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eBCS Oxfordshire March 2010
A Look at Improving Software Quality
In this month's newsletter, learn how to improve the quality of the software you deliver, celebrating science, math on the Internet and what's coming up in the Oxfordshire branch calendar as well as other events around and about the Oxfordshire area.
 
Non-functional Testing : Testing Software Quality

Julian Harty of Google 
March 11, 2010 at 7 for 7.30
Venue: Sophos plc.


Non Functional Testing

The quality of software has a massive impact on its success or failure. Yet, paradoxically, few people fully test all of the quality aspects of their software.

In this talk Julian Harty of Google explores testing those all important non-functional aspects, ranging from accessibility to performance, security and usability.

 Come along to gain some new insight into how to make your software development projects achieve higher standards of quality.

As an added bonus, get a chance to see the inside of the high security Sophos headquarters.

Sophos
Venue: Sophos plc, Abingdon, OX14 3YP.
Image copyright Sophos plc. 

Oxfordshire Science Festival 2010

Oxfordshire Science Festivat 2010
Starts 6th of March


Oxfordshire Science Festival
 
The Oxfordshire Science Festival is an opportunity for organisations throughout the county to engage the public in their work through lectures, discussions, debates and interactive activities.

OSF 2010 will be kicked off with a giant science filled market place in Broad Street on 6 March 2010. With 20 stalls offering hands on activities, more scientists to quiz than you can fit in a test tube and a programme of live shows including music, dance and the secrets of superheros. Come and help us break the world record for the largest chinese whisper and learn how this relates to Motor Neurone Disease! The launch is just the beginning of two weeks of fun and fascination with over 100 events scheduled across Oxfordshire and neighbouring counties. With this much going on there is surely something for everyone and the best news is that most of the events are free! Find out more information about the 2010 Oxfordshire Science Festival events. Download the Oxfordshire Science Festival 2010 Brochure.


How Much Mathematics Does an Internet User Use?

BCS Wiltshire Branch and The Institute of Mathematics and its Applications Joint Event

Internet Math
 
Certainly hundreds, and possibly thousands, of millions of people use the Internet. How many of them realise how much mathematics is involved in transactions that they all take for granted, from Internet shopping & banking to using Google? In this talk we will look at two examples of the underlying mathematical technology that is in such daily use. For further information please visit the BCS Wiltshire website

The event is free and open to non-IMA and BCS members.

Light refreshments will be provided.


Future Event Bookings

April and May BCS Oxfordshire Events will require Booking in Advance

We have had a number of people already ask about the booking procedure for these events. We are pleased to announce that this new functionality is now available and registrations are being accepted. Check for the Registrations link at the top of every page of the BCS Oxfordshire website.

Visit to CCFE & JET 29/4 2010 - Please note that this event has a limit on the number of visitors and require prior registration.  Some foreign nationals require security clearance which may take up to four weeks.  Please register early to avoid disappointments.


Items of Interest

Branch Meeting Programme
Our full meeting programme for 2009/10 is on the branch website. If you want a PDF for printing, that is also available. We are working on restoring the ability to automatically add events to your calendar through links on the website.


Specialist Groups
Did you know that BCS members can join up to five BCS Specialist Groups online? Just sign on to the Members' secure area, and click on "Specialist Groups" in the box headed "Manage your membership". You should then be able to join several Specialist Groups.

Members of the Specialist Group in Software Testing will be interested in our March meeting to be held in the inspiring offices of Sophos in Abingdon.


Oxford Geek Nights
Oxford Geek Nights offer a chance for web developers and designers in the local area to get together, share their skills and talk about new ideas, techniques and technologies. To learn more please visit their website.

Trailblazers
As the Savvy Citizens campaign continues, BCS is preparing to launch its next public engagement campaign, 'Information Trailblazers'. We are looking to identify true heroes who have made a real difference in the world by using information and information technology. Five trailblazers will be featured in a series of online videos, but we need your help to select them. Visit the Trailblazers page for the full details and to vote.

BCS Overseas
Did you know that you do not have to live in the UK to attend a BCS lecture or meeting? For example, the US chapter of BCS is going from strength to strength. If you know if any ex-pat BCS members, be sure to let them know.

About this Newsletter

Want to know more about this newsletter? There's an article on the branch wiki.


[ FEEDBACK ]
We'd love to hear your comments, views and opinions on this newsletter and on the branch programme. Please use the feedback form on the branch website.
BCS Recruit
Oxfordshire Branch meetings are open to BCS members and non-members. Unless otherwise stated, there is no charge and you don't have to book.

For other events, check the links.

11 March 2010
Testing Software Quality - Julian Harty of Google discusses non-functional testing

6 to 21 March 2010
Oxfordshire Science Festival 2010 - There are events for professional scientists and people with an interest in science however most events are aimed at regular people who just want to have fun and perhaps explore a topic that is important to them such as climate change, inheritance, music and sport.  

12 to 21 March 2010
National Science and Engineering Week - a ten day programme of science, engineering and technology events and activities across the UK aimed at people of all ages.  

16 March 2010
How Much Mathematics does an Internet User Use? - BCS Wiltshire Branch and The Institute of Mathematics and its Applications Joint Event.  

29 April 2010
Visit to UKAEA Fusion & JET

20 May 2010
Sciences in Oxford's History - An Afternoon Guided Walking Tour

21 May 2010
Silver Surfer's Day - the largest, national, digital literacy campaign for older people in the UK

1 to 7 June 2010
Volunteer's Week - a national celebration of volunteers and volunteering which takes place from 1 – 7 June of each year. This year, Volunteers' Week is celebrating its 25th anniversary


bullet Oxford Internet Institute events
bullet OeRC events
bullet Science Oxford
bullet BCS Events Calendar








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