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CIS
         Newsletter

    Computer & Information
      Sciences Department




     2011 - 2012                                                                     9th Issue


Inside                            A Word from CIS Chairperson
Overview of the CCIS & CIS
                             3                   Dr. Manal Farrag
                                           Computer & Information Sciences,
Announcements
                                                    Chairperson
                             5
                                      I feel very honored to write the introductory word for the 9th issue of
Technology Enhancements           the CIS Newsletter. As we are coming towards the end of a fruitful
                             8    academic year 2012, I would like to express my sincere thanks to all my
                                  dear students, especially those who represented the CIS department and
                                  Prince Sultan University in many events and showed outstanding
Visits                       11   performance.
                                      Then, I would like to thank my respected colleagues in the Computer
Achievers of CIS                  and Information Sciences Department for their hard work and
                             12   dedication. Their great contributions in improving the department will
                                  help us in achieving a pioneering role in the area of education.
CIS Clubs’ Activities        17   Last but not least, I would like to thank the PSCW management,
                                  especially Dr. Noura Aba Al-Khail, Dean of College for Women, and Dr.
                                  Mariam Al-Oraifi, Vice Dean, Academic Affairs and Scientific Research
Reference Information             for always supporting and encouraging me to add value to the CIS
                             22
                                  department.
9th Issue: 2011 - 2012                                                                 CIS Newsletter

                                                                   Start with a smile and be optimistic and if you
          You Can Make a                                       think you don't make a difference in this world,

      Difference: Choose to Be                                 remember, one raindrop raises the ocean. There are
                                                               nine requisites for contented living:
              Positive                                             HEALTH, enough to make work a pleasure;
                                                               WEALTH,       enough    to   support   your   needs;
               By: Dr. Manal Farrag                            STRENGTH, enough to battle with difficulties and
    Computer & Information Sciences, Chairperson               forsake them; GRACE, enough to confess your sins
                                                               and overcome them; PATIENCE, enough to toil until
                                                               some good is accomplished; CHARITY, enough to see
         You can choose to be either negative or positive in
                                                               the good in your neighbor; LOVE, enough to move you
     your life. The CIS Department is targeting excellence
                                                               to be useful and helpful to others; FAITH, enough to
     in education with high quality. Therefore, students
                                                               make real the things of God; HOPE, enough to remove
     and faculty are encouraged to add value, share their
                                                               anxious fears towards the future. - Johann Wolfgang
     knowledge, and try to help wherever and whenever it
                                                               von Goethe
     is possible. Competence, innovation, and success are
     the three pillars of the CIS department. The rule that       Last tip: “Put your heart, mind, and soul into even
     the department is trying to follow is "if you can add     your smallest acts. This is the secret of success”.
     value, then be creative and start implementing your
     ideas immediately".
                                                                 A Word from Student Editor
         Everyone is encouraged to be positive. A positive
     attitude is contagious. Don't wait to catch it from                     Lamis AbuSaleh
     others, be a carrier and pass it on. When knowledge is
     shared; it is not halved but doubled.
                                                                       This has been a great year for the CIS
     "A boat builder decided to retire to spend more time        department and its newsletter. There have
     with his family. His employer said that he would be
                                                                 been numerous projects and various
     sad to see him go, and requested that he build one last
                                                                 competitions, in which several of my
     boat. The boat builder reluctantly agreed and rushed
                                                                 colleagues as well as myself participated. I
     to complete a six-birth cruiser to the luxury standard
     specified. The workmanship was poor and the finish          would like to take the chance to congratulate
     was below standard. On the day the boat builder was         all my colleagues who won. I also hope others
     due to complete his work, his employer arrived. The         who didn’t win wouldn’t give up and try
     employer handed the key to the boat builder saying,         harder next time. I am so proud to be part of
     “This is my gift to you!” The boat builder was shocked.     such community of positive thinking and
     He thought, "If I had known this was for me I would         hardworking people. I would also like to
     have built the boat perfectly." Now he was not sure if      thank our faculty members who keep us
     he even wanted this gift.”
                                                                 updated and informed as well as encourage
         We do the same in life. We sometimes do not give        us to expand our knowledge and our expertise
     ourselves, our families, and our work the best effort       by participating in distinguished events.
     and seem disappointed with our situation when we
     realize we could have done it differently.                       To my colleagues who didn’t get a
         Life is so short. Let us help each other, students      chance to participate in much this year, I
     and faculty, in spreading this atmosphere of acting         strongly encourage you to do so. The feeling
     positively in life with Allah’s satisfaction as our         of being recognized for your hard work is
     ultimate goal. We can achieve success if we change our      simply exquisite, let alone how it will benefit
     perspective by being the best that we can be while          you in the future.
     bringing out the best in others.

2
Overview of the CCIS & CIS Programs

   CS Program Mission                         IS Program Mission
                                          Provide highly qualified graduates who
Provide high quality, up-to-date          are capable of fulfilling IT careers in
computing education to prepare top        business, industry, and government,
quality graduates for the job market.     and capable of pursuing further
                                          graduate studies in well-recognized
                                          academic institutions.
Contribute positively to the discipline
through solid, constructive research      This comes through providing students
and development.                          with integrated technical and
                                          theoretical knowledge and skills in
                                          information technology, systems
Serve community needs.                    development, and IS environment.

                                          Provide students with an academic
Provide an educational environment        environment committed to excellence
                                          and innovation that contributes to
that promotes innovative thinking,
                                          improving their intellectual and
ethical behavior, and prepare students
                                          communication capabilities and skills
for continued life-long learning.         and contribute to developing leadership,
                                          professionalism, and life-long learning.




                                                                                     3
9th Issue: 2011 - 2012                 CIS Newsletter




           CS Career Opportunities   IS Career Opportunities




4
Announcements
            Announcing the New Revised IS Curriculum

      The new revised IS curriculum would be implemented from September 2012. It has been designed with
the aim to give the IS student the necessary experience through real application, development, and practical
training.
      IS Core and Elective Program Requirements (62 credits): IS Core Courses (36 credits), Business Courses
(15 Credits) & Communication Skills (2 Credits)
      The credits for the core courses offered in the program has been revised from 21 to 36 and the new courses
included are Internet Technologies and Services, Visual Programming, Web Design & Programming,
Web-Based Systems Development & Information Systems Security.
      The elective courses provide students with an opportunity to select one of the three specialized options
specified below. However, a student who chooses not to go for a specialized option can take any three elective
courses of the following list with a minimum total of 9 credit hours (i.e., General Systems Track).



 General Systems Track
 Specialized Systems Track
   Option 1: Data and Knowledge Management.

     Option 2: Web Applications Development.

        Option 3: Systems Design and Development.



               New Tracks in CCIS and CIS
     Starting from September 2012 new attractive focused BS programs with a good potential in KSA
will be offered.

 BS in Computer Science (Digital Media)
 BS in Information Systems (E-Commerce)
    Because the proposed programs are focused versions of our existing CS & IS program, they still
maintain the main core that enable graduates to pursue classical careers and work in areas where any
traditional graduate can work. In addition, the graduates of the new programs will be more market-
ready and accordingly more suitable for specialized jobs. The graduates of these programs are also
expected to be innovative problem solvers and opportunity creators.




                                                                                                                   5
9th Issue: 2011 - 2012                                                                  CIS Newsletter

                                        Announcements
    MUST TO DO for CIS Students
    1.   Attend the classes in the first week of semester as you are marked absent in week 1 if you skip the classes.
    2.   Attend the students’ orientation session in the start of each semester.
    3.   Carefully read and understand the DN policy.
    4.   Try to conduct all quizzes and major exams, as there is no makeup exams according to the new policy
         (except for the cases mentioned below).
    5.   Convey your concern or problems to the department chair as she has an open door policy for all students.




                                                           We Hear You!
                                                      Are you facing any problem?
                                         Do you have certain expectations from CIS Department?
                                  The CIS Department is in the process of achieving quality in the area of
                                                       “Teaching & Learning”.
                                Help us improve the quality of our program. We need new
                               ideas and suggestions. You can contribute in improving your
                                                       department.
                                 Students are advised to submit their written suggestions, ideas, and
                                                   problems to Dr. Manal Farrag at
                                                       mfarrag@pscw.psu.edu.sa
                                Moreover, you can put your letter in the suggestion Box near office #315
                                   Note: You don’t have to mention your name and your data will be treated in a
                                                                confidential way.

6
Interview

        The Road to Success
   Interview with the first & only Cisco Certified
     Internetwork Expert (CCIE) Saudi female
    Ms. Buthayna Al-Wehaibi studied and
graduated from PSU. She finished her COOP in                                      By Lamis AbuSaleh
Cisco Systems and then worked as a Research
Assistant at King Abdulaziz City for Science &
                                                         certain level of skill set. CCIE is viewed as the most
Technology (KACST). She went back to CISCO
                                                         prestigious networking certification in the industry. It
to be a Network Consulting Engineer there. Her
                                                         was my motive to work in CISCO as a Network
journey took her from Riyadh to Jordan, India,
                                                         Consulting Engineer, which requires an expert
Dubai, and finally back to Riyadh.
                                                         knowledge. Thus, having CCIE was a necessity in my
    CISCO has a widely spread IT certification           career development.”
program that is well known around the world. There
                                                          Where did you apply for the CCIE and how
are five levels of general certification Entry,
                                                         long did it take you between the CCNA and the
Associate, Professional, Expert and Architect. Ms.
                                                         CCIE?
Buthayna has managed to reach the “Expert” level
and to receive the final certificate offered by CISCO,         “I studied part of CCNA in PSU, as an elective.
the CISCO Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE).          When I joined CISCO as a COOP, I studied and
Our team in the CIS Newsletter has managed to            passed CCNA and CCNP, in 2007. I then joined
interview Ms. Buthayna, hoping our CIS students          CISCO Global Talent Acceleration Program (GTAP)
would benefit from her experience.                       as a Professional Network Consulting Engineer, for 9
                                                         months. I spent 6 months in Jordan where I received
 Do you know how many CCIE certified
                                                         technical and soft skills training. I passed the CCIE
females engineers are there in Saudi Arabia?
                                                         written exam there in March 2008. Then I spent 5
    “I was told that I’m the first CCIE Saudi female,    weeks in India working as a Customer Support
no other CCIE Saudi females as of yet. I encourage       Engineer in CISCO TAC (Technical Assistance
females to pursue network engineering. Hopefully, we     Centre). Afterwards, I came back to Saudi Arabia and
will see more CCIE female engineers in the near          worked as a Network Consulting Engineer in CISCO
future.”                                                 Advanced Services. I passed the CCIE lab exam in
                                                         May 2009, in Dubai.”
 We know that CCIE is in more than
one field, which is your field?                           What are your plans for the future? Are you
                                                         planning to go for another CCIE in a different
“I’m CCIE in Routing and Switching (CCIE# 24392).”
                                                         field?
 CCIE is not an easy            certificate, what
                                                              “As of now, I’m working as a Routing and
motivated    you     to  go       after   such   a
                                                         Switching engineer. There are several interesting
challenging certificate?
                                                         CCIE fields. No individual should stop improving,
   “Working in networking companies demands a            developing and going to the next level as suitable for
                                                         their career.”
                                                               Ms. Buthayna is truly a pioneer and a great role
                                                         model to all of us. We find in her the true spirit and
                                                         determination of an intellectual woman and a
                                                         groundbreaker. She sets an example to all Saudi
                                                         women to pursue the highest degrees and
                                                         certifications to flourish in their careers.

