FAQ Let's answer some of your questions.
Java , J2EE and JDBC Getting started on Java and Java Server Pages. It's easier than you think.
ASP.NET Microsoft provides free .Net software. Get started using Visual Studio Express and SQL Server.
Databases Installation of SQL Server, MySQL and Oracle all at once.
Oracle Maximizer Learn over a half dozen major software packages offered by Oracle. Including 11g.
WAMP: Windows, Apache, MySQL and PHP Learn what fuels most of the internet. WAMP for Windows. Ruby, Python and Perl too.
Rapid Install Windows Install all software at once! Great way to learn major software on Windows
General
1. What approach do you take when you train?
Training involves three things.
learn how to install a product (your own PC, if possible)
Use the product.
deploy what you have developed.
2. Why do you think your approach is better then going on a course?
Two hours of our approach is like going on a one or two day coarse. I give you hands on experience on installing and configuring your software. We'll do it a few times if we have too. We'll do some development. We'll copy and paste to avoid a lot of extra typing. We are not going to wait to Day 3 to start connecting to the database. We'll do it within the first 30 minutes. We know that most in-house projects will involve a database. So why wait.
3. Are you against training courses?
No. Companies have limited training budgets. It's better to save those $ for more advanced course or certification courses.
4. Anybody can download and install software. What makes you different?
I have over a decade of experience of installing software over that period across Windows, Unix and Linux. I've seen most common problems. Configuring,using and deploying is not always easy. Database and general network connectivity can be problem for many developers even if software is correctly installed. Not everyone understands that you can't configure different software to use the same port. Understanding Windows services, registry and other OS items, is not easy for everyone. I hope that a few sessions with me may give you some skills to install other software on your own.
5. How do you cope with all the software?
It can take a bit of time to learn new software. Our focus is installing, configuring and getting started with basic examples. We upgrade yearly or during a major release. We feel there is a synergy when we move at a fast, but in and effective way.
6. What do you mean by setting up a development environment.
The Rapid Install I offer is an example of setting up an environment. Basically, install as much software as possible. Another example of setting up an environment is to allow a number of developers to share a database, web server and the other shared programs. You don't need Windows 2003, Linux or Unix to do this. Another example would be setting a development environment on one PC and image it for use on another PC. This is is very ideal for schools and in house training environments.
7. Do you offer C/C++ training?
We offer a short Borland tutorial on using C/C++. Using this for database and Web development is complex for the novice developer. Many scripting languages from Unix/Linux world such as Perl and PHP have been developed as alternatives to C/C++. Java and C# are alternatives that should be considerd first if you prefer to use a compiler over a scripting language for Web development.
8. Do you offer a trial or pilot and what about your pricing.
If you are within a four drive from Toronto, Canada. we'll come to your site for free preferably on a weekend or weeknight. If you are a bit farther than that we may ask for some help with hotel and/or flight for a weekend stay. We'll deduct these expenses from any future billable work to show our appreciation. We can talk about pricing for future sessions at any time.
1. What operating system do you prefer?
I prefer Windows 2000, XP or Vista. Most software I deal with can work on both Linux and Windows. Many applications can be ported easily from Windows to Linux and Unix. It's generally easier for most developers to use Windows. When Linux goes beyond out of the box use, it can be difficult for many developers. I will do my best to keep Linux as simple as possible. You'll need to have administrator or root access to your operating system.
