Notice: This material is excerpted from Special Edition Using Java, ISBN: 0-7897-0604-0. The electronic version of this material has not been through the final proof reading stage that the book goes through before being published in printed form. Some errors may exist here that are corrected before the book is published. This material is provided "as is" without any warranty of any kind.
by Alexander Newman
In early December, 1995, the Sun User Group (SUG) announced the creation of Java-SIG, a national special interest group for users and developers of Sun Microsystem's Java and HotJava technology. Java-SIG offered (and still offers) a unique opportunity for the global electronic community to get a headstart on the technology that was already changing the Web forever. According to the Executive Director of the Sun User Group, "Java-SIG allows the computer users of today to help shape the technology of tomorrow."
Java-SIG is a special interest group that acts as the national user group for anyone interested in developing, publishing, or even just playing with Java, HotJava, and related technologies and applications. Many smaller local Java users' groups have already appeared, and Java-SIG unites these groups into a global information network.
Java-SIG is a source of hot news and information about the latest developments from Sun Microsystems and other licensed Java developers. Those currently working with Java who want to share their developments and discoveries will find a grateful audience in the members of Java-SIG. Or, for people who don't know the difference between an applet and a piglet, but want to know what all the buzz is about, Java-SIG is a great place to get started!
Java-SIG is a membership organization, and one of the best ways to attract members is to provide them with services and benefits. Java-SIG does its best to add new and different services all the time. As someone once said, "membership has its privileges". Below are some of the privileges of membership in the national Java user group, Java-SIG.
As one of the benefits of membership, Java-SIG runs a moderated mailing list that provides a forum for discussion by Java and HotJava users. This noncommercial network allows Java-SIG members to post questions or items of interest and get quick responses from hundreds of Java users worldwide.
Java-Cites is one of the many services available at Java-SIG's Web site. Java-Cites is an online bibliography of articles about Java, Java technology, and Java's impact on the industry. This site provides readers with a comprehensive listing of the articles, books, and other documents that have helped shape and describe Java during its first year.
It's an exciting service. Many sites offer links to online documentation, but this is the first directory of offline writing about Java. While there is a great deal of information available about Java online, Java-Cites is the first listing of the in-depth material and commentary that is available universally.
The index is maintained by Marisa A. Urgo. Ms. Urgo, who has a Master's degree in Library Sciences from Catholic University, is a frequent contributor to trade journals such as InfoManage and The One-Person Library.
Java-Cites can be accessed through the World Wide Web at http://www.sug.org/Java-Cites.html and is available to anyone, whether they are a member of Java-SIG or not. Individuals who want to add citations to the list can send them to Ms. Urgo at cc001304@interramp.com, or contact the Sun User Group at (617)232-0514.
The Java-SIG Library of Applets (JLA) CD-ROM is a collection of hundreds of ready-to-use applets for Sun's platform-independent Java programming language.
The JLA spotlights the impressive versatility of this Java. Applets included in the JLA range from simple text manipulation and 3-D animated graphics to systems or network management tasks. Best of all, the JLA allows users to add these applets to their Web pages instantaneously by simply copying the appropriate files from the CD-ROM.
Literally hundreds of applets from developers all over the world are included on this CD, which features some of the most innovative, useful, and amusing work being done in Java. One of the CD's developers feels ". . . that the diversity of the contributors to this project is a testament to Java's universal appeal. . . that theme of diversity runs throughout the entire project. It's amazing how differently two people can address the same problem with the same set of tools. This disk includes utilities, animations, games, simulations, and tools. It's a very practical demonstration of Java's limitless flexibility."
In addition to being the first library of its kind, Java-SIG's Library of Applets is an excellent learning and development tool for those interested in Java and the changes it is introducing to the Web. It includes:
The JLA was released in April, 1996, with future volumes to follow. Because Java-SIG is dedicated to furthering the use and development of Java applets, applications, and development tools, they tried to keep the price down. The JLA sells for $50.00, with discounts available to Java-SIG members.
Some applets from future volumes of the JLA can be seen in advance of the final release on Java-SIG's "Cool Applet of the Week" page at this URL:
Future plans for Java-SIG include FILTER, a Java and HotJava newsletter to compliment the regular Java column in Readme, the newsletter of the Sun User Group; "Instant Coffee," a guidebook to using Java technology; and an online archive of Java programs or "applets."
