to answer, at the highest level, the
question "Would this be useful to me?"
This section describes any general limitations, not specific to Oxford,
on its availability. For example a tool may only run on certain
platforms.
This section lists the computer systems in the department that run it,
how to access it and information on any limitation such as the number of
licences.
This section has links to further information. It is divided into the
following sections.
If there is web link to a good beginner's tutorial it should be listed
here.
This section lists any recommended books.
This section lists courses available to members of the department.
If there are web sites of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) they should
be listed here.
This section can be used to provide words of advice, particularly for
beginners, about pitfalls to avoid and optimal ways to deal with standard
tasks.
This can list other useful web URLs.
The contact for the topic has but a single responsibility: to keep the
topic up to date. An email address should be given so that the contact
can act on constructive criticism concerning the topic. Of course
nobody will stop a contact who wants to write tutorial material or who
offers advice to people in the department, but that is their choice
entirely.
If you have any comments about this page please send them to
Nick west