2. Can I use XP Home for most of the server based software you have listed?
Yes. Software that can run on XP Pro, Windows 2000 Pro, should run on XP Home. There are some exceptions with Microsoft Products eg Back office products like Share point. You can expect most non-Microsoft based client and server software to work on XP Home
3. What about IIS? It can't work on XP Home.
True. You can use Web Matrix or Cassini Web servers to view ASP.NET(aspx) pages. Visual Studio has a development web server as well. If you are adventurous, you can use Mono to view ASP.NET pages. You can use Apache for everything else. (PC's with incomplete configuration)
4. Can I use Windows NT?
Yes. You can still use NT for much of the software I install. I will install what I can on NT SP 6 workstation, I do believe that old NT workstations and servers are still useful. Please note that we may have to modify the training format somewhat. See question (PC's with incomplete configuration)
4a. I don't have Administrator rights on my Windows 2000 or XP PC
We prefer that you provide a PC with admin access. See answer (PC's with incomplete configuration)
4b. I don't have the required Service Packs for 2000 or XP. See question on (PC's with incomplete configuration)
5. What about Windows 98 or ME or even 95?
Suprisingly a lot of software especially older versions and open source will still work on these platforms. We shouldn't install products on Windows 9x because it's not really productive. If you have 256MB memory at least a 15GB harddrive, you should upgrade to XP . I suggest doing it soon as it is getting difficult to find. See question on (PC's with incomplete configuration)
6. What about Vista? Back to Top
You can expect that most software that works on Windows 2000 and XP will work on Vista. Some older Micrsoft products such as SQL Server 2000 may not work.
7. Do you have any preference between Windows or Linux?
For training and learning purposes, it's generally easier to install the Windows version of software when possible. Also most client Web development is done on Windows even if the eventual server is Linux or Unix. However, Linux is great practice when you plan on installing software on Unix
8. How do you install with Linux?
Most PC configurations have one NTFS partition making it difficult to install Linux. I use a bootable Knoppix (Debian) CD to run Linux for and install software on a USB drive for temporary installations. I also boot Fedora (Red Hat) of a USB drive for more permanent installations. If you want to use Linux more seriously, I suggest you find a PC with at least 256MB and a 20GB hard drive that can be erased. I am also looking into Ubunto (Debian) as well. Ubunto is one of the first “downsized” yet powerful Linux.
9. How close is Linux to Unix?
90% the same. There are differences. And you would be insulting the Linux world if you said Linux was just another version of Unix. Software installation and configuration is similar. Even some binary programs may work between the two platforms.
10. What happens if I don't have PC available for Windows or Linux?
I will bring a laptop with a clean version of XP. I will also bring a USB hardrive (regular IDE hard drive with a case). This can run off our laptop or on your PC. I won't touch your harddisk. This is a great way to run Linux. I suggest you buy a USB external case ($50 or less) for future use. I will provide one during training. I highly recommend you make a PC available, if possible. As last alternative, we'll use our laptop.
11. I have no available partitions for a Linux install?
A big problem for most PC's given most have just one NTFS drive. It's possible to run Linux off a USB flash or harddrive. See the previous question.
12. We have an AIX , Solaris or Windows 2003 server. Can we use it?
Until I get to know your company, it's easier to use a Windows or Linux desktop first. If your Windows 2003 server is a reaserch platform and you have administrator access, I don't see much of a problem. For AIX or Solaris, it's possible to install software outside of the root user assuming the userid has permissions to create ports greater than 1024. Anything involving root, you'll need your Unix administrator or person responsible for the root user. We can do a test run on Linux or Windows desktop first.
13. My PC has incomplete configuration or my PC is not suitable for the training.
There may be many reasons why a PC is not fully functional: Missing components,Service Pack, lack of admin access... Before we visit, we'll go over a checklist on the phone or via email. We'll do our best to install software and we'll provide a laptop with a clean install of 2000 or XP to install the balance. If you have XP, we recommend that you install SP2 and perform automatic updates. We carry some of the important updates. Yous should make sure ypu have administrator access.
1. Is Oracle 10g Express, SQL Server Express and My SQL free to use?
Yes. These databases are free to download and use for production purposes. You may want to read the fine print when using for serious Production use. For example, you may not be allowed to run a large database on multiple CPU's.