For information about joining Java-SIG, contact them at java-sig@sug.org or call them at (617)232-0514. You can also access Java-SIG via the World Wide Web at http://www.sug.org/java-sig.html.
Their address is:
Java-SIG/Sun User Group
1330 Beacon Street, Suite 344
Brookline, MA 02146-3202
Phone: (617) 232-0514
FAX: (617) 232-1347
E-mail: office@sug.org
Local user groups are popping up all over as Java's popularity-and the desire to learn about it-spreads. Some local Java user groups (commonly called "JUGs") are formal affairs with dues and regular meetings, others are more casual. The term "local" is used loosely; JUGs have appeared around the world as well as around the country.
The following pages provide details on most of the JUGs. If you'd like more information about a particular group, use the provided contact information. Java-SIG maintains a list of JUGs that is updated on a regular basis. The URL is:
Geographic area(s) serviced (city and state):
Sacramento, CA
Number of members:
25 or so were at the first meeting in January, 1996.
Charge dues?
Not yet implemented, but soon.
How often are meetings held?
Once a month. So far, every fourth Thursday.
Web address:
They hope to have their own domain soon. It should be http://www.sacjug.org.
Name and address of person to contact about this group:
Michael F. Smith, Jr.
4429 F. Street
Sacramento, Ca 95819
E-mail address of contact person:
Phone number for contact person:
(916)444-0840
Other information:
We are a small but quickly growing group of Webmasters, programmers, and basic Internet and computer users who want to learn more about Java. Our philosophy is to share all the information we have with everyone and create an environment that is conducive to learning and growing. We hope to become a resource for Java programming and consulting in our region.
Sponsors:
Geographic area(s) serviced (city and state):
At this time, they will be meeting in Palo Alto, CA. Geographically speaking, Silicon Valley Computer Society (SVCS) serves Silicon Valley, which encompasses many cities.
Number of members:
SVCS has about 250 members.
Charge dues?
SVCS costs $38 annually.
How often are meetings held?
Once a month, on the fourth Tuesday.
Web address:
Name and address of person to contact about this group:
Rick Loek
6433 Cottle Rd.
San Jose, CA 95123
E-mail address of contact person:
Phone number for contact person:
(415)843-6179
Other information:
The Silicon Valley Java Users' Group is still forming; we had our first meeting in February of 1996. The primary purpose of SVCS is to educate the community through public forums for discussion of personal computing. We are holding the meetings at OmniCell Technologies. (OmniCell makes point-of-use inventory control systems for use in hospitals.)
Geographic area(s) serviced (city and state):
Boulder, CO
Number of members:
around 75 and growing
Charge dues?
No
How often are meetings held?
Once a month, 3rd Wednesday of every month.
Web address:
N/A
Electronic mailing list, if any:
Unmoderated Discussion bjug-discuss@xor.com
Moderated Announcements bjug-announce@xor.com
Name and address of person to contact about this group:
Tim Miller
3445 Penrose Place, Suite 225
Boulder, CO 80301
E-mail address of contact person:
Phone number for contact person:
303-415-9525
Other information:
First meeting was held in February 1996 and 45 attended. Very technical crowd who wants to share technical issues and observations with one another.
Geographic area(s) serviced (city and state):
Denver, CO
Number of members:
Approximately 40
Charge dues?
No.
How often are meetings held?
Once a month.
Web address:
Electronic mailing list, if any:
They do not have a listserver or reflecter yet, but will be implementing one in the near future.
Name and address of person to contact about this group:
Corey Klaasmeyer
910 16th Street, Suite 231
Denver, CO 80202
E-mail address of contact person:
Phone number for contact person:
(303) 575-9258
Other Information:
DAMJUG focuses primarily, but not exclusively, on topics related to programming and design in Java. As of January, DAMJUG had a membership of approximately 40 people who are excited about Java on professional, academic, and intellectual levels.
Geographic area(s) serviced (city and state):
Illinois and neighboring communities
Number of members:
10
Charge dues?
No.
How often are meetings held?