                                                              “No individual should stop improving…”

                                                                                     -Ms. Buthayna Al Wehaibi



                                                                                                                    7
9th Issue: 2011 - 2012                                                               CIS Newsletter

                                 Technology Enhancements

       Activities of Curriculum Review                                              By Ms. Fatima Khan

     Committee in the Academic Year 2012
                                                             programming courses was discussed by the
    Equalization of CS151 with CS175
                                                             committee members who reviewed the significance
         The students who have taken CS151 in                and possibility of adding this component to the
    semester 102 with Ms. Fatima Khan will not be            course. The report submitted by Ms. Layal Kazma
    asked to repeat CS175. This prerequisite to CS330        (programming course group coordinator) supported
    (Operating system) has been waived. The committee        the idea.
    along with the course counterpart on the men’s
    section Dr. Fukhary M. Khellah assessed the course
    contents especially the lab activities, assignments &    Proposals for Improved Digital Lab &
    exams, and has come to a conclusion that the level of    Robotics Lab
    the course was adequate in order to take this
                                                                  The committee is following up with proposals to
    decision. A part of the course with computer
                                                             have improved labs for Digital Logic & Robotics. Ms.
    organization, which was not covered by students,
                                                             Saba Jalal; a committee member, has taken the
    would be taken by students in CS330. This was
                                                             initiative to study the present
    possible with the cooperation of the course instructor
                                                             infrastructure and propose
    for CS 330, Ms. Jalila Zohair.
                                                             improvements so that the
                                                             course      instructors     could
                                                             implement        a    significant
    Introducing “My Programming Lab” in
                                                             practical component in their
    CS101 & CS102
                                                             respective courses.
        MyProgramming
    Lab is introduced to
    the students taking                                      Proposal for Security Lab
    introductory                                                 The committee is following up with proposals to
    programming                                              have a security lab for various CS and IS security
    courses.    Students                                     related courses. Ms. Salma Idris; instructor, has
    will gain first-hand                                     given the proposal to establish a security lab to give
    programming                                              better opportunity to students to do Hands on
    experience in an                                         Tutorials, Assignments and Projects related to their
    interactive    online                                    course.
    environment.        It
    gives immediate personalized feedback. The error
    messages include both the feedback from the
    compiler and plain English interpretations of likely
    causes for the incorrect answer. Students'
    submissions are automatically graded, both saving
    time, and offering students immediate learning
    opportunities. A dynamic roster tracks their
    performance and maintains a record of submissions.
          The suggestion to introduce the programming
    lab    to improve the quality of introductory

8
Implementing MyITLab in CMP Courses
                                                              By Ms. Fatima Khan

    The department of Computer and Information            Progress with the Action Plan to
sciences has adopted a novel way (MY IT LAB:              Implement MY IT LAB in CIS department
virtual lab) of delivering the introductory (CMP)
                                                           CMP instructors attended two workshops, which
courses to the students. The adoption of this new
technology in teaching would reduce a lot of effort,        were conducted by the PYP Coordinator Ms.
which was invested by the CMP instructors as well           Fatima Khan. These trainings were conducted to
as the IT center in organizing the labs and exams for       introduce and train the faculty with MY IT Lab.
students.                                                  The CMP instructors also attended training from
                                                            a representative from Pearson, Ms. Dalia
   With the vision of structuring and organizing the        Leil, who enlightened us further with the benefits
CMP courses in a better way in the department of            of MY IT Lab.
Computer and Information Science at Prince Sultan         The CMP instructors have trained the students in
University College for Women, The GO! Series was          order to use the new environment.
suggested in semester 102 by Dr. Manal Farrag, CIS
Chairperson. Apart from the excellent contents the         Class activities, quizzes, majors, final exams and
book supports an excellent learning environment             promotional exams were conducted using the
called “MYIT Lab”.                                          automated environment.
                                                           Feedback was taken from the CMP Instructors,
Features of MY IT Lab                                       who have shown their strong willingness to use
                                                            the new environment.
 Open simulation of Microsoft Office 2010 allows
                                                          Evaluating       MYIT       Lab      Experience:
  students to complete an activity exactly as it is
                                                          Challenges
  taught in the textbook or by using any method the
  actual Office 2010 applications will accept.             There was an apprehension among the instructors
 The MYIT Lab has readymade exams, which can               that the students would get used to using the
  also be customized. The system evaluates                  Virtual environment and would have less practice
  (automatic correction) and the result is                  with original Microsoft Office 2010.
  displayed to the students the moment they                Grader projects would be given as homework.
  submit their exam. Students will have their               These projects allow the students to download
  individual accounts and can save their work.              files from MY IT Lab and do their assignments
 Apart from accessing the e-resources from GO!             normally without any simulation. Following
  About 4-5 e- text books from Pearson which are            which the student can submit files to the
  called (exploring series) are available for students.     simulation tool, which does automatic assessment
 A full-functioning grade book will let you manage         instantly.
  all of your course grades in one place                   The time taken to open the simulation is
 You can test and train students on entire projects        approximately 5-10 minutes. The time depends on
  just like in your textbook, “Go” series (which is         the network load.
  recommended for CMP011/012 courses).                     A proposal has been submitted to the higher
 The coordinator of the course could monitor the           management       to   provide    better  Internet
  status of all the sections by entering the course         connection to the faculty and students especially
  itself. This helps to monitor the progress of each        those associated with the preparatory year
  instructor closely.                                       program.




                                                                                                                 9
9th Issue: 2011 - 2012                                                                 CIS Newsletter

         System Development Unit (SDU)
                           A Real Life Experience
                     Supervised By: Ms. Fatima Khan

         In projects, students can work on three types of projects, initiated
     by faculty, initiated by students themselves, or they are an extension of
                                                                                  System Development Unit
     one of the CIS courses. The unit has accomplished many projects like
     virtual computing lab: a cloud based solution for academia; a smart
                                                                                  (SDU)
     card based application to mobilize patient data, and PSU CO-OP                   SDU was established in the
     System which is still an ongoing project. The unit also has three            second semester of 2009 with the
     different projects this semester and the students are invited to work on     vision of providing opportunities to
     them.                                                                        students where they can apply
                                                                                  skills and knowledge gained from
         Training Program Information System
                                                                                  their various courses taken in
         Mobile agent for a secure e-commerce application
                                                                                  (CIS) department, so they can be
         Multi-touch Interface application                                       ready for the employment field
                                                                                  when       they     graduate.     It
         If you have an idea for a project, want to exceed one of your CIS
                                                                                  accomplishes its vision through
     course projects, or interested in joining one of the projects, contact the
                                                                                  two activities: workshops and
     unit’s vice president: Athoug AlSoughayer on Athoug_s@yahoo.com.
                                                                                  projects.
         The other activity; workshops, is designed to give students the
     knowledge they need to complete their projects, and give them a
     practical training on what they have taken in their courses, or to
     introduce them to new technologies. Workshops will be given by faculty
     members or students from the CIS department. This semester, the unit
     is planning five workshops. Two provided by students and three by
     faculty members.

     Student’s workshops

          Game development by Ms. Salam Al-Khouja
         Design Mobile Phone Applications by Ms. Athoug AlSoughayer

     Faculty Workshop’s                                                               To stay posted about the unit’s
                                                                                  activities you can visit our website:
     How to write research papers by Dr. Ajantha Dahanayake                       www.sdu-psu.webs.com or check
                                                                                  our board in front of class W360 in
         Power Designer (modeling tool) by Ms. Nermeen Hakim
                                                                                  building #1.
         Linux Administration by Ms. Salma Idris
                                                                                      If you have any questions or
      Also, there will be an award in the workshops given to students for the     concerns about the unit, feel free to
     best game and mobile application designed through the workshop. If           contact the president: Salam Al-
     you are interested in giving a workshop, contact the chief officer:          Khouja on
                                                                                  salam.khouja@hotmail.com
     Ameerah Kharrat on ameerah-kh@live.com.



10
Visits

A trip to KAUST
Exploring Opportunities to Excel
     On March 14th 2012 and under the King Abdullah University for Science and Technology (KAUST)
initiative of orienting Saudi Students towards higher education, the CIS graduating students were invited to
attend an orientation day and to visit the KAUST premises in Thowal, Rabegh. As many students have
described the trip “a fascinating most memorable trip”, I would add being in a great academic monument that is
rare to find.

- Mrs. Omarine Al Rafie, CIS Lecturer and COOP Coordinator


Students’ Comments
Ebtisam Bakhsh                                            Al-Hanouf Alyahya
   King Abdullah University for Science and                  "It was an amazing visit to KAUST. I enjoyed the
Technology (KAUST) invited some of Prince Sultan          most, the museum of the Islamic innovations
University's students for a day’s tour. I am very         throughout the years. The best thing was that we
fortunate to have had the chance to visit KAUST. In a     visited the housing for students."
few words, I would like to share the agenda and the
highlights of our trip. Upon our arrival, with our CIS
                                                          Mariam Alarfaj
teacher, Ms. Omarine Al Rafie, an introduction to             "It was one of the best trips I've ever been on.
KAUST and their divisions was given. There are three      Everything was wonderful and perfect, buildings,
divisions in KAUST: Chemical Life Sciences and            facilities, faculty, and students. In short I can say
Engineering (CLSE), Mathematical and Computer             it's a dream land in Saudi Arabia."
Sciences and Engineering (MCSE), and Physical
Sciences and Engineering (PSE). After that, we were       Enas Yaghi
taken on a tour of the University library. The library        “KAUST trip was very beneficial for CIS senior
building has quite a unique architecture. But, the        and COOP students, who are planning to apply for
most interesting feature about the library is the group   master degree and complete their educational
meeting rooms that students can use to work and           journey after graduation. KAUST staff showed
discuss group projects. After the lunch and prayer        hospitality and excellent organization of the trip.
break, where we met some staff from the admissions        KAUST has great potentials and it is highly
department, our tour continued. We visited their          equipped to provide the required environment for
museum and some of the core labs. The museum, in a        postgraduate researchers and students to apply
very creative way, provides an insight to the work of     their masters and Ph.D. The labs, library,
Muslim scientists. As for the labs, they are equipped     community and all the resources that are needed by
with world-class machinery to aid the students in their   students are provided with the best recent
research. Towards the end of the tour we met the head     technology. The faculty has great experience in their
of the MCSE division – Dr. Hany Ramadan. Our day          fields of study and the multi-cultural backgrounds of
concluded with a bus tour of the KAUST community.         the faculty and the students create a competitive
The community is just as intriguing as the academics      environment where the innovation is the main goal.
and has many facilities such as gym, bank, super          Finally, interdisciplinary research is an open option
market, clinic, school, and entertainment center. It      that students can apply their study not only in one
was actually a wonderful trip and I wish more             field but in more than one related fields such as
students get a chance to experience this.                 biology and math or math and computer science.”




                                                                                                                  11
9th Issue: 2011 - 2012                                                              CIS Newsletter

       Students’ Projects                                Achievers of CIS

     Project supervised by              Virtual Computing laboratory: A
     Ms. Fatima Khan Nayer
                                        Cloud based solution for
     under CS336 (Network
     Operations &                       Academia
     Administration)                     Rana Rezk, Hadeel Al-Mansour, Maha Al-Azizy

          The students got             In this project the students developed small Virtual Computing laboratory
      accepted to participate      (VCL) pilot using “U Forge Appliance Factory” that would automate the
                                   creation and maintenance of software image templates and usable software
      in     Computer       &
                                   appliances that can be instantly deployed on physical, virtual or cloud
      Information    Sciences
                                   environments. The images were published using “Google Mega Cloud”.
      Research Council at the
      Oxford University in             The Virtual Computer Laboratory pilot is a technology that provides
                                   applications for the students/faculties and makes them on the go. This
      London in June 2012.
                                   technology provides scalable, high performance computing resources requested
      They have submitted
                                   through an Internet browser and accessed through either a remote desktop
      their research paper to
                                   connection or server/client machines.
      IEEE for which they
      have               been          Such deployment provides academic faculty and students with numerous
                                   resources and flexibility as well as countless applications. In other words,
      acknowledged and the
                                   instead of having to limit the students and/or faculty to use only one software
      paper would be released
                                   in a particular classroom, they can access different applications depending on
      on September 14th 2012.      their wants and needs from their comfort of their homes.




     Project supervised            A Smart Card Based Application
     under The System
     Development Unit by:          to Mobilize Patient Data
     Ms. Fatima Khan Nayer&
     Ms. Saba Jalal.               Latifah AlMojil, Mshael Alameer, Alanoud Alabdulwahed
                                   Batoul Burghleh , Rana Fakeeh , Dua'a Al-Hajjar
           The     students  got
                                       This project demonstrates the use of a Smart Card Based Application to
      accepted for the poster
                                   Mobilize Patient Data in order to improve accessing patients‟ information for
      presentation at the Fourth
                                   quick retrieval and/or editing, in a convenient and secure way. The smart card
      Annual      Undergraduate
                                   will hold information such as the patient's medical history, medications, test
      Research Conference on
                                   results, personal information, medical insurance details and patients’ medical
      Applied Computing at
                                   records, which will allow prompt access of data. The students completed the
      Zayed University, and
                                   analysis and design part of the project in semester 102 in the course CS225
      presented during 17 – 20
                                   (Software Engineering) and are now implementing the same project under the
      April, 2012 in Dubai.
                                   System Development Unit.



12
Construction
                                                                                without
                                                                             distraction, is
                                                                             that possible?
                                                                              Supervised by: Ms.
                                                                              Jenifer Khoury, Yulia
                                                                              Gusarova


Students: Athoug Alsughayer(CIS), Adwa Alsoughayer, Lama Alsherif, Sara Tukaifi, Haneen
AlGhamdi

   One of the participants Athoug Alsughayer, student Information Systems Department, was declared the
overall winner. She spoke on “Development with destruction – is it possible?” She was given the task of visuals,
and coming up with a solution to the problem. She designed a website, she used an idea where we use our
everyday trash to make something usable out of it, and the money we make out of the purchases from the site
would be used to plant trees in the gulf countries. Ms. Fatin Mubarak a CIS faculty supervised the website. The
energetic young lady also designed a Mobile application which would calculate the energy consumption e.g. how
much water they consume, and how much paper they use etc. The Mobile application was supervised by Ms.
Fatima Khan, a CIS instructor. Adwa Alsoughayer, Lama Alsherif, Sara Tukaifi worked on the research part to
support the project.

                                                                                          This       Research
Pervasive Computing: Toward                                                           project got accepted for
                                                                                      the poster presentation
More Connected Educational                                                            at the Fourth Annual
                                                                                      Undergraduate Research
Community                                                                             Conference on Applied
                                                                                      Computing at Zayed
                                                                                      University. The students
Project supervised under Ms. Salma Idris (Computer Networks CS 331)                   presented their project
Students: Mariam AlArfaj, Norah AlTuwaim, ArwaAlTuwaijri                              during 17 – 20 April in
                                                                                      Dubai.
    One of the developing areas in information and communication technology is pervasive computing, which is
also known as ubiquitous computing or ambient intelligence. Pervasive computing can be applied in several fileds
including health & home care, environmental monitoring, and intelligent transport systems. However, pervasive
computing is one of the promising technologies that would make a considerable enhancement in higher
education. The students researched how pervasive computing can be applied in education and what are the
benefits that the educational community can get out of it. Students proposed a sample pervasive net-work for
schools and universities.