2. Do you prefer any database?
Being an Oracle developer, I'm naturally going to say Oracle! If you are just fooling around, try all three. You may want factor in what you currently have in production or what you may have been mandated to use. For ASP.NET, you will likely use SQL Server. You will likely use Oracle for ERP (SAP, Oracle Ecommerce, Fusion) systems on Unix platforms. If you plan on using a hosting service, you'll find lots of MySQL and SQL Server Express databases.
3. How do you train with databases?
I'll install the database (maybe even a few times, till you get the hang of it). Learn basic connectivity to the database. Learn to query the database and run a few stored procedures. Show some XML functionality. Run some ODBC, ASP.NET and Java programs using the database.
4. Can I use an existing databse on my PC or server?
If it's local database on your PC, I don't see much problem. I recommend using a local database for SQL Server and MySQL since it's not very big. We can connect to a remote Oracle database as a long as it's a non production database.
1. We know that most Web based open source programs are mostly for Linux. Are open source software lke PHP, Apache, Tomcat (J2EE), MySQL or MONO available on Windows?
Yes. It's easier to install on Windows than Linux. Especially for those that are less proficent in Linux. Open source gives you an alternative to ASP.NET
2. I heard that that most Linux versions already have a PHP, Apache, Tomcat (J2EE), Mysql. Is this true?
True. In fact it's a great way to learn how these programs are configured on Linux. Especially, when you want to install later on Unix platforms.
3. Why bother with open source? Who's really going to use it in the corporate world?
You'd be surprised. Many vendors such as Oracle, IBM and others have incorporated Open Source into their products. Apache is used by Oracle as it's Web server which means you'd get full support. Many Unix vendors have open source programs right on their systems as well. PHP is poised to make a break through in the corporate world. Oracle and Zend to name a few vendors. Tomcat/Geronamo, an open source J2EE server, is used by a number of corporate vendors.
4. What exactly is PHP? I see so many web sites with PHP pages.
PHP is a server scripting language used for Web pages, mostly Apache servers. You could say it is the ASP of open source. It's very suitable for those that don't want the bother of learning OOP like Java or C#. It has numerous extensions such as Web services, Database support, PDF to name a few. PHP is ready to make a jump to the corporate world.
5. I've heard about MONO. What is it?
MONO is an Open Source initiative funded by Novel to run Microsoft.NET on Linux and Unix. There is no involvement by Microsoft. There is a recent code agreement by Novel and Microsoft as well. This has the potential to be big. Perhaps in a way the Java took off in the late 1990's.
6. Why not use Python or Ruby instead of PHP?
PHP has been criticized for lacking an OOP approach. Python and Ruby are also scripting language but use OOP. I've decided to focus on PHP because it has more database and extension support. If you can get PHP up and running, then Python or Ruby should be easy to get up and running as well. I may include Ruby and Python in our Rapid Install.
7. Can PHP, Python, Perl or Ruby be installed on both IIS and Apache?
Yes. If your eventual server will be IIS on Windows 2003, you should look into IIS. I will be using Apache for our training and consulting because of the IIS limitations on Windows 2000 Pro and XP. Given that IIS is port 80 on most PC's, you can either use a different port for Apache or have IIS redirected to Apache.
1. What exactly is Rapid Install?
Rapid Install means that I'll install as much software as I can on your PC. We'll make sure connectivity is good and run a sample program or two and move on. There will be little training. We use the time savings to install software. We can even install on more than one computer.
2. Why should I chose Rapid Install over Training?
My view is that many application developers can pretty much find there way through most software but may have problems with installation and configuration. Oracle software is a good example. I admit I am not an expert on everything I install. But we want to install as much software as possible.
3. What about licensing?
Many software packages have demo or trial licenses. I may not legally be able give you a copy. This means you may have to register and download software. Then I can help you install it. With Open Source or freely distributable software, I can give you a copy.
5. Would you help us install it on a Unix, Linux or Windows server: development or production?
I can help install demo or trial versions if available. You'll need to use licensed software if you wish to move forward. We can make a consulting arrangement to assist. I recommend that you involve your Unix or Windows administrator if you intend serious use.