Once a month-twice, if possible.
Web address:
Electronic mailing list, if any:
ijug@petrified.cic.net
("subscribe" in body to ijug-request@petrified.cic.net)
Name and address of person to contact about this group:
Dan Rudman
725 Constitution Drive #5
Palatine, IL 60074-1945
E-mail address of contact person:
Phone number for contact person:
(847)776-8964 (9AM-9PM CST)
Other:
The Illinois Java Users' Group is dedicated to the education of its members and the development of business-oriented applets that demonstrate Java's powerful future. Ours is a unique philosophy in which we accelerate learning by dividing our members into small "Dream Teams" that attack a local Java topic and then present back to the group. This method has been shown to provide enthusiasm and quick results from its participants.
Geographic area(s) serviced (city and state):
Baltimore-Washington Metropolitan Area (MD, DC, VA)
Number of members:
Approximately 250
Charge dues?
No.
How often are meetings held?
About once a month, so far. They are looking into creating SIGs to meet more frequently in subgroups.
Web address:
Electronic mailing list:
General membership: majug@rssi.com
Organizers only: jug@rssi.com
Name and address of person to contact about this group:
John Zukowski
Rapid Systems Solutions
8850 Stanford Blvd, Suite 4000
Columbia, MD 21045
E-mail address of contact person:
Phone number for contact person:
voice (410)312-0777
FAX (410)312-1666
Other Information:
The group started in December, 1995, in the ice and snow. The philosophy is fairly open. We try to meet people doing Java and learn/network. Meetings tend to have one user-focused presentation and one vendor-focused one. Special Interest Group meetings are in the planning stages, so meetings will be more frequent and more focused. Make-up includes both commercial and government people, along with several of the independent variety. The group is sponsored by Rapid Systems Solutions, one of Washington Technology's Fast 50 Corporations for 1996.
Geographic area(s) serviced (city and state):
Central North Carolina
Number of members:
80 attendees at the last meeting; 155 people on mailing list.
They are just starting membership.
Charge dues?
Yes. $50/year, or $5/event.
How often are meetings held?
1-2 events/month.
Web address:
Name of person to contact about this group:
Rayme Jernigan
E-mail address of contact person:
Other Information:
The Research Triangle Park Java Users' Group has been established to provide Java-related information to its members, to facilitate contacts between its members, and to promote the use of Java technology in the Mid-North Carolina area. The RTP JUG is being organized as a vendor-independent organization.
The RTP JUG plans to move towards using digital telecommunications as a primary vehicle for group and inter-member communication. Initial tests providing audio or audiovisual content to the members' desktop are under discussion.
At the present, we have two categories of supporters: contributing partners and sustaining partners. Our sustaining partner is Trinet Services, and our contributing partners are Daniels and Daniels Attorneys at Law, Institute for Academic Technology, Strategic Technologies, Sun Microsystems, Inc., and RTP Information.
We welcome vendor information! If you have Java-related marketing collateral you would like distributed at our meetings, or products you would like to demo or have demoed, please contact Rayme Jernigan at rayme@vnet.net, or Sam Matheny at matheny@interpath.net. Likewise, if you have groupware or audiovisual products you would like to talk to us about beta testing, or would otherwise provide to us to gain visibility with our Web-oriented membership.
Geographic area(s) serviced (city and state):
Cincinnati, Ohio
Number of members:
Approximately 20.
Charge dues?
Not established yet.
How often are meetings held?
Once a month on the fourth Wednesday of every month.
Web address:
Not currently available
Name and address of person to contact about this group:
Attn: Dennis M. Hartsock
CIS-Cars Information Systems
4000 Executive Park Dr.
Cincinnati, OH 45230
E-mail address of contact person:
Phone number for contact person:
(513)563-4543
Other information:
Currently, our new group is small and is primarily comprised of people from the Cincinnati/Dayton areas interested in being developers-they use the meetings to absorb as much technical information as possible. On the average, we receive one to two request(s) for membership everyday. A few of our area members are Sun Microsystems CEs that provide much of the up-to-date information and technical expertise needed to maintain the interests. Additionally, we promote evangelism through sharing code (applets), ideas, and technical support. We believe evangelism is cornerstone to our success.