                                                                                                                   13
9th Issue: 2011 - 2012                                                                              CIS Newsletter

           A Great Achievement
                 By Salam Al Khouja

           Few months ago, I had the honor to
     witness a great achievement of thirty students,
     which was winning in the Most Competitive
     Youth (MCY) Competition. This occurred in the
     Global Competitiveness Forum (GCF) one of the
     most distinguished events that is attended by
     famous leaders and businessmen from all around                                             Students & Conferences
     the world.
           The feeling of being recognized and
     honored    is simply     incredible.  Microsoft




                                                                URC 2012
     representatives Dr. Mamdouh AlNajjar, Deputy                                 Undergraduate Research 
                                                                              Duaa AlHajja Conference
                                                                                          in the 3rd place, Lamis
     GM of Corporate Social Responsibility, and Mr.
                                                         students are
     Adel AlMassarani, Developers and Platform
                                                         AbuSaleh in the 5th, and Toqa Aiman in the 9th.
     Group Director, were asked to the stage to join
     HRH Prince Saud Bin Khalid AlFaisal, Dr. Naif
                                                                            Zayed University, Dubai Campus 
                                                                   These few minutes while they were on stage
                                                         receiving the certificate and stepping in the world of fame
     AlMutawa and Mrs. Christean Ozdon for the
                                                         are priceless. They gave them the power to think and
     honoring of the Technology winners. Our
                                                         dream about your future goals and your next steps, as the launch of
                                                                         Earlier this year, Sheikh Zayed University has announced
     university was lucky enough to have three from
                                                         one of the winners said: “When I was back home, I started
                                                                         Undergraduate Research Conference on Applied Computing (URC2012
     its CIS students among the winners. The
                                                         thinking about what to do next”.
                                                                         was to provide the students with a forum to present their work and
                                                                               search activity in the Gulf and Arab Area.

       Undergraduate               Earlier this year, Sheikh Zayed                      PSU’s finest students jumped at the
                                                                               PSU’s finest students jumped at the chance of participating in such an
                               University has announced the launch of            chance of participating in such a
                                                                               ence. Hoping to represent their school by presenting their premium w
         Research              its Fourth Annual Undergraduate                 numerous students applied for both oral and poster categories, and
                                                                                 beneficial        conference.        Hoping          to
                                                                               from PSU got accepted.
       Conference for          Research Conference on Applied                    represent their school by presenting their
          Applied              Computing (URC2012). Their objective            In premium work and and as an acknowledgement of their ach
                                                                                  honors of these students, research, numerous
                                                                               Newsletter decided to present their names and research titles in this
                               was to provide the students with a                 students applied for oral and poster
        Computing              forum to present their work and thus
                                                                               PSU would show better support to its active and dedicated students
                                                                                  categories, and over 14 students from
                                                                               also wish to see more students participating in valuable conferences.
     Zayed University, Dubai   promote research activity in the Gulf             PSU got accepted.
            Campus             and Arab Area.             Student Name 
                                                                                    Participants are listed below.
                                                                                       Research Title 
                                                                                                                                                  Typ
                                                                                                                                                   on
                                                            Lamis Abusaleh                  Greenova on                                           Ora
     Winners of Second                                      Arwa Abu Shmais, 
                                                                                            Open Source Opera ng Systems and Their Importance 
     Research Day @ PSCW                                    Ghazal El Ajou, Rawan Al
                                                                                            in Educa on 
                                                                                                                                                  Pos
                                                            ‐Furaih 
                       18 March , 2012                      Batoul Burghleh, Dua’a 
                                                                                            Cluster Computer Systems                              Pos
                                                            Al‐Hajjar, Sara Al‐Saif 
     First Place Winner
       o Name: Huda Yasin
                                                            Abeer Alharbi, Asma               bove the Cloud: An Introduc on to Cloud Compu ng 
                                                                                            A
       o Department: Finance                                                                                                                      Ora
                                                            Almosa, Lina Alfawzan           and its Role in Higher Educa on And Research 
       o Topic: NISSAN: Motivation and Attitude
     Second Place Winner
       o Name: Arwa Abu Shmais& Rana Hani                   Dua'a Al‐Hajjar, Batoul                   Bionic Eye Poster
                                                                                            Networking Educa onal Tools                           Pos
       o Department: Information System                     Burghleh, Sara Al‐Saif 
       o Topic: Data mining for Fraud detection             Rana Fakeeh, Dua'a Al‐                                                                 
     Third Place Winner                                     Hajjar, Batoul Burghleh,                                                              Pos
       o Name: Dua'a Al-Hajjar and Batoul Burghel           Mshael Alameer, La fah 
                                                                                            Electronic Heath Records on Virtual Smart Cards 

       o Department: Computer Science                       Almojil, Alanoud Abdul‐
       o Topic: Bionic Eyes                                 wahed 
     Fourth Place Winner                                                                                                                           
       o Name: Rana Fakeeh                                  Mariam AlArfaj, Norah 
                                                                                                                                                  Pos
                                                                                        Pervasive Compu ng: Toward more Connected Educa on 
       o Department: Computer Science                       AlTuwaim, Arwa AlTu‐        Community 
       o Topic: Evaluation of Approaches to Odor            waijri 
             Digitization
14                                                                                                               16 
Not Responding PC                                                      By: Dina AlSharif

    One of the most annoying things that happen to              Sometime the system is overheated and causes
you when you are using your laptop or desktop is            the CPU to slow down, in order to avoid damaging
that it does not respond to your request or sometime        itself. This is typically due to the bad ventilation.
it takes too long to open a program. The most               Check computer’s fans, heat sinks and CPU
common case is that the program is doing something          temperature. Clean out any dust in the case and
else and cannot process your request until it finishes      make sure that nothing is covering up the air
the previous one. But, if this happens too frequently,      outputs.
then you should consider doing the following:
                                                            5- Run a Disk Cleanup
1- Run a Defragmentation
                                                                Over time, unnecessary files are kept on your
    Over time, data portions on your hard drive get         laptop. For this, consider making a disk cleanup to
scattered making it harder to retrieve. By                  make your computer, run faster. Disk cleanup
defragmenting them, you can fix this problem. This          removes temporary and unused files from your hard
reduces the fragmentation in your hard drive.               drive.

2- Fix Registry Problems                                    6– Use good Quality Anti-virus Program

     Your registry is like a directory of all the               Anti viruses and anti-spyware run and use all
information about the programs, installed in your           your CPU time. The best way to solve this problem is
system, so when you uninstall a program some of the         to have a good anti-virus program and run a scan
files remain in the registry. To solve this problem,        once in a while.
you can use registry fix software.
                                                                At the end, you should keep your operating
3- Have Enough Memory Space                                 system up to date. Some problems can be fixed
                                                            through an update and also avoid downloading
   Having larger memory can make a difference in
                                                            unsecured files that could harm your system. Just
your laptop’s speed. So, be sure to have enough
                                                            take care of your system and start doing the steps
memory according to your needs.
                                                            mentioned once in a while to make your computer
4-Check Your Ventilation                                    more responding to you.


Biography - A Journey With History’s Most Influential People

By: Mashael Al Ameer
   Care for a nice read? Have an iPad? Then here is a title that might be of
interest to you. It is called Biography, and just like its name suggests, it
takes you on a journey through the lives of the world's most influential
people.
   The application gives in-depth information about some of the greatest
personalities who have left their mark on society with their talents,
inventions, and discoveries. It includes one of the greatest scientists,
freedom fighters, writers, poets, philosophers, mathematicians, and rulers
the world has ever seen before. Every biography covers their early lives,
major accomplishments, significant events, and includes a list of notable
quotes too. Also, to enrich the experience even further, each biography is
accompanied by high quality images and audio content.

                                                                                                                    15
9th Issue: 2011 - 2012                                                                CIS Newsletter


                    Greenovation
                            By: Lamis AbuSaleh
           Last semester, my colleagues; Madawi Al-            1. Adjust your power management properties.
     Rayes and Daliah Al-Mazroa, and I had a chance to
     work on a project called “Green Computing” for                 The computer must be set to hibernate or go to
     IS201; Introduction to Information Systems with Ms.       sleep mode after a few minutes of non-use. This way
     Jalila Zouhair. Our research included studying the        computers would be saving energy consumption and
     students’ awareness level about this topic. Therefore,    decreasing heat emission. Interestingly enough,
     we prepared a survey to which over 80 female              “hibernate” mode consumes less energy than “sleep”
     students in PSCW responded. Shockingly enough,            mode. On the contrary of common belief,
     only 11% of the participants in the survey knew what      screensavers do not save energy unless the screen is
     the concept of Green IT was. Therefore, this article      set to turn off. Moreover, power saving should not be
     aims to educate you and inform you about green            limited to computers, but extended to all other
     computing and how to apply it.                            technical devices, such as printers, faxes and even
                                                               television sets. When not in use, those devices must
           Green computing is based on the idea of             be turned off.
     reducing the power consumption and the negative
     impact that computing has on the environment. Most        2. Save energy, ink, and paper when printing.
     people are not aware of it, but manufacturing and              Adjust your margins as much as possible in
     deploying technical devices requires various              order to save paper. The print preview must be
     materials and huge power consumption. The                 inspected, as well; before printing in order to ensure
     consequences of this industry include the disposal of     that the document is in the proper form to avoid
     hazardous chemicals and materials such as lead and        reprinting it. Furthermore, it is a good practice to
     mercury. Increased heat and electronic waste are          save documents in a fitting format such as PDF
     also some of the negative effects. Hence, green IT is     rather than DOCX and consequently avoid
     defined as the idea of applying the right practices,      reprinting.
     which ensure saving resources while using
     technology.    This      includes   designing    and      3. Look for “Energy Star” labels
     manufacturing eco-friendly devices, utilizing them                The Environmental
     appropriately, and eventually, disposing and              Protection Agency (EPA)
     recycling them efficiently.                               launched “Energy Star”
           It is known that businesses and organizations       labels, which can be found
     impact the environment more than any other.               on technical devices. EPA’s
     However, several of them have recently taken a            goal is to help the nation
     green approach. Google and Amazon are great               save both energy and
     examples. They own huge databases and data                money, as well as protect
     warehouses that are used to store and process             the environment through
     thousands of terabytes of information. However, they      these efficient products.
     are creating a web that is better for the environment     Therefore, those labels
     by using resources efficiently and supporting             indicate that the device uses less toxic components
     renewable power.                                          and saves power.
                                                               4. Recycle or donate.
     How can I help?
                                                                     Old devices must not be thrown away. By
     Well, there are several green solutions that are easily
                                                               doing so the amount of e-waste would increase and
     applied by any individual. These solutions revolve
                                                               thus harm the planet. Instead, those devices must be
     around power management, saving on paper and ink,
                                                               recycled. Another way to dispose of them would be to
     choosing eco-friendly devices, as well as recycling old
                                                               contact the solid waste authority to pick them up
     devices.
                                                               and deal with them properly. Certainly, usable
                                                               devices could always be donated to charity.


16
CIS Clubs’ Activities

                                            Happy
                                           Birthday
                                           Microsoft
                                            Club!
    Celebrating Two Years of Hard Word & Success                              Students Stars’ Competition
     Microsoft @ PSU Club is one of the first clubs established in the CIS        Student Starts is a local
department, and the first among other Microsoft Clubs in Saudi Arabia.        competition presented by Microsoft
It was founded, in 2010, by the university’s Microsoft Student Partners in    and sponsored by Saudi Hollandi
order to increase knowledge of IT and Microsoft technology, and keep the      Bank. This competition is targeting
                                                                              students of all ages and majors.
CIS students updated with the latest news.
                                                                              Student Stars has three main
     Microsoft Club is supervised and has direct connections with             categories: App Star, Idea Star,
Microsoft office and other Microsoft club’s in Saudi Arabia. The club is      and Video Star. Students have the
run and managed by four Microsoft Student Partners, which are the             choice to participate in one or more
president; Salam Al-Khouja, vice president; Lamis AbuSaleh, Public            categories. App Star requires the
Relations Officer; Aseel AlOmar, and treasurer; Toqa Aiman.                   competitor      to    develop     an
                                                                              application      using     Microsoft
     On April 6 2012, Microsoft @ PSU Club celebrated its second
                                                                              technologies such as Windows
birthday. So, happy birthday Microsoft Club!!! And, thanks to all of our
                                                                              Phone 7 and Game Development.
members that were committed and supported us so far.
Visit: www.microsoftatpsu.webs.com                                                Idea Star asks the student to
                                                                              propose an idea for technical,
                                                                              functional, or business features to
    Microsoft Mega Event: A Fruitful                                          technologies such as Office 2010,
                                                                              Kinect,   Skydrive    and    online
             Collaboration                                                    services.
    On February 23rd, the                                                         In Video Star category, you
Microsoft club in Prince                                                      need to create an eLearning video
Sultan      University      in   3. Build Your Career by                      that teaches a specific technology,
association with the Microsoft      Ms. Rajaa AlShareef and Ms. Laila         or an illustration video that
club in Imam University held                                                  explains a technology concept.
                                    AlJindan,        two    Microsoft
the Microsoft Mega Event,
                                    representatives.                              Student Star prizes include
which took place in Prince
                                 4. Explore Kinect by Ms. Najla               Samsung Slates for first place
Sultan University. Nearly 500
people from various schools,        AlAriefy.                                 winners, Windows Phone Device
and organizations and of         5. Windows Phone Development by              for second place winners, and Xbox
various ages attended this          Ms. Nada Abu Himed, Imam                  with Kinect for third place winners.
event. The agenda of this           University   Microsoft     Student        To participate in this competition
event was as follows:               Partner.                                  sign              up              at
1. Opening Keynote by               Many thanks to all the organizers of      http://imaginecupsaudi.com
    Ms. Aseel Al Omran, a                                                     Deadline:
                                 this event including Nour Khouja, Aseel
    Microsoft Student Partner
                                 AlOmar, Salam Khouja, Toqa Aiman,            May 16: Last day for registration.
    in Imam University.
                                 Muna AlAmeel and Noura AlSheikh.
2. Introduction            to                                                 May 16: Last       day   for   entry
                                 Certificates were presented to the
    Windows       Azure    by                                                 submission.
                                 attendees from the Microsoft Innovation
    Lamis Abu Saleh, a PSU
                                 Center.                                      June 2012: presentation.
    Microsoft         Student
    Partner.
                                                                                                                     17
9th Issue: 2011 - 2012                                                               CIS Newsletter




