TCF 2008 Activities and Events | Post TCF Talks and Forums information - New 4/28/08 | Press Release | Articles | Keynote Speaker | Banquet | Robotic and Electronic Contests | Professional Conference | Talks and Forums on 4/26 & 4/27 | Amateur (Ham) Radio and License Testing | Dates, Hours, Directions, Transportation, Restaurants and Hotels | Downloads |

TCF 2008 Official Contributors

About TCF | History of The Festival | Past Keynote Speakers | Videos | Hobbyist of the Year | Founders | Steering Committee | Sponsors

Prior Years Events

(TCF 2007) | Professional Conference | Keynote Speaker | Poster Sessions | Banquet Speaker | Talks and Forums on Saturday | Talks and Forums on Sunday | Amateur (Ham) Radio and License Testing | Dates and Location | Downloads

(TCF 2006) | Press Release | Professional Conference | Keynote Speaker | Featured Speakers | Poster Sessions | Talks and Forums

Misc. - Saturday April 26, 2008, Room BSC-202E

10:15 am to 11:10 am
RESTful Web Services
Mike Barlow, Sensor Technologies

Abstract :

Web Services and SOA seem to be all the rage these days. Most of the articles and books talk about WSDL files and SOAP, and fairly complex architectures. But this is not the only way to do Web Services. There are also "REST" based Web Services. REST (which stands for "Representational State Transfer") is "sort of" the new kid on the block when it comes to Web Services, but REST is an easier, faster and the more efficient method of doing Web Services. Amazon.Com, which provides a REST interface as well as SOAP interface for their Web Service, reports that they handle 85% MORE hits via REST than SOAP, and that REST is 6 times faster! So, come and get the scoop on just what REST is and how you to can have a RESTful Web Service.

Bio :

Mike has been involved in the computer industry since practically the start of personal computing. He is currently working as a support contractor at Fort Monmouth and is involved in architecting and developing computer software. Mike has worked with the Lotus Notes/Domino platform since 1991 and has lectured at several Lotusphere Conferences. In recent years he has concentrated on web-based applications as AJAX and JSON.

11:20 am to 12:15 pm
Introduction to Microsoft Robotics Studio
Brian Johnson, Microsoft

Abstract :

Microsoft Robotics Studio is a tool that allows a user to create and control the logic associated with robotic devices and processes. In this talk you'll learn about what Robotics Studio is, how it works with a wide range of currently available robotics devices, and how you can get started in robotics with just a PC and a little imagination. Topics to be covered include: 1) Introduction to the Virtual Simulation Environment, 2) Simple programming in Visual Programming Language, and 3) Controlling a Lego Mindstorms NXT robot with Robotics Studio.

Bio :

Brian Johnson has been at Microsoft for 8 years during which he has been a Programming Editor for Microsoft Press, a Content Strategist for MSDN, a Product Manager for Office for Mac, and is now an Enthusiast Evangelist for Developer and Platform Evangelism. Before coming to Microsoft, Brian was Technical Editor of Microsoft Office and VBA Developer Magazine and was a columnist for Visual J++ Informant Magazine. The author of a number of books including Zune for Dummies, Xbox 360 for Dummies, Inside Visual Studio, and Microsoft Image Composer for Dummies, Brian blogs at http://brianjo.spaces.live.com.

12:25 pm to 1:20 pm
Should You Upgrade to Windows Vista?
David Soll, Omicron Consulting

Abstract :

Windows Vista is a controversial upgrade to Microsoft?s previous workstation operating system, Windows XP. One of the key issues is how good Windows XP really is, making it difficult to decide if an upgrade is warranted. In addition, Windows Vista introduces a new user interface and you?ve just become comfortable with the Windows XP user interface and may not want to spend the time learning the new interface. If you are purchasing a new computer, you may be presented with the option to purchase it with Windows XP or Windows Vista, so which one should you select? David Soll will talk about some of the issues and differences between Windows XP and Windows Vista and when it makes sense to upgrade and when it makes sense to stay with your old operating system. He will also dispel many of the myths surrounding Windows Vista that have been adding to the confusion about what operating system to choose.

Bio :

David Soll is is the Vice President of Advanced Technology for Omicron Consulting in Philadelphia. He is also the Chairman of the Princeton Chapter of the IEEE Computer Society as well as the Chairman of the TCF Professional IT Conference. He has been working with computer technologies for over 30 years and holds a BS in Electrical Engineering from Drexel University. He has worked in computer programming, network engineering, systems analysis, and system architecture and design and is still active in the most technical aspects of computing.

1:30 pm to 2:25 pm
Video Games 2008
Roger Amidon, Nanergy, Inc.

Abstract :

The continuing advances in Home Video Games are not slowing down. We will demonstrate and compare the latest hardware systems and the latest games that bring out the best features of each system.

Bio :

Roger has been involved with programming video games since 1990, and still keeps up with all of the latest technology involved. He also enjoys playing video games! As one of the "Pioneers" during the early days of personal computers, he invented the "Z80" board for the Altair computer as well as many other products.