Geographic area(s) serviced (city and state):
Eugene, Oregon
Number of members:
At last count, 26. About half show up at any one time.
Charge dues?
No.
How often are meetings held?
Once every two weeks.
Web address:
Name and address of person to contact about this group:
Sean Russell
Department of Physics
University of Oregon
Eugene, OR 97403
E-mail address of contact person:
Other information:
We have no sponsor. At this point, meetings resemble tutorials more than anything else, but we're working hard to get past that point. Our philosophy is to grok Java and similar technologies.
Geographic area(s) serviced (city and state):
Philadelphia, PA and the Delaware Valley
Number of members:
About 15
Charge dues?
No.
How often are meetings held?
Once per month.
Web address:
http://www.iliad.com/PhillyJUG
Electronic mailing list, if any:
Name and address of person to contact about this group:
Luke Cassady-Dorion
Physical Address n/a
E-mail address of contact person:
Phone number for contact person:
n/a
Other information:
We are a small group of programmers who are really excited about what Java means not only for the WWW, but also as it applies to any client/server system. We are dedicated to learning all that we can about the language as it progresses through its development.
Geographic area(s) serviced (city and state):
Nashville, TN (Vanderbilt Univeristy)
Number of members:
Approximately 25
Charge dues?
No.
How often are meetings held?
It's decided in the newsgroup.
Name and address of person to contact about this group:
Andrew Warner
Vanderbilt University
Box 1005 Station B
Nashville, TN 37235
E-mail address of contact person:
Phone number for contact person:
(615)421-8070
Geographic area(s) serviced (city and state):
Dallas/Fort Worth, TX
Number of members:
Approximately 40-but they don't have "members." The meetings are free and open.
Charge dues?
No.
How often are meetings held?
Once a month.
Web address:
Electronic mailing list:
Name of person to contact about this group:
Billy Barron
Other:
We're small-open to everyone of any knowledge level. We are sponsored by the University of Texas at Dallas http://www.utdallas.edu/, who hosts our Web page and provides meeting space.
Geographic area(s) serviced (city and state):
Austin, TX
Number of members:
Approximately 45
Charge dues?
No.
How often are meetings held?
Monthly, on the fourth Tuesday of the month.
Web address:
Electronic mailing list:
Name and address of person to contact about this group:
Bill Tschumy
2505 Greenlee Dr.
Austin, TX 78703
E-mail address of contact person:
Phone number for contact person:
(512)474-5533
Other information:
The Austin Java Klatch was founded in November of 1995. There is no formal membership procedure-just come to the meetings if you are interested. We currently have around 45 people attending. Meetings are informal and are designed to bring together people with an interest in Java. Much of the meeting is taken up with a general gab session where people can discuss whatever Java-related thing is on their minds. We also generally try to have some sort of presentation for each meeting.
Geographic area(s) serviced (city and state):
Geographic area(s) you service (City and State, please): Richmond, Roanoke, and Tidewater Virginia
Number of members:
Around 30 people attended the first meeting; expect overall membership to reach (in about one year) around 100 people. The first meeting was held March, 1996.
Charge dues?
No.
How often are meetings held?
Once A Month
Web address:
n/a
Name and address of person to contact about this group:
George H. Pickering
CTO
Apexx Software, Inc,
101 St. Johns' Street
Warsaw, VA 22572
E-mail address of contact person:
Phone number for contact person:
(703) 222-3286
Other information:
The Southern Virginia Java Users Group is in the startup phase. We expect to be a medium-size group with the goal of providing a forum for technical discussion about Java, Javascript, and VRML. We expect to hold a meeting every month. The meeting will consist of a brief business meeting, one or two Java-based demos from our members, and a technical discussion period to end the meeting. We will try to to keep the first part of every meeting at a level where managers, users, and students can come and learn about Java's capabilities without being bogged down with technical details. The group expects to provide on-line access to demos and briefing materials ,following each meeting, through the SVJUG Web Page.
Geographic area(s) serviced (city and state):
Seattle, WA-including Redmond, Bellevue
Number of members:
60
Charge dues?
No.
How often are meetings held?
Monthly, the third Wednesday of the month.
