The Computer Centre & its activities

 

 

History of the Computer Centre

 

The Computer Centre started with I.B.M. 1620 transferred from Delhi University  during September, 1973 in the Post Graduate Department of Physics. Since it was not meeting the required demand on computations at this University, it was replaced by  IBM 360/44 from Physical Research Laboratory. A new building was constructed by the donation from the Philanthropist late Shri Gordhanbhai Hathibhai Patel.  However, IBM 360/44 did not give satisfactory performance because of the high down time and unavailability of spare parts and unreliable  performance. Also, it was not meeting the increased demand of research work and training.  80386 based Mini Computer supporting 16 Terminals under Unix V.3 and to support Distributed processing, LAN of 24 nodes was installed in January/February, 1988. Meanwhile, many new PC’s, PC/XT’s and PC/AT’s  (around 30 in number) were procured by the Computer Centre.

 

During the inception of Computer Centre, the Physics Department was authorized to install IBM 1620 and co-ordinate its activities. Dr. A. R. Patel, Professor and Head, Department of Physics was in-charge of Computer Centre. In 1980, a separate Computer Centre was established which was headed by Dr. P. Thrimurthy. Dr. P.V. Patel became the Director of Computer Centre the year 1996. Since 1998  Mrs. Jyoti Tiwari is looking after the Computer Centre with additional charge of  I/C Director.

 

Up to the year 1997 the main functions of the Computer Centre were :

 

·        To impart practical training to the students of MCA and DCA

·        To train the internal staff of the University

·        To conduct practical training for refresher courses and Teachers training programme participants.

·        To assist the research students

·        To assist in computerization in different departments, sections, University Library and  University Press

·        To conduct Computer awareness programme for society which included students at all level,

·        Administration -: Payroll, Examination, Accounting, etc.

 

After 1997, a separate Computer laboratory was established for the students of MCA and DCA in the new building of P.G. Department of  Computer Science.  Now the computer laboratory at the Computer Centre was used  for short term course in Data Entry and training the internal staff of the University. Regular training programmes  were conducted on current trends for the staff of the University. It was used by other departments for imparting training for the participants of various courses.

 

Infrastructure  and Learning resources

 

Existing Physical Facilities

 

1

Administrative Office :

A.                 Director’s Room

B.                 Clerk office

 

1

1

2

Xerox Room

1

3

Computer Laboratory

1

4

MIS Room

1

5

Programmer’s Room

1

6

Internet Room

1

7

Class Room

1

 

Hardware Facilities :

 

* The configuration of the servers & desktops is shown in Appendix-B.

 

Sr. No.

Item

Quantity

Servers

1.

Compaq ML 330e

One

2.

IBM   (Nodal)

One

3.

IBM  e Server X Series 225

Four

Desktops

1.

Pentium II        

One

2.

Compaq DeskPro       

Two

3.

Pentium 100 Mhz.       

Thirty Five

4

Pentium IV

Thirty

Printers

1.

Epson DFX-8000/8500 Printer

Three

2.

HP LaserJet 4250 dtn

Two

3.

HP Laser jet 2200D

One

4.

HP Color Laser jet 3500

One

5.

HP Laser 1000

One

6.

HP  Laser 1200

One

7.

HP 5 MP

One

Scanners

1.

HP Scanjet 4c

One

2.

HP Scanjet 7450 

Two

Multimedia Projector

1

Philips (bSure SV2) LC3132

Two

Digital Camera

1

HP Photosmart M407

One

UPS

1

5 Kva  online UPS,  APC Make

Two

2

1 KVA UPS, APC Make

 

3

500 VA UPS

 

 

Other Facilities available :

 

         A centralized air conditioning plant of 30 tones is installed at the centre

         Four   Window Air Conditioners are also installed in  the MIS room

         Fire extinguishers are also kept at various places to meet unforeseen disaster

 

Staff at Computer Centre

 

  1. Mrs. Jyoti Tiwari, B.Sc(Physics), DCA, M.Sc.(IT)  I/c Director (Programmer)
  2. Mrs. I J Desai, Programmer, MCA
  3. Mr. P S Dabhi, Comp. Operator
  4. Mr. S N Bhatt, Data Entry Operator
  5. Mr. H B Sharma, Data Entry Operator
  6. Mr. M G Sheikh, Data Entry Operator
  7. Mr. H H Bhathal, Data Entry Operator
  8. Mr. M B Patel, Data Entry Operator
  9. Mr. N S Patel,  Job Receptionist
  10. Mr. U B Kansara, Plant Operator
  11. Mr. Rakesh Patel, Clerk
  12. Mr. Shital Desai  (ad-hoc) for handling internet                        
  13. Mr. Kamlesh Patel (ad-hoc Technical Assistant) for handling practical for NODAL Centre
  14. Ms. Monal Patel  (ad-hoc Statistician) for handling practical for NODAL Centre

