! NUNET - Personal Computer use by A. M. Stevens (ams)

NUNET, is a hypertext version of some personal and teaching notes that began as MYSYS, MYSYS2 followed by MYNET.

 NUNET is an edited stripped down version of MYNET.  It is collection of information, and procedures begun many years ago on the UNB mainframe using APL 360.  Later versions were implemented on a number of personal Computers using a DOS/APL platform.  .Subsequently Windows and html were used.  Currently NUNET uses WINDOWS XP, 'I explorer and Microsoft Word editor.  NUNET is an evolving personal scheme with no guarantees for accuracy, completeness or future support. The latest versions reside on my computers.

NUNET is one person's effort to build a system that follows a general instructional model  directed toward  Analytical and General Tools, TRANSPORTATION, PLANNING, and FINANCE and INVESTMENT = Engineering Economy . NUNET does not include evaluation of ‘User Learning'.

The emphasis has been on 'A Knowledge Base' that includes diagrams and pictures in a set of Files with a partial Index of the text material.

Because development has taken place over many years the scheme is loosely structured. Development continue intermitently.

The combination of the Links listed on each page, the Back and Forward buttons of a Browser, NUNET can behave as a type of EXPERT system. NUNET is faster if installed on your machine.  Currently a version of MYNET is available on the net.
MYNET files are accessible from UNB Transportation Group as: http://www.unb.ca/web/transpo/mynet//begin.htm

MYNET versions are running in WINDOWS 95, 98 and XP home and professional editions. Some MYNET files do not run on Windows XP. MYNET included selected MYSYS APL files. These are not available in the current version of NUNET because of difficulties with Windows XP.  To start an APL workspace that uses the APL files go to TOOLS

The APL workspaces will run in various versions of WINDOWS with the following limitations:

1.     In WINDOWS XP it is necessary to use the IGNORE button on startup when XP calls for use of COM1. I have not been able to load the APL Character set with my version of WINDOWS XP. In WINDOWS XP you will have to size the window for each APL workspace which are configured to use an 80 x 49 line screen so I use an 80 x 52 window.

2.     In Windows 98 I have not been able to get the APL Character set in a Window, but it appears in the full screen by using [Alt Enter] for full screen or using the windows full screen icon (little square with four arrows pointing out).

3.     Most of the conversion of MYSYS to MYNET was done with an IBM Think Pad using Windows 95. The APL Character set was available when in full screen mode. The diagrams produced with the APL editor are screen captures using WINDOWS 95. This technique does not work using WINDOWS 98, or XP, as the APL characters are lost.

Some interactive functions coded in JavaScript are included. Major Numerical problem solving is best done with a spread sheet or in an APL or J workspace installed on your machine. The TOOLS page has some additional information. NUNET continues to be developed using Windows XP Professional, Microsoft Word Editor, and I explore. Netscape Navigator 4.7 was used in the early versions of MYNET.  The MYNET Index utilized three pages.  The NUNET Index is on one long page easily searched with Ctrl f. 

NUNET includes some Shortcut files that can initiate other systems if they are available on your PC. There are .bat files for EXCEL, LOTUS123, and APL problem solvers. Workspaces for APL/PC, APL/II and J interpreters are included. Links to sample exercises are included as examples. The notes are not intended to be instruction manuals for using a spread sheet or an APL, or J interpreter.

My personal versions of NUNET run as stand alone systems on personal computers. I do testing using I explore. The NUNET files include old APL, and J interpreters..

The objectives have been a personal expert system that can grow with use. Current personally available motivation and computer resources constrain the scheme. After many years one learns to anticipate different computer configurations, change, expansion and obsolescence.

Most NUNET text files are listed in an INDEX. You can use it to search for topics using [Ctrl f] or the 'find' in file facility of your OS.  There are a number of .gif and .jpg and other files that are not presently indexed. You can list these from the NUNET directory.  Some operating systems such as Windows XP provide for 'thumbnails' when viewing a file directory. Turn on 'thumbnails' to quickly scan the pictures in NUNET files.

NUNET files perform similarly to Help and LESSONS files but use a browser to read and link the files more efficiently. The browsers can link to other local systems and allow scrolling to deal with more than one page of text, etc. I use 'c:\nunet\begin.htm' as my stand alone NUNET start page. Note: the latest revision date of the page you are viewing is shown at the page end.

NUNET is open when run as a stand alone system on a PC.  You can modify it to suit your preferences and applications. Parts of NUNET can be configured to run as stand alone utilities.

When MYSYS began 'Word Processors' were primitive.  'Spread Sheets', and 'Office Suites' non existent. Now many of the original APL routines can be performed by contemporary packaged systems. The incentive to maintain and evolve to NUNET is the common one of not abandoning work and investment. You are welcome to use all or any parts that may be personally useful.

With a multitask operating system such as WINDOWS.XP processes can be run concurrently. A multitask operating system extends capability by easily switching between systems for different tasks..

The power of NUNET comes from:

The available Software Library and Files of Information

End to date 071213,  ams