Web address:
Electronic mailing list:
Name and address of person to contact about this group:
Daniel Lipkie
Hewlett-Packard ELSE
101 Stewart St #700
Seattle, WA 98101
E-mail address of contact person:
Phone number for contact person:
(206)269-4006
Other information:
This is a newly formed group-the first meeting was held in January, 1996. It's open to people with all levels of interest in Java/JavaScript-for example, users of Java, Web page designers, beginning Java coders, and experienced Java coders.
Geographic area(s) serviced (city and state):
Recife-PE-Brazil
Number of members:
10
Charge dues?
No.
How often are meetings held?
Twice a month.
Web address:
Electronic mailing list:
Name and address of person to contact about this group:
Jorge Henrique Cabral Fernandes
Departamento de Informatica
Universidade Federal de Pernambuco
Av. Professor Luiz Freire, s/n
Cidade Universitaria-Recife-PE
BRAZIL 50.740-540
E-mail address of contact person:
Phone number for contact person:
55-81-271-8430
Other information:
We are a small academic group created in October, 1995, led by Professor Silvio Meira, and mostly composed of graduate and undergraduate students at the Department of Informatics of the Federal University of Pernambuco. Our main objective is to explore the research and application possibilities of Java and the Web model in society. We are a non-profit group and have created and taught two different introductory courses in Java to our undergraduate and graduate peers. Our meetings occur on a demand basis, depending on the Department of Informatics (our sponsor).
Geographic area(s) serviced (city and state):
Toronto, Ontario, Canada (although people from all over southern Ontario attend our meetings and people from all over the world have subscribed to our mailing list)
Number of members:
Approximately 150
Charge dues?
No.
How often are meetings held?
Monthly
Web address:
Electronic mailing list:
To subscribe, send an e-mail message with "subscribe jug" in the body to majordomo@jug.org
Name and address of person to contact about this group:
Greg Nenych / Geoff Wells / Rick Yazwinski
c/o Solect Technology Group
33 Yonge Street, 6th Floor
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
M5E 1G4
E-mail address of contact person:
Other information:
We are not that old, but old for a Java user group, and still an evolving entity. Our sponsors are Sun Microsystems of Canada, Solect Technology Group, Imagine That!, and Rogers.
Geographic area(s) serviced (city and state):
Vancouver (Metro area), British Columbia, Canada
Number of members:
We're just starting, so only 1 at the present time
Charge dues?
Free at the present time (changes will be decided by the group)
How often are meetings held?
Monthly
Name and address of person to contact about this group:
Dr. Mehrzad Tabatabaian
P.O. Box 31076
Port Moody, BC V3H 4T4
E-mail address of contact person:
Phone number for contact person:
Other information:
Group is new. Philosophy:Provide up-to-date info, tutorial sessions, discussion sessions for Java users.
Geographic area(s) serviced (city and state):
Based in Mumbai, India (formerly known as Bombay). However, with Internet, the world is our stage. The charter sports the idea of proliferating Java on a global platform.
Number of members:
They do not maintain a quantitative list of members. Just about anybody who is genuinely interested in Java or anything pertaining to Java is a member of the group.
Charge dues?
Not yet.
How often are meetings held?
Because there is no collective body as such, this question cannot be answered.
Web address:
It is a Java tutorial with a comprehensive list of articles related to Java, applets they like, and so on. Recently, a Spanish version of the tutorial was also put up by an Internet friend who happened to be enamored by the site. That can be found at:
Name and address of person to contact about this group:
Vijay Mukhi
B-13, Everest Building, tardeo,
Mumbai, India 400 034
E-mail address of contact person:
Phone number for contact person:
91-022-496 4335
Other information:
Basically, we set out to be a sort of body like the rest of the users' groups, members and all, but with the burgeoning cyber-culture, that seemed to be a rather narrow idea. We are interested in dealing with people who have even a remote real interest in Java. The achievements of the group (as yet) include:
The group regularly interacts with the other Java developers and JUGs around the world to keep abreast of the latest happenings.
Geographic area(s) serviced (city and state):
Mexico City (Federal District) and Metro Area
Number of members:
Approximately 20
Charge dues?
The equivalent of US$10.00/year.
How often are meetings held?