                    Student Branch @ PSCW

            Inter Quiz Competition
              One of the most interesting and original events that was organized
          and successfully done by IEEE team was the Inter quiz Competition.
          The event was held on February 29th, 2012, and was attended by
                                                                                      Educational
          PSU/CW Dean Dr. Nora Aba Alkhail, Vice Dean of Academic Affairs           Technology Club
          and Scientific Research Dr. Mariam Al Oraifi, CIS department’s
om pet i t i on
          faculties, and PSU students. The participants were 20 computer
om pet i t i on
          science and information systems students from different levels               By: Basma AlFayez
          (seniors, juniors, sophomores, and freshmen) who were grouped in five
                                                                                         Education    and    technology
riginal events that was Alphas, Cyber Crew, Coldplay, and PSU Brilliants.
          teams: Smash,
riginal events that was
                                                                                   combined together can increase
 IEEE team isThe competition consisted of three rounds. The questions in each
  IEEE team is the Inter
               the Inter                                                           your performance and knowledge as
         round were based on general knowledge alongside technology aspects.
held on February 29th,
held on February 29th,                                                             a student. Therefore, in our new
CW Dean At the endAbathe event, the first three teams -Smash, Alphas, Cyber
                   of
CW Dean Dr. Nora Aba
         Dr. Nora                                                                  club “EdTech”, founded by Ms.
          Crew- who answered most questions correctly and earned most points
fairs and Scientific Re‐                                                           Jalila Zouhair, we will learn
fairs and got medals,Re‐
          Scientific which were distributed by Dr. Nora. The team who won the
 epartment’s faculties,                                                            together the new ways of combining
          first place –Smash- won also the inter quiz trophy shown here.
 epartment’s faculties,                                                            education with technology to
nts were Certificates of participation were distributed to all participants to
nts were 20 computer
           20 computer                                                             enhance our communication and
 tudents from different enthusiasm and excitement.
          appreciate their
 tudents from different                                                            collaboration skills for the process
es, and freshmen) who got very positive
es, and freshmen) who were grouped in
             The event were grouped in                                             of delivering them in projects and
 Crew, Coldplay, andas itBrilliants. The                                           various class works. EdTech will
 Crew, Coldplay, and PSU Brilliants. The
         feedbacks    PSU   was very
                                                                                   also     offer   other      activities
         informative, exciting, and the
unds. The questions in each round were
unds. The questions in each round were                                             throughout the semester such as
         first of its kind. As Dr. Mariam
ide technology aspects. At the end of the
ide technology aspects. At the end of the                                          guest speakers, field trips, and free
          Al Oraifi said: “It was a good
ash, Alphas, Cyber Crew‐ who answered
ash, Alphas, Cyber from CIS faculty and                                            tutoring.
         team work Crew‐ who answered
ned most students.got medals which were
ned most points got medals which were
          points      Well    organized.                                                  Some of the topics that will be
who won Reflective place –Smash‐ won also
who won the first place –Smash‐ won also
           the first of the CIS hard work           First Prize Winners
                                                    First Prize Winners            discussed in the club include Prezi,
                                                    First Prize Winners 
Certificates of participation were distrib‐
Certificates of participation were distrib‐                                        Blogger, and social networks. So if
          and innovative attempts to
te their enthusiasm and excitement. The                                            you want to learn and practice
 te their enthusiasm and excitement. The
          involve PSCW in their interests                                          various educational tools then come
 as it was very informative, exiting, and
 as it was very informative, exiting, and
           and CIS endeavors.” IEEE club                                           and join us every Tuesday at break
 Al Oraifi said: “It was a good Team Work
 Al Oraifi said: “It was a good Team Work                                          time in Lab C. you can follow the
          is thinking of repeating this
ell organized. Reflective of the CIS Hard
ell organized. Reflective of the CIS Hard
          successful experience and also it                                        club’s     activities   on     twitter
 involve PSCW in their interests and CIS
 involve PSCW in their interests and CIS
          plans to do similar competition                                          @EdTechPSCW , or contact one of
epeating on asuccessful experience and                                             the     club    supervisors    Basma
 epeating this successful level between
           this    higher experience and
          universities in Saudi Arabia.                                            AlFayez alfayez.basma@gmail.com
ion on a higher level between universities
 on on a higher level between universities
                                                                                   and        Lamis      Abu       Saleh
                                                     Compe       on Trophy 
                                                    Compe on Trophy                lamissaleh@hotmail.com.
                                                   Competition Trophy
     18
CIS Clubs’ Activities




     For the first time in k.S.A, a girls-only video
gaming convention has taken place in Prince Sultan
University’s college for women campus on the 11th and
12th of April. An event that is long anticipated from
the population of female gamers aimed at advocating
the culture of video game development and
professional gaming, GCON aspires to inspire as
many potential female developers in the region,
paving way towards having a stable game
development industry and a proper academia
resourcing.
     The event has sponsored a bundle of activities,
commencing with a workshop hosting a group of
sessions with a variety of topics (from introducing
development on a 3D engine, to an ADHD in gaming
insightful session). The event will include numerous
gaming tournaments with different games (including
the aim-and-shoot genre, racing and others), alongside
a high quality exhibition from Sony, Microsoft,
Nintendo and In-Motion-Club (a gym that implements
Exergaming – exercise via gaming), all of the four will
put out their latest technologies and games to the
public. Moreover a variety of other activities exist,
                                                          Picture By: Lama AlSharif
from a cosplay competition (costume competition
aimed at the enthusiastic actresses) to a corner for
artists to express their impressions of the event.
     The idea of the event was seeded at the IEEE
Student Branch under the supervision of Mrs. Salma
Idris and Mrs. Hajira Rizwana, from there on three
students took over the mission of flourishing the idea
into a tangible outcome. As the event is not preceded
by any alike, it has received nothing but celebration
and enthusiasm from females in the region, and its
organizers plan to have it annually.


                                                                                      19
9th Issue: 2011 - 2012                                                                              CIS Newsletter

                                                      The Light of Human Knowledge

                                                                             By: Aseel Al-Omar
                                                      The project started out as a students’ proposition of the Project Management
                                                 course, as it is a requirement of their course. The projects’ goal is to provide basic
                                                 computer knowledge to female Saudi women, who have financial difficulties, such
                                                 as not being capable of gaining knowledge by themselves. The project is sponsored
                                                 by Bunyan Organization, Intel, MSI, the CSCEC department, and Golden Brown
                                                 Bakery. Bunyan Organization provided the trainees. Intel Company provided the
                                                 course curriculum (Intel learn series), laptops for the trainees along with USBs.
                                                 MSI Company has also contributed laptops for the trainees. As for Golden Brown
                                                 it provided snacks throughout the duration of the project.

                                                      Students of Prince Sultan University of different majors at different levels
                                                 volunteered to teach those women how to use some applications from Microsoft
                                                 Office. First, students were trained by an ICT instructor form. After that, they
                                                 delivered the training to the trainees at Prince Sultan University campus in the
                                                 evening, from the 25th of February till the 14th of March 2012. It has been
     A Word from Mishkat                         conducted for 4 days per week from 4:00 to 6:30 pm.

     Teacher: Shahd Al-Qunaibit,                      The project was a great success and in the closing ceremony the trainees have
     IS Student                                  received a certificate signed from Intel as well as Prince Sultan University.
                                                 Hopefully this certificate will provide an opportunity for them to find a job. After
         “Mishkat experience was one of a        all, by students of Prince Sultan University were given the opportunity to serve
     kind as it was volunteer work for a         the community, gain experience, and even pass out their knowledge. As Margret
     good cause to contribute to my society      Fuller have said, "If you have knowledge, let others light their candles at it."
     and teach unfortunate people things
     that most of us would take for granted.
     Mishkat had taught me the meaning of          A Word from Mishkat
     time as it was happening during
                                                                                                A Word from Mishkat
                                                   Teacher: Rawan Al Furaih,                    Trainee: Hanadi
     weekdays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., so I
     had to arrange my time and plan               IS Student
     ahead my studies and not let it affect                                                      “Three weeks passed like hours. We
                                                      “The three weeks in Mishkat are
     my courses. It had also taught me           the life experience that I will never       spent the most beautiful moments.
     patience. Most importantly, it had          forget. I was attending classes in the      Trained and played and laughed.
     given me a chance to know the hard          morning, then taught in Mishkat in
                                                                                             Wonderful days always go speeding by,
     work that every instructor goes             the evening, and then I would spend
                                                 all night studying for the next exam. In    leaving behind great memories of those
     through. I was in our teachers’ position
                                                 those three weeks, I was wonderfully        people, and the moments we have lived
     and it made me respect them more and                                                    with them. They were great friends and
                                                 productive, and had splendid energy. I
     appreciate all the work they do. I have     was waiting all the day for the moment      greater trainers. Word of thanks and
     never imagined I have such skills that      that my class at Mishkat starts.            gratitude to all those I saw and I did
     appeared in this amazing experience.        Mishkat was a positive and intimate         not see where they were there watching
     Seeing all these women very excited to      environment, where it lets everybody
                                                                                             from a distance behind the scenes.
     learn and improving themselves in a         shine, and be the best they can be. I
                                                 discovered my students’ hobbies,            Thank you to my colleagues, trainers,
     very short time is the blossom of all our                                               the creators of this project, those who
                                                 strengths, and each one of them taught
     hard work. In addition, I was very                                                      sponsored and supported it, and to
                                                 me something. We shared stories,
     proud of them when I saw their results      laughed, and faced the challenge of         those who contributed to our presence
     in their final exam. At last, they made     learning together. I will never forget      in this magnificent institute. I need a
     me realize that it is never too late to     those days, I will never forget my          lot to express my feelings about this
     learn something as long as you have         students”.
                                                                                             amazing experience, in spite of its few
     the will to do so. “Whenever there is a                                                 days. I will miss you and I will always
     will, there is a way””.                                                                 remember you”.

20
9th Issue: 2011 - 2012                                        CIS Newsletter

              Let’s Google for Fun                         By: Duaa’ Hajjar
Google Lost its Gravity!!
Tired with Google being so weightless all the time? Try
to bring it down on earth.

     Go to Google, and type 'Google Gravity' and
       enter “I am feeling lucky”.
     Wait for two seconds. Something cool will
       happen! The search bar, logo, and buttons
       collapse into a heap at the bottom of the page!
     Play with it for a while by clicking, dragging,
       and releasing them.
     Then, write any word in the Google search bar
       and press Enter.
     Wait and see. Something even cooler will
       happen.



Google’s Barrel roll!
     Go to Google’s homepage. Type the command
       “Do a barrel roll” without the quotes into
       Google’s search bar and click Enter.
Did the Earth move for you? The image in your
browser should!! Google’s search interface performs a
360-degree horizontal spin before your eyes!



elgooG!
“elgooG‟ (Google spelled backwards) is the literal
mirror image of the engine searcher; not only is all of
its content a reversal of Google, the search terms must
also be written in reverse in order to yield the desired
results.

To try it, type the word “elgooG‟ in the search bar and
click “I am feeling lucky”.



ASCII Art Search!
ASCII art is imagery made of monospaced letters
named after the storied character-encoding scheme.
Search for ASCII art on Google and you get a fittingly
adapted Google logo.




                                                                               21
Reference Information
           Academic Advising: Important Notes & Terminologies
      Guidelines for Students:

      The student:
        Should complete the process of filling ADVISING CLEARANCE FORM during early
            registration phase (Before the end of the 10th week of every semester) only once.
        Can identify her advisor from the e-Register system.
        Is fully responsible to know the entire Curriculum, Rules & Regulations details, which are available
            on the PSU website.
        Must consult her advisor before the registration week to get ADVISING CLEARANCE FORM
            reviewed and approved.
        Will be able to register for courses using online registration system only after submitting the
            ADVISING CLEARANCE FORM.
        Will not be allowed to join the Co-op program without the written approval of the academic advisor.
        Must meet with their advisors prior to dropping any course.