1. Is Microsoft.NET free?
Yes. You can download the .NET 1.1 or 2.0 freely and install it. It's similar to Sun's JDK. You'll have access to C# and VB compilers and all the assemblies to run ASP.NET.
2. But don't you need IIS to run ASP.NET?
Officially, you need IIS on Windows 2000 server or Windows 2003/2008 to fully utilize ASP.NET. IIS on Windows 2000 Pro and XP Pro only allows 10 concurrent connections making it less than ideal for server use. IIS doesn't work on XP Home. There are a number of third party (and free) Web servers that can host ASP.NET without restriction and work on XP Home. Cassini is an example. Visual Studio and Web Matrix have there own localhost development Web servers which are limited, but do work on XP Home.
3. Does plain old ASP work with ASP.NET.
No. Not a big deal if you have IIS. ASP will run just fine. I've not found a way to run ASP on XP Home. I like ASP because VB script is an easy scripting language. ASP.NET has taken a more OOP approach. If you need ASP badly, I suggest using Windows 2000 or XP Pro. Older versions of Windows with Personal Web server will also run ASP.
4. Are there free versions of SQL Server?
SQL Server Express 2005/2008 and SQL Server 2000 MSDE are free for Production use. Many ASP.NET hosting sites use these versions.
5. Do I really need Windows 2003 to run .NET?
A number of Microsoft back office products like Sharepoint, Biz Tracker and SQL Server enterprise need .NET and can only run on 2003. Unfortunately, there are no trial or personal versions other than SQL Server that can run on XP. If you have access to a licensed version of 32 bit Windows 2003, you can install it on your PC.
6. Do you train with with Visual Studio 2008?
We train with VS 2005. This works on Windows 2000. MS's 2007 and 2008 software bundles will not work on Windows 2000. If You have Vista or XP and high speed internet connection, we may assist with a VS 2008 express install. Until 2010, we expect to see more Windows 2000 than Vista in the corporate, acedemic and public sectors.
1. What aspects of Java to you consult?
I focus on three aspects: 1) Java fundamentals. 2) Java JDBC connectivity to databases. 3) J2EE fundamentals: Setup, JSP, Servlets and database connectivity. I don't focus too much on Applets, Swing, Struts and Java Faces. Java has a steeper learning curve then other technologies. I try keep Java training simple, effective and grounded so a developer has enough basic knowledge to move on to more advanced topics.
2. Why do I need to know Java?
Java is still the number one programming language. Many software vendors such as Oracle, IBM, Sun (no kidding) and others have incorporated Java into there products, especially J2EE. If you work heavily with newer Oracle products, you will need to know a bit about J2EE.
3. What is J2EE?
Java 2 Enterprise Edition. It's basically a Java Web server that runs servlets, JSP and other server side Java programs. Tomcat, an open source version, is perhaps the most famous J2EE platform. Microsoft.NET and J2EE are competing platforms. Java Server Pages (JSP) and Java beans are comparable to ASP.NET using C# code behind modules.
4. Tell me more about JSP.
JSP looks very much like ASP except it uses Java as scripting language. JSP is really a servlet running in the background. JSP can call beans which are Java program classes. JSP can also use Struts or Java Faces which is similar to an ASP.NET Web Forms. These are useful when developing database bounded controls. ASP.NET Web Forms and Java Faces/Struts are much more powerful then traditional (even server side) HTML forms. I'm currently working on an easy way to teach Java Faces
5. Is it possible to learn JSP without getting too involved in Java?
Yes! If you learn to install a J2EE server or know where to put your JSP pages on an existing server, you are on your way. The Java inside inside a JSP is very much like a scripting language. Once you get the basics, you may want to learn JDBC (database) and Java bean fundamentals. JSP complexity is pretty much with Java Beans.
Your interest is appreciated!
Copyright 2008-09 by Steven Felian All rights reserved.