Monthly.
Web address:
Electronic mailing list:
Name and address of person to contact about this group:
Enrique David Espinosa Carrillo
Calle del Puente 222 Ejidos de Huipulco
Mexico D.F. 14380 MEXICO
E-mail address of contact person:
Alternatively, contact:
Phone number for contact person:
(525)673-1000 x4231
Other information:
We're just getting started-in a big way! Our first meeting was March 7, 1996. We are working closely together with Sun Microsystems, Mexico, in three areas of technological innovation:
We will bring together developers and researchers from all over the Metro Area, in a joint effort to make a difference in the growth of Mexico's Information Systems.
Geographic area(s) serviced (city and state):
We focus on the area inside the M25, Greater London, but as long as you don't mind not being able to get to the meetings, we welcome members from anywhere.
Number of members:
The Membership side is still forming up. Currently if you turn up or participate electronically, you are a member.
Charge dues?
Money? Tsk! Never!
How often are meetings held?
We're aiming for once a month...
Web address:
http://www.compulink.co.uk/~java/
Name and address of person to contact about this group:
Gordon Hundley or D.J.Walker-Morgan
Physical Addresses n/a
E-mail address of contact person:
Phone number for contact person:
n/a
Other information:
We're an informal friendly lot who talk Java. We aren't sponsered but there are people we thank for use of their resources. Most of all, we are independent.
Two newsgroups are currently available:
Please be aware that not all news servers make the alt. hierarchy of newsgroups available to their subscribers. If you're having trouble locating it, contact your news administrator.
The Northeast Parallel Architecture Server at Syracuse University tracks comp.lang.java, among other newsgroups. This is a handy way to get all of the comp.lang.java postings regarding "garbage collection," for example.
In addition to the mailing list administered by Java-SIG, and the lists run by various smaller groups, there are a few lists run out of Sun.
This is an extremely high-traffic group, with over 20,000 subscribers and dozens of posts everyday. The list isn't moderated, so this isn't a place for you if you're easily overwhelmed.
The address for the list is:
All the traffic on the Sun lists is gated to comp.lang.java, so there's no need to both read the mailing list and the newsgroup. For a more information about Sun's mailing lists, take a look at:
Sun makes Java training available to its customers and the general public. The course vary in length, cost, and quality. More information can be found at:
Java-SIG holds classes on Java and other topics at its "SUG Lab" facilities in Boston, Massachusetts. The classes are small-limited to 12 students per session-and hands-on. Each student is provided with his or her own workstation. One of the courses is even taught by Jay Cross (one of the authors of this book!). For more information about SUGLabs, contact the Sun User Group at office@sug.org or call (617)232-0514.
Java is a popular language and they are a lot of people doing their level best to see that it becomes a truly universal one by porting it to as many platforms as possible. Below is a listing of where to connect with some of the porters.
Mattias Johansson matj@o.lst.se in Sweden, runs P'Jami-which stands for Porting Java to Amiga.
E-mail:
There are three lists:
Is a closed list. Participants must be approved by the list administrator.
Is an open mailing list for the exchange of information. To subscribe, send the words "subscribe amiga-hotjava" in the body of your message to:
The last list is:
Which broadcasts announcements of Amiga ports. To subscribe, send the words "subscribe amiga-hotjava-announce" in the body of a message to:
Patches and information about a DEC Alpha port. Page maintained by Greg Stiehl.
Web site:
E-mail:
Linux is the free, IBM-compatible version of UNIX. Karl Asha karl@blackdown.org maintains several resources for people interested in porting and using Java and HotJava with Linux.
Web site:
E-mail:
There are two mailing lists for Linux issues. They are java-linux and java-linux-announce. The first is a discussion list, the second is a broadcast list.
The address for the mailing list is:
To subscribe to this list, send the word "subscribe" in the subject line of a message to:
or
FTP:
An anonymous distribution of the Linux Java port is available from:
E-mail:
Bill Bumgarner bbum@friday.com maintains an open mailing list for discussion of porting and integration esoteria that are unique to the NeXT platform.
To subscribe, send the word "subscribe" in the BODY of a message to:
The address to mail to the list is:
For technical support for our books and software contact support@mcp.com
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