      Guidelines for Academic Advisors:

      Academic Advisor
        Can obtain a list of his students (advisees) from the e-Register system.
        Should be familiar with the Program, College and Department requirements for CS and IS
           undergraduate program.
        Must be aware of the student’s graduation plan and her academic progress.
        Is responsible of reviewing the students’ information on the ADVISING CLEARANCE FORM and
           comparing it with the e-Register before signing it.
        Must submit the original signed ADVISING CLEARANCE FORM to the Admission &
           Registration’s Office before the end of the 10th week of every semester.
        Must keep a copy of the signed ADVISING CLEARANCE FORM in the advisor’s record.
        Provide timely information about the PSU policies, procedures and programs available to students.




     Notes

       o In case your Academic Advisor is not available in the department, kindly contact
         Ms. Roohi Jan, Academic Advisor in the CIS Department for any queries.



       o In case you would like to discuss some issues other than academic, kindly contact
         Ms. Nafla Al Kahtani, Social Advisor in the CIS Department.




22
9th Issue: 2011 - 2012                                                                 CIS Newsletter

                      Who’s Who in the CIS Department?

                                   CIS Female Teaching Staff

         Dr. Manal Farrag                                  Assistant
 1                                    Egyptian                                  W315              8735
         CIS Chairperson                                   Professor

Computer Science Program
        Name of Faculty            Nationality     Academic Rank        Office Location   Office Tel. Ext.
          Ms. Roohi Jan
 2                                   Indian              Lecturer              W 357            8612
     CS Program Coordinator
                                                         Assistant
 3     Dr. Suad AlRamouni           Jordanian                                  W354             8789
                                                         Professor
 4       Ms. Ishrat Khan            Pakistani            Lecturer              W336             8715
 5       Ms. Jalila Zuhair           British             Lecturer              W325             8659
 6      Ms. Amani Al Saleh            Saudi              Lecturer              W356             8323
 7       Ms. Layal Kazma            Lebanese             Lecturer              W338             8316
 8        Ms. Salma Idris           Pakistani            Lecturer              W336             8715
 9        Ms. Saba Jalal            American             Lecturer              W338             8316
10     Dr. Afraz Zahra Syed         Pakistani            Lecturer              W324             8658

Information Systems Program
                                                                                Office
         Name of Faculty            Nationality       Academic Rank                       Office Tel. Ext.
                                                                               Location
         Ms. Fatima Khan
11                                    Indian                Lecturer             W357          8612
     IS Program Coordinator
12   Dr. Ajantha N. Dahanayake         Dutch                Professor            W344          8319
13        Dr. Romana Aziz            Pakistani       Associate Professor         W355          8611
14       Ms. Omarine Rafie           Jordanian              Lecturer             W338          8316
15     Ms. Nermeen Hakim             Lebanese               Lecturer             W337          8314
16     Ms. Fatin Al Kahtani           Saudi                 Lecturer             W356          8323
17     Ms. Fatin Al -Mobarak          Saudi                 Lecturer             W356          8323
18      Ms. Nafla Al Kahtani           Saudi              Lecturer               W337          8314
                                                    Instructor – Teaching
19     Ms. Mashael Al Besher           Saudi                                     W319         no Ext
                                                          Assistant
                                                    Instructor - Teaching
20     Ms. Sultana Abahussein          Saudi                                     W319         no Ext
                                                          Assistant
                                                    Instructor - Teaching
21     Ms. Ghada Al. Mazroa            Saudi                                     W320         no Ext
                                                          Assistant




                               Secretray         Admin        W315      8737



                                                                                                             23
Thank You…

     Thanks to all those who participated and helped

                               CIS
     finish the 9th issue of CIS newsletter. We hope

                      Newsletter
     that you also participate in the next issue.

     Have a nice summer holidays… - 2012
                             2011

                              -The CIS Newsletter Team-




     CIS Newsletter                         2011 - 2012                 9th Issue




                                      CIS Newsletter Team

     Competence
                                     CIS Newsletter Coordinator: Ms. Salma Idris
     Innovation                      CIS Newsletter Team: Ms. Ishrat Khan, Dr.
                                     Afraz Z. Syed

     Success                         Student Editor: Lamis AbuSaleh




24

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CIS Newsletter 9th Issue

  • 1. CIS Newsletter Computer & Information Sciences Department 2011 - 2012 9th Issue Inside A Word from CIS Chairperson Overview of the CCIS & CIS 3 Dr. Manal Farrag Computer & Information Sciences, Announcements Chairperson 5 I feel very honored to write the introductory word for the 9th issue of Technology Enhancements the CIS Newsletter. As we are coming towards the end of a fruitful 8 academic year 2012, I would like to express my sincere thanks to all my dear students, especially those who represented the CIS department and Prince Sultan University in many events and showed outstanding Visits 11 performance. Then, I would like to thank my respected colleagues in the Computer Achievers of CIS and Information Sciences Department for their hard work and 12 dedication. Their great contributions in improving the department will help us in achieving a pioneering role in the area of education. CIS Clubs’ Activities 17 Last but not least, I would like to thank the PSCW management, especially Dr. Noura Aba Al-Khail, Dean of College for Women, and Dr. Mariam Al-Oraifi, Vice Dean, Academic Affairs and Scientific Research Reference Information for always supporting and encouraging me to add value to the CIS 22 department.
  • 2. 9th Issue: 2011 - 2012 CIS Newsletter Start with a smile and be optimistic and if you You Can Make a think you don't make a difference in this world, Difference: Choose to Be remember, one raindrop raises the ocean. There are nine requisites for contented living: Positive HEALTH, enough to make work a pleasure; WEALTH, enough to support your needs; By: Dr. Manal Farrag STRENGTH, enough to battle with difficulties and Computer & Information Sciences, Chairperson forsake them; GRACE, enough to confess your sins and overcome them; PATIENCE, enough to toil until some good is accomplished; CHARITY, enough to see You can choose to be either negative or positive in the good in your neighbor; LOVE, enough to move you your life. The CIS Department is targeting excellence to be useful and helpful to others; FAITH, enough to in education with high quality. Therefore, students make real the things of God; HOPE, enough to remove and faculty are encouraged to add value, share their anxious fears towards the future. - Johann Wolfgang knowledge, and try to help wherever and whenever it von Goethe is possible. Competence, innovation, and success are the three pillars of the CIS department. The rule that Last tip: “Put your heart, mind, and soul into even the department is trying to follow is "if you can add your smallest acts. This is the secret of success”. value, then be creative and start implementing your ideas immediately". A Word from Student Editor Everyone is encouraged to be positive. A positive attitude is contagious. Don't wait to catch it from Lamis AbuSaleh others, be a carrier and pass it on. When knowledge is shared; it is not halved but doubled. This has been a great year for the CIS "A boat builder decided to retire to spend more time department and its newsletter. There have with his family. His employer said that he would be been numerous projects and various sad to see him go, and requested that he build one last competitions, in which several of my boat. The boat builder reluctantly agreed and rushed colleagues as well as myself participated. I to complete a six-birth cruiser to the luxury standard specified. The workmanship was poor and the finish would like to take the chance to congratulate was below standard. On the day the boat builder was all my colleagues who won. I also hope others due to complete his work, his employer arrived. The who didn’t win wouldn’t give up and try employer handed the key to the boat builder saying, harder next time. I am so proud to be part of “This is my gift to you!” The boat builder was shocked. such community of positive thinking and He thought, "If I had known this was for me I would hardworking people. I would also like to have built the boat perfectly." Now he was not sure if thank our faculty members who keep us he even wanted this gift.” updated and informed as well as encourage We do the same in life. We sometimes do not give us to expand our knowledge and our expertise ourselves, our families, and our work the best effort by participating in distinguished events. and seem disappointed with our situation when we realize we could have done it differently. To my colleagues who didn’t get a Life is so short. Let us help each other, students chance to participate in much this year, I and faculty, in spreading this atmosphere of acting strongly encourage you to do so. The feeling positively in life with Allah’s satisfaction as our of being recognized for your hard work is ultimate goal. We can achieve success if we change our simply exquisite, let alone how it will benefit perspective by being the best that we can be while you in the future. bringing out the best in others. 2
  • 3. Overview of the CCIS & CIS Programs CS Program Mission IS Program Mission Provide highly qualified graduates who Provide high quality, up-to-date are capable of fulfilling IT careers in computing education to prepare top business, industry, and government, quality graduates for the job market. and capable of pursuing further graduate studies in well-recognized academic institutions. Contribute positively to the discipline through solid, constructive research This comes through providing students and development. with integrated technical and theoretical knowledge and skills in information technology, systems Serve community needs. development, and IS environment. Provide students with an academic Provide an educational environment environment committed to excellence and innovation that contributes to that promotes innovative thinking, improving their intellectual and ethical behavior, and prepare students communication capabilities and skills for continued life-long learning. and contribute to developing leadership, professionalism, and life-long learning. 3
  • 4. 9th Issue: 2011 - 2012 CIS Newsletter CS Career Opportunities IS Career Opportunities 4
  • 5. Announcements Announcing the New Revised IS Curriculum The new revised IS curriculum would be implemented from September 2012. It has been designed with the aim to give the IS student the necessary experience through real application, development, and practical training. IS Core and Elective Program Requirements (62 credits): IS Core Courses (36 credits), Business Courses (15 Credits) & Communication Skills (2 Credits) The credits for the core courses offered in the program has been revised from 21 to 36 and the new courses included are Internet Technologies and Services, Visual Programming, Web Design & Programming, Web-Based Systems Development & Information Systems Security. The elective courses provide students with an opportunity to select one of the three specialized options specified below. However, a student who chooses not to go for a specialized option can take any three elective courses of the following list with a minimum total of 9 credit hours (i.e., General Systems Track).  General Systems Track  Specialized Systems Track Option 1: Data and Knowledge Management. Option 2: Web Applications Development. Option 3: Systems Design and Development. New Tracks in CCIS and CIS Starting from September 2012 new attractive focused BS programs with a good potential in KSA will be offered.  BS in Computer Science (Digital Media)  BS in Information Systems (E-Commerce) Because the proposed programs are focused versions of our existing CS & IS program, they still maintain the main core that enable graduates to pursue classical careers and work in areas where any traditional graduate can work. In addition, the graduates of the new programs will be more market- ready and accordingly more suitable for specialized jobs. The graduates of these programs are also expected to be innovative problem solvers and opportunity creators. 5
  • 6. 9th Issue: 2011 - 2012 CIS Newsletter Announcements MUST TO DO for CIS Students 1. Attend the classes in the first week of semester as you are marked absent in week 1 if you skip the classes. 2. Attend the students’ orientation session in the start of each semester. 3. Carefully read and understand the DN policy. 4. Try to conduct all quizzes and major exams, as there is no makeup exams according to the new policy (except for the cases mentioned below). 5. Convey your concern or problems to the department chair as she has an open door policy for all students. We Hear You! Are you facing any problem? Do you have certain expectations from CIS Department? The CIS Department is in the process of achieving quality in the area of “Teaching & Learning”. Help us improve the quality of our program. We need new ideas and suggestions. You can contribute in improving your department. Students are advised to submit their written suggestions, ideas, and problems to Dr. Manal Farrag at mfarrag@pscw.psu.edu.sa Moreover, you can put your letter in the suggestion Box near office #315 Note: You don’t have to mention your name and your data will be treated in a confidential way. 6
  • 7. Interview The Road to Success Interview with the first & only Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) Saudi female Ms. Buthayna Al-Wehaibi studied and graduated from PSU. She finished her COOP in By Lamis AbuSaleh Cisco Systems and then worked as a Research Assistant at King Abdulaziz City for Science & certain level of skill set. CCIE is viewed as the most Technology (KACST). She went back to CISCO prestigious networking certification in the industry. It to be a Network Consulting Engineer there. Her was my motive to work in CISCO as a Network journey took her from Riyadh to Jordan, India, Consulting Engineer, which requires an expert Dubai, and finally back to Riyadh. knowledge. Thus, having CCIE was a necessity in my CISCO has a widely spread IT certification career development.” program that is well known around the world. There  Where did you apply for the CCIE and how are five levels of general certification Entry, long did it take you between the CCNA and the Associate, Professional, Expert and Architect. Ms. CCIE? Buthayna has managed to reach the “Expert” level and to receive the final certificate offered by CISCO, “I studied part of CCNA in PSU, as an elective. the CISCO Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE). When I joined CISCO as a COOP, I studied and Our team in the CIS Newsletter has managed to passed CCNA and CCNP, in 2007. I then joined interview Ms. Buthayna, hoping our CIS students CISCO Global Talent Acceleration Program (GTAP) would benefit from her experience. as a Professional Network Consulting Engineer, for 9 months. I spent 6 months in Jordan where I received  Do you know how many CCIE certified technical and soft skills training. I passed the CCIE females engineers are there in Saudi Arabia? written exam there in March 2008. Then I spent 5 “I was told that I’m the first CCIE Saudi female, weeks in India working as a Customer Support no other CCIE Saudi females as of yet. I encourage Engineer in CISCO TAC (Technical Assistance females to pursue network engineering. Hopefully, we Centre). Afterwards, I came back to Saudi Arabia and will see more CCIE female engineers in the near worked as a Network Consulting Engineer in CISCO future.” Advanced Services. I passed the CCIE lab exam in May 2009, in Dubai.”  We know that CCIE is in more than one field, which is your field?  What are your plans for the future? Are you planning to go for another CCIE in a different “I’m CCIE in Routing and Switching (CCIE# 24392).” field?  CCIE is not an easy certificate, what “As of now, I’m working as a Routing and motivated you to go after such a Switching engineer. There are several interesting challenging certificate? CCIE fields. No individual should stop improving, “Working in networking companies demands a developing and going to the next level as suitable for their career.” Ms. Buthayna is truly a pioneer and a great role model to all of us. We find in her the true spirit and determination of an intellectual woman and a groundbreaker. She sets an example to all Saudi women to pursue the highest degrees and certifications to flourish in their careers. “No individual should stop improving…” -Ms. Buthayna Al Wehaibi 7
  • 8. 9th Issue: 2011 - 2012 CIS Newsletter Technology Enhancements Activities of Curriculum Review By Ms. Fatima Khan Committee in the Academic Year 2012 programming courses was discussed by the Equalization of CS151 with CS175 committee members who reviewed the significance The students who have taken CS151 in and possibility of adding this component to the semester 102 with Ms. Fatima Khan will not be course. The report submitted by Ms. Layal Kazma asked to repeat CS175. This prerequisite to CS330 (programming course group coordinator) supported (Operating system) has been waived. The committee the idea. along with the course counterpart on the men’s section Dr. Fukhary M. Khellah assessed the course contents especially the lab activities, assignments & Proposals for Improved Digital Lab & exams, and has come to a conclusion that the level of Robotics Lab the course was adequate in order to take this The committee is following up with proposals to decision. A part of the course with computer have improved labs for Digital Logic & Robotics. Ms. organization, which was not covered by students, Saba Jalal; a committee member, has taken the would be taken by students in CS330. This was initiative to study the present possible with the cooperation of the course instructor infrastructure and propose for CS 330, Ms. Jalila Zohair. improvements so that the course instructors could implement a significant Introducing “My Programming Lab” in practical component in their CS101 & CS102 respective courses. MyProgramming Lab is introduced to the students taking Proposal for Security Lab introductory The committee is following up with proposals to programming have a security lab for various CS and IS security courses. Students related courses. Ms. Salma Idris; instructor, has will gain first-hand given the proposal to establish a security lab to give programming better opportunity to students to do Hands on experience in an Tutorials, Assignments and Projects related to their interactive online course. environment. It gives immediate personalized feedback. The error messages include both the feedback from the compiler and plain English interpretations of likely causes for the incorrect answer. Students' submissions are automatically graded, both saving time, and offering students immediate learning opportunities. A dynamic roster tracks their performance and maintains a record of submissions. The suggestion to introduce the programming lab to improve the quality of introductory 8
  • 9. Implementing MyITLab in CMP Courses By Ms. Fatima Khan The department of Computer and Information Progress with the Action Plan to sciences has adopted a novel way (MY IT LAB: Implement MY IT LAB in CIS department virtual lab) of delivering the introductory (CMP)  CMP instructors attended two workshops, which courses to the students. The adoption of this new technology in teaching would reduce a lot of effort, were conducted by the PYP Coordinator Ms. which was invested by the CMP instructors as well Fatima Khan. These trainings were conducted to as the IT center in organizing the labs and exams for introduce and train the faculty with MY IT Lab. students.  The CMP instructors also attended training from a representative from Pearson, Ms. Dalia With the vision of structuring and organizing the Leil, who enlightened us further with the benefits CMP courses in a better way in the department of of MY IT Lab. Computer and Information Science at Prince Sultan The CMP instructors have trained the students in University College for Women, The GO! Series was order to use the new environment. suggested in semester 102 by Dr. Manal Farrag, CIS Chairperson. Apart from the excellent contents the  Class activities, quizzes, majors, final exams and book supports an excellent learning environment promotional exams were conducted using the called “MYIT Lab”. automated environment.  Feedback was taken from the CMP Instructors, Features of MY IT Lab who have shown their strong willingness to use the new environment.  Open simulation of Microsoft Office 2010 allows Evaluating MYIT Lab Experience: students to complete an activity exactly as it is Challenges taught in the textbook or by using any method the actual Office 2010 applications will accept.  There was an apprehension among the instructors  The MYIT Lab has readymade exams, which can that the students would get used to using the also be customized. The system evaluates Virtual environment and would have less practice (automatic correction) and the result is with original Microsoft Office 2010. displayed to the students the moment they  Grader projects would be given as homework. submit their exam. Students will have their These projects allow the students to download individual accounts and can save their work. files from MY IT Lab and do their assignments  Apart from accessing the e-resources from GO! normally without any simulation. Following About 4-5 e- text books from Pearson which are which the student can submit files to the called (exploring series) are available for students. simulation tool, which does automatic assessment  A full-functioning grade book will let you manage instantly. all of your course grades in one place  The time taken to open the simulation is  You can test and train students on entire projects approximately 5-10 minutes. The time depends on just like in your textbook, “Go” series (which is the network load. recommended for CMP011/012 courses).  A proposal has been submitted to the higher  The coordinator of the course could monitor the management to provide better Internet status of all the sections by entering the course connection to the faculty and students especially itself. This helps to monitor the progress of each those associated with the preparatory year instructor closely. program. 9
  • 10. 9th Issue: 2011 - 2012 CIS Newsletter System Development Unit (SDU) A Real Life Experience Supervised By: Ms. Fatima Khan In projects, students can work on three types of projects, initiated by faculty, initiated by students themselves, or they are an extension of System Development Unit one of the CIS courses. The unit has accomplished many projects like virtual computing lab: a cloud based solution for academia; a smart (SDU) card based application to mobilize patient data, and PSU CO-OP SDU was established in the System which is still an ongoing project. The unit also has three second semester of 2009 with the different projects this semester and the students are invited to work on vision of providing opportunities to them. students where they can apply skills and knowledge gained from  Training Program Information System their various courses taken in  Mobile agent for a secure e-commerce application (CIS) department, so they can be  Multi-touch Interface application ready for the employment field when they graduate. It If you have an idea for a project, want to exceed one of your CIS accomplishes its vision through course projects, or interested in joining one of the projects, contact the two activities: workshops and unit’s vice president: Athoug AlSoughayer on Athoug_s@yahoo.com. projects. The other activity; workshops, is designed to give students the knowledge they need to complete their projects, and give them a practical training on what they have taken in their courses, or to introduce them to new technologies. Workshops will be given by faculty members or students from the CIS department. This semester, the unit is planning five workshops. Two provided by students and three by faculty members. Student’s workshops  Game development by Ms. Salam Al-Khouja  Design Mobile Phone Applications by Ms. Athoug AlSoughayer Faculty Workshop’s To stay posted about the unit’s activities you can visit our website: How to write research papers by Dr. Ajantha Dahanayake www.sdu-psu.webs.com or check our board in front of class W360 in  Power Designer (modeling tool) by Ms. Nermeen Hakim building #1.  Linux Administration by Ms. Salma Idris If you have any questions or Also, there will be an award in the workshops given to students for the concerns about the unit, feel free to best game and mobile application designed through the workshop. If contact the president: Salam Al- you are interested in giving a workshop, contact the chief officer: Khouja on salam.khouja@hotmail.com Ameerah Kharrat on ameerah-kh@live.com. 10
  • 11. Visits A trip to KAUST Exploring Opportunities to Excel On March 14th 2012 and under the King Abdullah University for Science and Technology (KAUST) initiative of orienting Saudi Students towards higher education, the CIS graduating students were invited to attend an orientation day and to visit the KAUST premises in Thowal, Rabegh. As many students have described the trip “a fascinating most memorable trip”, I would add being in a great academic monument that is rare to find. - Mrs. Omarine Al Rafie, CIS Lecturer and COOP Coordinator Students’ Comments Ebtisam Bakhsh Al-Hanouf Alyahya King Abdullah University for Science and "It was an amazing visit to KAUST. I enjoyed the Technology (KAUST) invited some of Prince Sultan most, the museum of the Islamic innovations University's students for a day’s tour. I am very throughout the years. The best thing was that we fortunate to have had the chance to visit KAUST. In a visited the housing for students." few words, I would like to share the agenda and the highlights of our trip. Upon our arrival, with our CIS Mariam Alarfaj teacher, Ms. Omarine Al Rafie, an introduction to "It was one of the best trips I've ever been on. KAUST and their divisions was given. There are three Everything was wonderful and perfect, buildings, divisions in KAUST: Chemical Life Sciences and facilities, faculty, and students. In short I can say Engineering (CLSE), Mathematical and Computer it's a dream land in Saudi Arabia." Sciences and Engineering (MCSE), and Physical Sciences and Engineering (PSE). After that, we were Enas Yaghi taken on a tour of the University library. The library “KAUST trip was very beneficial for CIS senior building has quite a unique architecture. But, the and COOP students, who are planning to apply for most interesting feature about the library is the group master degree and complete their educational meeting rooms that students can use to work and journey after graduation. KAUST staff showed discuss group projects. After the lunch and prayer hospitality and excellent organization of the trip. break, where we met some staff from the admissions KAUST has great potentials and it is highly department, our tour continued. We visited their equipped to provide the required environment for museum and some of the core labs. The museum, in a postgraduate researchers and students to apply very creative way, provides an insight to the work of their masters and Ph.D. The labs, library, Muslim scientists. As for the labs, they are equipped community and all the resources that are needed by with world-class machinery to aid the students in their students are provided with the best recent research. Towards the end of the tour we met the head technology. The faculty has great experience in their of the MCSE division – Dr. Hany Ramadan. Our day fields of study and the multi-cultural backgrounds of concluded with a bus tour of the KAUST community. the faculty and the students create a competitive The community is just as intriguing as the academics environment where the innovation is the main goal. and has many facilities such as gym, bank, super Finally, interdisciplinary research is an open option market, clinic, school, and entertainment center. It that students can apply their study not only in one was actually a wonderful trip and I wish more field but in more than one related fields such as students get a chance to experience this. biology and math or math and computer science.” 11
  • 12. 9th Issue: 2011 - 2012 CIS Newsletter Students’ Projects Achievers of CIS Project supervised by Virtual Computing laboratory: A Ms. Fatima Khan Nayer Cloud based solution for under CS336 (Network Operations & Academia Administration) Rana Rezk, Hadeel Al-Mansour, Maha Al-Azizy The students got In this project the students developed small Virtual Computing laboratory accepted to participate (VCL) pilot using “U Forge Appliance Factory” that would automate the creation and maintenance of software image templates and usable software in Computer & appliances that can be instantly deployed on physical, virtual or cloud Information Sciences environments. The images were published using “Google Mega Cloud”. Research Council at the Oxford University in The Virtual Computer Laboratory pilot is a technology that provides applications for the students/faculties and makes them on the go. This London in June 2012. technology provides scalable, high performance computing resources requested They have submitted through an Internet browser and accessed through either a remote desktop their research paper to connection or server/client machines. IEEE for which they have been Such deployment provides academic faculty and students with numerous resources and flexibility as well as countless applications. In other words, acknowledged and the instead of having to limit the students and/or faculty to use only one software paper would be released in a particular classroom, they can access different applications depending on on September 14th 2012. their wants and needs from their comfort of their homes. Project supervised A Smart Card Based Application under The System Development Unit by: to Mobilize Patient Data Ms. Fatima Khan Nayer& Ms. Saba Jalal. Latifah AlMojil, Mshael Alameer, Alanoud Alabdulwahed Batoul Burghleh , Rana Fakeeh , Dua'a Al-Hajjar The students got This project demonstrates the use of a Smart Card Based Application to accepted for the poster Mobilize Patient Data in order to improve accessing patients‟ information for presentation at the Fourth quick retrieval and/or editing, in a convenient and secure way. The smart card Annual Undergraduate will hold information such as the patient's medical history, medications, test Research Conference on results, personal information, medical insurance details and patients’ medical Applied Computing at records, which will allow prompt access of data. The students completed the Zayed University, and analysis and design part of the project in semester 102 in the course CS225 presented during 17 – 20 (Software Engineering) and are now implementing the same project under the April, 2012 in Dubai. System Development Unit. 12
  • 13. Construction without distraction, is that possible? Supervised by: Ms. Jenifer Khoury, Yulia Gusarova Students: Athoug Alsughayer(CIS), Adwa Alsoughayer, Lama Alsherif, Sara Tukaifi, Haneen AlGhamdi One of the participants Athoug Alsughayer, student Information Systems Department, was declared the overall winner. She spoke on “Development with destruction – is it possible?” She was given the task of visuals, and coming up with a solution to the problem. She designed a website, she used an idea where we use our everyday trash to make something usable out of it, and the money we make out of the purchases from the site would be used to plant trees in the gulf countries. Ms. Fatin Mubarak a CIS faculty supervised the website. The energetic young lady also designed a Mobile application which would calculate the energy consumption e.g. how much water they consume, and how much paper they use etc. The Mobile application was supervised by Ms. Fatima Khan, a CIS instructor. Adwa Alsoughayer, Lama Alsherif, Sara Tukaifi worked on the research part to support the project. This Research Pervasive Computing: Toward project got accepted for the poster presentation More Connected Educational at the Fourth Annual Undergraduate Research Community Conference on Applied Computing at Zayed University. The students Project supervised under Ms. Salma Idris (Computer Networks CS 331) presented their project Students: Mariam AlArfaj, Norah AlTuwaim, ArwaAlTuwaijri during 17 – 20 April in Dubai. One of the developing areas in information and communication technology is pervasive computing, which is also known as ubiquitous computing or ambient intelligence. Pervasive computing can be applied in several fileds including health & home care, environmental monitoring, and intelligent transport systems. However, pervasive computing is one of the promising technologies that would make a considerable enhancement in higher education. The students researched how pervasive computing can be applied in education and what are the benefits that the educational community can get out of it. Students proposed a sample pervasive net-work for schools and universities. 13
  • 14. 9th Issue: 2011 - 2012 CIS Newsletter A Great Achievement By Salam Al Khouja Few months ago, I had the honor to witness a great achievement of thirty students, which was winning in the Most Competitive Youth (MCY) Competition. This occurred in the Global Competitiveness Forum (GCF) one of the most distinguished events that is attended by famous leaders and businessmen from all around Students & Conferences the world. The feeling of being recognized and honored is simply incredible. Microsoft URC 2012 representatives Dr. Mamdouh AlNajjar, Deputy Undergraduate Research  Duaa AlHajja Conference   in the 3rd place, Lamis GM of Corporate Social Responsibility, and Mr. students are Adel AlMassarani, Developers and Platform AbuSaleh in the 5th, and Toqa Aiman in the 9th. Group Director, were asked to the stage to join HRH Prince Saud Bin Khalid AlFaisal, Dr. Naif Zayed University, Dubai Campus  These few minutes while they were on stage receiving the certificate and stepping in the world of fame AlMutawa and Mrs. Christean Ozdon for the are priceless. They gave them the power to think and honoring of the Technology winners. Our dream about your future goals and your next steps, as the launch of Earlier this year, Sheikh Zayed University has announced university was lucky enough to have three from one of the winners said: “When I was back home, I started Undergraduate Research Conference on Applied Computing (URC2012 its CIS students among the winners. The thinking about what to do next”. was to provide the students with a forum to present their work and search activity in the Gulf and Arab Area. Undergraduate Earlier this year, Sheikh Zayed PSU’s finest students jumped at the PSU’s finest students jumped at the chance of participating in such an University has announced the launch of chance of participating in such a ence. Hoping to represent their school by presenting their premium w Research its Fourth Annual Undergraduate numerous students applied for both oral and poster categories, and beneficial conference. Hoping to from PSU got accepted. Conference for Research Conference on Applied represent their school by presenting their Applied Computing (URC2012). Their objective In premium work and and as an acknowledgement of their ach honors of these students, research, numerous Newsletter decided to present their names and research titles in this was to provide the students with a students applied for oral and poster Computing forum to present their work and thus PSU would show better support to its active and dedicated students categories, and over 14 students from also wish to see more students participating in valuable conferences. Zayed University, Dubai promote research activity in the Gulf PSU got accepted. Campus and Arab Area. Student Name  Participants are listed below. Research Title  Typ on Lamis Abusaleh  Greenova on  Ora Winners of Second Arwa Abu Shmais,  Open Source Opera ng Systems and Their Importance  Research Day @ PSCW Ghazal El Ajou, Rawan Al in Educa on  Pos ‐Furaih  18 March , 2012 Batoul Burghleh, Dua’a  Cluster Computer Systems  Pos Al‐Hajjar, Sara Al‐Saif  First Place Winner o Name: Huda Yasin Abeer Alharbi, Asma    bove the Cloud: An Introduc on to Cloud Compu ng  A o Department: Finance Ora Almosa, Lina Alfawzan  and its Role in Higher Educa on And Research  o Topic: NISSAN: Motivation and Attitude Second Place Winner o Name: Arwa Abu Shmais& Rana Hani Dua'a Al‐Hajjar, Batoul  Bionic Eye Poster Networking Educa onal Tools  Pos o Department: Information System Burghleh, Sara Al‐Saif  o Topic: Data mining for Fraud detection Rana Fakeeh, Dua'a Al‐     Third Place Winner Hajjar, Batoul Burghleh,  Pos o Name: Dua'a Al-Hajjar and Batoul Burghel Mshael Alameer, La fah  Electronic Heath Records on Virtual Smart Cards  o Department: Computer Science Almojil, Alanoud Abdul‐ o Topic: Bionic Eyes wahed  Fourth Place Winner       o Name: Rana Fakeeh Mariam AlArfaj, Norah  Pos Pervasive Compu ng: Toward more Connected Educa on  o Department: Computer Science AlTuwaim, Arwa AlTu‐ Community  o Topic: Evaluation of Approaches to Odor waijri  Digitization 14 16 
  • 15. Not Responding PC By: Dina AlSharif One of the most annoying things that happen to Sometime the system is overheated and causes you when you are using your laptop or desktop is the CPU to slow down, in order to avoid damaging that it does not respond to your request or sometime itself. This is typically due to the bad ventilation. it takes too long to open a program. The most Check computer’s fans, heat sinks and CPU common case is that the program is doing something temperature. Clean out any dust in the case and else and cannot process your request until it finishes make sure that nothing is covering up the air the previous one. But, if this happens too frequently, outputs. then you should consider doing the following: 5- Run a Disk Cleanup 1- Run a Defragmentation Over time, unnecessary files are kept on your Over time, data portions on your hard drive get laptop. For this, consider making a disk cleanup to scattered making it harder to retrieve. By make your computer, run faster. Disk cleanup defragmenting them, you can fix this problem. This removes temporary and unused files from your hard reduces the fragmentation in your hard drive. drive. 2- Fix Registry Problems 6– Use good Quality Anti-virus Program Your registry is like a directory of all the Anti viruses and anti-spyware run and use all information about the programs, installed in your your CPU time. The best way to solve this problem is system, so when you uninstall a program some of the to have a good anti-virus program and run a scan files remain in the registry. To solve this problem, once in a while. you can use registry fix software. At the end, you should keep your operating 3- Have Enough Memory Space system up to date. Some problems can be fixed through an update and also avoid downloading Having larger memory can make a difference in unsecured files that could harm your system. Just your laptop’s speed. So, be sure to have enough take care of your system and start doing the steps memory according to your needs. mentioned once in a while to make your computer 4-Check Your Ventilation more responding to you. Biography - A Journey With History’s Most Influential People By: Mashael Al Ameer Care for a nice read? Have an iPad? Then here is a title that might be of interest to you. It is called Biography, and just like its name suggests, it takes you on a journey through the lives of the world's most influential people. The application gives in-depth information about some of the greatest personalities who have left their mark on society with their talents, inventions, and discoveries. It includes one of the greatest scientists, freedom fighters, writers, poets, philosophers, mathematicians, and rulers the world has ever seen before. Every biography covers their early lives, major accomplishments, significant events, and includes a list of notable quotes too. Also, to enrich the experience even further, each biography is accompanied by high quality images and audio content. 15
  • 16. 9th Issue: 2011 - 2012 CIS Newsletter Greenovation By: Lamis AbuSaleh Last semester, my colleagues; Madawi Al- 1. Adjust your power management properties. Rayes and Daliah Al-Mazroa, and I had a chance to work on a project called “Green Computing” for The computer must be set to hibernate or go to IS201; Introduction to Information Systems with Ms. sleep mode after a few minutes of non-use. This way Jalila Zouhair. Our research included studying the computers would be saving energy consumption and students’ awareness level about this topic. Therefore, decreasing heat emission. Interestingly enough, we prepared a survey to which over 80 female “hibernate” mode consumes less energy than “sleep” students in PSCW responded. Shockingly enough, mode. On the contrary of common belief, only 11% of the participants in the survey knew what screensavers do not save energy unless the screen is the concept of Green IT was. Therefore, this article set to turn off. Moreover, power saving should not be aims to educate you and inform you about green limited to computers, but extended to all other computing and how to apply it. technical devices, such as printers, faxes and even television sets. When not in use, those devices must Green computing is based on the idea of be turned off. reducing the power consumption and the negative impact that computing has on the environment. Most 2. Save energy, ink, and paper when printing. people are not aware of it, but manufacturing and Adjust your margins as much as possible in deploying technical devices requires various order to save paper. The print preview must be materials and huge power consumption. The inspected, as well; before printing in order to ensure consequences of this industry include the disposal of that the document is in the proper form to avoid hazardous chemicals and materials such as lead and reprinting it. Furthermore, it is a good practice to mercury. Increased heat and electronic waste are save documents in a fitting format such as PDF also some of the negative effects. Hence, green IT is rather than DOCX and consequently avoid defined as the idea of applying the right practices, reprinting. which ensure saving resources while using technology. This includes designing and 3. Look for “Energy Star” labels manufacturing eco-friendly devices, utilizing them The Environmental appropriately, and eventually, disposing and Protection Agency (EPA) recycling them efficiently. launched “Energy Star” It is known that businesses and organizations labels, which can be found impact the environment more than any other. on technical devices. EPA’s However, several of them have recently taken a goal is to help the nation green approach. Google and Amazon are great save both energy and examples. They own huge databases and data money, as well as protect warehouses that are used to store and process the environment through thousands of terabytes of information. However, they these efficient products. are creating a web that is better for the environment Therefore, those labels by using resources efficiently and supporting indicate that the device uses less toxic components renewable power. and saves power. 4. Recycle or donate. How can I help? Old devices must not be thrown away. By Well, there are several green solutions that are easily doing so the amount of e-waste would increase and applied by any individual. These solutions revolve thus harm the planet. Instead, those devices must be around power management, saving on paper and ink, recycled. Another way to dispose of them would be to choosing eco-friendly devices, as well as recycling old contact the solid waste authority to pick them up devices. and deal with them properly. Certainly, usable devices could always be donated to charity. 16
  • 17. CIS Clubs’ Activities Happy Birthday Microsoft Club! Celebrating Two Years of Hard Word & Success Students Stars’ Competition Microsoft @ PSU Club is one of the first clubs established in the CIS Student Starts is a local department, and the first among other Microsoft Clubs in Saudi Arabia. competition presented by Microsoft It was founded, in 2010, by the university’s Microsoft Student Partners in and sponsored by Saudi Hollandi order to increase knowledge of IT and Microsoft technology, and keep the Bank. This competition is targeting students of all ages and majors. CIS students updated with the latest news. Student Stars has three main Microsoft Club is supervised and has direct connections with categories: App Star, Idea Star, Microsoft office and other Microsoft club’s in Saudi Arabia. The club is and Video Star. Students have the run and managed by four Microsoft Student Partners, which are the choice to participate in one or more president; Salam Al-Khouja, vice president; Lamis AbuSaleh, Public categories. App Star requires the Relations Officer; Aseel AlOmar, and treasurer; Toqa Aiman. competitor to develop an application using Microsoft On April 6 2012, Microsoft @ PSU Club celebrated its second technologies such as Windows birthday. So, happy birthday Microsoft Club!!! And, thanks to all of our Phone 7 and Game Development. members that were committed and supported us so far. Visit: www.microsoftatpsu.webs.com Idea Star asks the student to propose an idea for technical, functional, or business features to Microsoft Mega Event: A Fruitful technologies such as Office 2010, Kinect, Skydrive and online Collaboration services. On February 23rd, the In Video Star category, you Microsoft club in Prince need to create an eLearning video Sultan University in 3. Build Your Career by that teaches a specific technology, association with the Microsoft Ms. Rajaa AlShareef and Ms. Laila or an illustration video that club in Imam University held explains a technology concept. AlJindan, two Microsoft the Microsoft Mega Event, representatives. Student Star prizes include which took place in Prince 4. Explore Kinect by Ms. Najla Samsung Slates for first place Sultan University. Nearly 500 people from various schools, AlAriefy. winners, Windows Phone Device and organizations and of 5. Windows Phone Development by for second place winners, and Xbox various ages attended this Ms. Nada Abu Himed, Imam with Kinect for third place winners. event. The agenda of this University Microsoft Student To participate in this competition event was as follows: Partner. sign up at 1. Opening Keynote by Many thanks to all the organizers of http://imaginecupsaudi.com Ms. Aseel Al Omran, a Deadline: this event including Nour Khouja, Aseel Microsoft Student Partner AlOmar, Salam Khouja, Toqa Aiman, May 16: Last day for registration. in Imam University. Muna AlAmeel and Noura AlSheikh. 2. Introduction to May 16: Last day for entry Certificates were presented to the Windows Azure by submission. attendees from the Microsoft Innovation Lamis Abu Saleh, a PSU Center. June 2012: presentation. Microsoft Student Partner. 17
  • 18. 9th Issue: 2011 - 2012 CIS Newsletter Student Branch @ PSCW Inter Quiz Competition One of the most interesting and original events that was organized and successfully done by IEEE team was the Inter quiz Competition. The event was held on February 29th, 2012, and was attended by Educational PSU/CW Dean Dr. Nora Aba Alkhail, Vice Dean of Academic Affairs Technology Club and Scientific Research Dr. Mariam Al Oraifi, CIS department’s om pet i t i on faculties, and PSU students. The participants were 20 computer om pet i t i on science and information systems students from different levels By: Basma AlFayez (seniors, juniors, sophomores, and freshmen) who were grouped in five Education and technology riginal events that was Alphas, Cyber Crew, Coldplay, and PSU Brilliants. teams: Smash, riginal events that was combined together can increase IEEE team isThe competition consisted of three rounds. The questions in each IEEE team is the Inter the Inter your performance and knowledge as round were based on general knowledge alongside technology aspects. held on February 29th, held on February 29th, a student. Therefore, in our new CW Dean At the endAbathe event, the first three teams -Smash, Alphas, Cyber of CW Dean Dr. Nora Aba Dr. Nora club “EdTech”, founded by Ms. Crew- who answered most questions correctly and earned most points fairs and Scientific Re‐ Jalila Zouhair, we will learn fairs and got medals,Re‐ Scientific which were distributed by Dr. Nora. The team who won the epartment’s faculties, together the new ways of combining first place –Smash- won also the inter quiz trophy shown here. epartment’s faculties, education with technology to nts were Certificates of participation were distributed to all participants to nts were 20 computer 20 computer enhance our communication and tudents from different enthusiasm and excitement. appreciate their tudents from different collaboration skills for the process es, and freshmen) who got very positive es, and freshmen) who were grouped in The event were grouped in of delivering them in projects and Crew, Coldplay, andas itBrilliants. The various class works. EdTech will Crew, Coldplay, and PSU Brilliants. The feedbacks PSU was very also offer other activities informative, exciting, and the unds. The questions in each round were unds. The questions in each round were throughout the semester such as first of its kind. As Dr. Mariam ide technology aspects. At the end of the ide technology aspects. At the end of the guest speakers, field trips, and free Al Oraifi said: “It was a good ash, Alphas, Cyber Crew‐ who answered ash, Alphas, Cyber from CIS faculty and tutoring. team work Crew‐ who answered ned most students.got medals which were ned most points got medals which were points Well organized. Some of the topics that will be who won Reflective place –Smash‐ won also who won the first place –Smash‐ won also the first of the CIS hard work First Prize Winners First Prize Winners  discussed in the club include Prezi, First Prize Winners  Certificates of participation were distrib‐ Certificates of participation were distrib‐ Blogger, and social networks. So if and innovative attempts to te their enthusiasm and excitement. The you want to learn and practice te their enthusiasm and excitement. The involve PSCW in their interests various educational tools then come as it was very informative, exiting, and as it was very informative, exiting, and and CIS endeavors.” IEEE club and join us every Tuesday at break Al Oraifi said: “It was a good Team Work Al Oraifi said: “It was a good Team Work time in Lab C. you can follow the is thinking of repeating this ell organized. Reflective of the CIS Hard ell organized. Reflective of the CIS Hard successful experience and also it club’s activities on twitter involve PSCW in their interests and CIS involve PSCW in their interests and CIS plans to do similar competition @EdTechPSCW , or contact one of epeating on asuccessful experience and the club supervisors Basma epeating this successful level between this higher experience and universities in Saudi Arabia. AlFayez alfayez.basma@gmail.com ion on a higher level between universities on on a higher level between universities and Lamis Abu Saleh Compe on Trophy  Compe on Trophy  lamissaleh@hotmail.com. Competition Trophy 18
  • 19. CIS Clubs’ Activities For the first time in k.S.A, a girls-only video gaming convention has taken place in Prince Sultan University’s college for women campus on the 11th and 12th of April. An event that is long anticipated from the population of female gamers aimed at advocating the culture of video game development and professional gaming, GCON aspires to inspire as many potential female developers in the region, paving way towards having a stable game development industry and a proper academia resourcing. The event has sponsored a bundle of activities, commencing with a workshop hosting a group of sessions with a variety of topics (from introducing development on a 3D engine, to an ADHD in gaming insightful session). The event will include numerous gaming tournaments with different games (including the aim-and-shoot genre, racing and others), alongside a high quality exhibition from Sony, Microsoft, Nintendo and In-Motion-Club (a gym that implements Exergaming – exercise via gaming), all of the four will put out their latest technologies and games to the public. Moreover a variety of other activities exist, Picture By: Lama AlSharif from a cosplay competition (costume competition aimed at the enthusiastic actresses) to a corner for artists to express their impressions of the event. The idea of the event was seeded at the IEEE Student Branch under the supervision of Mrs. Salma Idris and Mrs. Hajira Rizwana, from there on three students took over the mission of flourishing the idea into a tangible outcome. As the event is not preceded by any alike, it has received nothing but celebration and enthusiasm from females in the region, and its organizers plan to have it annually. 19
  • 20. 9th Issue: 2011 - 2012 CIS Newsletter The Light of Human Knowledge By: Aseel Al-Omar The project started out as a students’ proposition of the Project Management course, as it is a requirement of their course. The projects’ goal is to provide basic computer knowledge to female Saudi women, who have financial difficulties, such as not being capable of gaining knowledge by themselves. The project is sponsored by Bunyan Organization, Intel, MSI, the CSCEC department, and Golden Brown Bakery. Bunyan Organization provided the trainees. Intel Company provided the course curriculum (Intel learn series), laptops for the trainees along with USBs. MSI Company has also contributed laptops for the trainees. As for Golden Brown it provided snacks throughout the duration of the project. Students of Prince Sultan University of different majors at different levels volunteered to teach those women how to use some applications from Microsoft Office. First, students were trained by an ICT instructor form. After that, they delivered the training to the trainees at Prince Sultan University campus in the evening, from the 25th of February till the 14th of March 2012. It has been A Word from Mishkat conducted for 4 days per week from 4:00 to 6:30 pm. Teacher: Shahd Al-Qunaibit, The project was a great success and in the closing ceremony the trainees have IS Student received a certificate signed from Intel as well as Prince Sultan University. Hopefully this certificate will provide an opportunity for them to find a job. After “Mishkat experience was one of a all, by students of Prince Sultan University were given the opportunity to serve kind as it was volunteer work for a the community, gain experience, and even pass out their knowledge. As Margret good cause to contribute to my society Fuller have said, "If you have knowledge, let others light their candles at it." and teach unfortunate people things that most of us would take for granted. Mishkat had taught me the meaning of A Word from Mishkat time as it was happening during A Word from Mishkat Teacher: Rawan Al Furaih, Trainee: Hanadi weekdays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., so I had to arrange my time and plan IS Student ahead my studies and not let it affect “Three weeks passed like hours. We “The three weeks in Mishkat are my courses. It had also taught me the life experience that I will never spent the most beautiful moments. patience. Most importantly, it had forget. I was attending classes in the Trained and played and laughed. given me a chance to know the hard morning, then taught in Mishkat in Wonderful days always go speeding by, work that every instructor goes the evening, and then I would spend all night studying for the next exam. In leaving behind great memories of those through. I was in our teachers’ position those three weeks, I was wonderfully people, and the moments we have lived and it made me respect them more and with them. They were great friends and productive, and had splendid energy. I appreciate all the work they do. I have was waiting all the day for the moment greater trainers. Word of thanks and never imagined I have such skills that that my class at Mishkat starts. gratitude to all those I saw and I did appeared in this amazing experience. Mishkat was a positive and intimate not see where they were there watching Seeing all these women very excited to environment, where it lets everybody from a distance behind the scenes. learn and improving themselves in a shine, and be the best they can be. I discovered my students’ hobbies, Thank you to my colleagues, trainers, very short time is the blossom of all our the creators of this project, those who strengths, and each one of them taught hard work. In addition, I was very sponsored and supported it, and to me something. We shared stories, proud of them when I saw their results laughed, and faced the challenge of those who contributed to our presence in their final exam. At last, they made learning together. I will never forget in this magnificent institute. I need a me realize that it is never too late to those days, I will never forget my lot to express my feelings about this learn something as long as you have students”. amazing experience, in spite of its few the will to do so. “Whenever there is a days. I will miss you and I will always will, there is a way””. remember you”. 20
  • 21. 9th Issue: 2011 - 2012 CIS Newsletter Let’s Google for Fun By: Duaa’ Hajjar Google Lost its Gravity!! Tired with Google being so weightless all the time? Try to bring it down on earth.  Go to Google, and type 'Google Gravity' and enter “I am feeling lucky”.  Wait for two seconds. Something cool will happen! The search bar, logo, and buttons collapse into a heap at the bottom of the page!  Play with it for a while by clicking, dragging, and releasing them.  Then, write any word in the Google search bar and press Enter.  Wait and see. Something even cooler will happen. Google’s Barrel roll!  Go to Google’s homepage. Type the command “Do a barrel roll” without the quotes into Google’s search bar and click Enter. Did the Earth move for you? The image in your browser should!! Google’s search interface performs a 360-degree horizontal spin before your eyes! elgooG! “elgooG‟ (Google spelled backwards) is the literal mirror image of the engine searcher; not only is all of its content a reversal of Google, the search terms must also be written in reverse in order to yield the desired results. To try it, type the word “elgooG‟ in the search bar and click “I am feeling lucky”. ASCII Art Search! ASCII art is imagery made of monospaced letters named after the storied character-encoding scheme. Search for ASCII art on Google and you get a fittingly adapted Google logo. 21
  • 22. Reference Information Academic Advising: Important Notes & Terminologies Guidelines for Students: The student:  Should complete the process of filling ADVISING CLEARANCE FORM during early registration phase (Before the end of the 10th week of every semester) only once.  Can identify her advisor from the e-Register system.  Is fully responsible to know the entire Curriculum, Rules & Regulations details, which are available on the PSU website.  Must consult her advisor before the registration week to get ADVISING CLEARANCE FORM reviewed and approved.  Will be able to register for courses using online registration system only after submitting the ADVISING CLEARANCE FORM.  Will not be allowed to join the Co-op program without the written approval of the academic advisor.  Must meet with their advisors prior to dropping any course. Guidelines for Academic Advisors: Academic Advisor  Can obtain a list of his students (advisees) from the e-Register system.  Should be familiar with the Program, College and Department requirements for CS and IS undergraduate program.  Must be aware of the student’s graduation plan and her academic progress.  Is responsible of reviewing the students’ information on the ADVISING CLEARANCE FORM and comparing it with the e-Register before signing it.  Must submit the original signed ADVISING CLEARANCE FORM to the Admission & Registration’s Office before the end of the 10th week of every semester.  Must keep a copy of the signed ADVISING CLEARANCE FORM in the advisor’s record.  Provide timely information about the PSU policies, procedures and programs available to students. Notes o In case your Academic Advisor is not available in the department, kindly contact Ms. Roohi Jan, Academic Advisor in the CIS Department for any queries. o In case you would like to discuss some issues other than academic, kindly contact Ms. Nafla Al Kahtani, Social Advisor in the CIS Department. 22
  • 23. 9th Issue: 2011 - 2012 CIS Newsletter Who’s Who in the CIS Department? CIS Female Teaching Staff Dr. Manal Farrag Assistant 1 Egyptian W315 8735 CIS Chairperson Professor Computer Science Program Name of Faculty Nationality Academic Rank Office Location Office Tel. Ext. Ms. Roohi Jan 2 Indian Lecturer W 357 8612 CS Program Coordinator Assistant 3 Dr. Suad AlRamouni Jordanian W354 8789 Professor 4 Ms. Ishrat Khan Pakistani Lecturer W336 8715 5 Ms. Jalila Zuhair British Lecturer W325 8659 6 Ms. Amani Al Saleh Saudi Lecturer W356 8323 7 Ms. Layal Kazma Lebanese Lecturer W338 8316 8 Ms. Salma Idris Pakistani Lecturer W336 8715 9 Ms. Saba Jalal American Lecturer W338 8316 10 Dr. Afraz Zahra Syed Pakistani Lecturer W324 8658 Information Systems Program Office Name of Faculty Nationality Academic Rank Office Tel. Ext. Location Ms. Fatima Khan 11 Indian Lecturer W357 8612 IS Program Coordinator 12 Dr. Ajantha N. Dahanayake Dutch Professor W344 8319 13 Dr. Romana Aziz Pakistani Associate Professor W355 8611 14 Ms. Omarine Rafie Jordanian Lecturer W338 8316 15 Ms. Nermeen Hakim Lebanese Lecturer W337 8314 16 Ms. Fatin Al Kahtani Saudi Lecturer W356 8323 17 Ms. Fatin Al -Mobarak Saudi Lecturer W356 8323 18 Ms. Nafla Al Kahtani Saudi Lecturer W337 8314 Instructor – Teaching 19 Ms. Mashael Al Besher Saudi W319 no Ext Assistant Instructor - Teaching 20 Ms. Sultana Abahussein Saudi W319 no Ext Assistant Instructor - Teaching 21 Ms. Ghada Al. Mazroa Saudi W320 no Ext Assistant Secretray Admin W315 8737 23
  • 24. Thank You… Thanks to all those who participated and helped CIS finish the 9th issue of CIS newsletter. We hope Newsletter that you also participate in the next issue. Have a nice summer holidays… - 2012 2011 -The CIS Newsletter Team- CIS Newsletter 2011 - 2012 9th Issue CIS Newsletter Team Competence CIS Newsletter Coordinator: Ms. Salma Idris Innovation CIS Newsletter Team: Ms. Ishrat Khan, Dr. Afraz Z. Syed Success Student Editor: Lamis AbuSaleh 24