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Present activities at the Computer Centre

 

Internet  facility at the University

 

The UGC sanctioned grant for Internet connectivity in the University through ERNET India. The Computer Centre was assigned the task of giving internet connections to the departments within the University campus and satellite campuses also. There was no connectivity between the satellite campuses (MBA, MCA and Economics Departments) and some of the departments within the campus. The Computer Centre with the help of the Computer Centre identified the network to be established in the University. A private party was entrusted for fiber optic connectivity between various departments.  The network diagram is shown in Appendix-C.  The VSAT is installed at the Computer Centre. The connections  are given through a Proxy server and mailing facilities are provided through the  mail server.   Around 125 connections are given to various departments. The management and maintenance of  Internet connections are carried out by the staff of the Computer Centre. The computer Centre staff with their ad-hoc staff manages trouble-shooting of Internet related problems. Apart from this the staff manages to maintain the Computers wherever possible in the entire campus. A bandwidth management software is purchased to monitor the users on the usage of the Internet in the University and for the proper distribution of the bandwidth. A mail server software is also installed which takes care of different e-mail Ids of the University employees. Both these software are managed at the Computer  Centre.

 

Various training programmes were conducted at the Computer Centre to train the faculty on e-journals accessing under UGC-Infonet programme. The programmes were conducted in collaboration with the  INFLIBNET Centre, Ahmedabad. To apprise the faculty with the concept of E-journals some private parties were also invited for their presentations.

 

Development of software for Automation of  University Administration

 

Presently, various activities are automated in the University sections and the departments. But there was a need of an integrated MIS system. Hence a software was needed to cater to the needs of the University Administration. Rates from the private software firms were invited but due to the exorbitant prices, the university decided to develop the software in-house with help of the Computer Centre  and Computer Science Department staff.  The vision of  Sardar Patel University is to create a completely user-friendly and automated University administration  by the Golden Jubilee year, i.e. 2005.  To realize this vision of the University, the Vice Chancellor Dr. P. J. Patel has formed an IT Roadmap team comprising of 16 core members from university administration, IT experts, and Management experts. The team felt the need for a software which could  be a web-enabled information system to automate the entire operations of  the University. 

 

The benefits of the system would be:

 

Faster  and easier access to electronic data, User friendly, sophisticated and efficient user interface, Workflow enabled, multilevel security, a single, central  and linked system  that works for everybody, on-line help and paper-less environment.

 

This core team prepared a strategy under the guidance of Ms. Jyoti Tiwari, I/c Director of the Computer Centre to proceed for the automation of the University Administration. Computerization of the activities of Account Section, Examination Section, Academic Section and Establishment Section were planned.  A team of fresh MCA students of Sardar Patel University was identified for this project.  The project commenced from July 2003. In the first phase, systems investigation was undertaken which was followed by a feasibility study of the existing system. A project plan was prepared with the approval of the IT Roadmap Team.  The second phase started with Systems Analysis to analyze in detail, the information needs of end users, the organizational environment and the system presently used. A report prepared for each section was approved by the IT Roadmap Team.

 

The system is developed using three-tier architecture. With the advent of the open source and excessive  price of the branded software, it was decided to develop the system under Linux operating system, application server JBoss, Database server as MySQL. The development technology used is J2EE and the tools used are Dream Weaver MX, ECLIPSE. 

 

It is envisioned that the UMIS will shape up as a backbone for all the back office operations of the University.

 

A major portion of the system is already tested and implemented.  The main task that is presently being executed at the Computer Centre is digitizing the student records for the purpose of assigning ID numbers to each of the student of the University.  With this information, the university will be able to supply online information of each student on the internet as well as intranet. The task includes scanning of photographs and entry of the information of each student. Simultaneously, the computer centre staff is also supervising the entry of employee records. 

 

Hardware

 

The main server is an IBM dual processor with Linux platform located at G H Patel Computer Centre. The clients are installed at different sections viz. Examination, Academic, Accounts, Establishment etc through Fiber Network. The network diagram is shown in the Appendix-D.

 

 

Website maintenance

 

The University is having its own website http://www.spuvvn.edu. It was designed and developed by a private party 5 years ago. Now the Computer Centre is maintaining the site themselves.

 

NODAL Centre

 

In the year 2001-2002, the Computer Centre received a grant of Rs. 7.00 lacs (letter no. F.No.4-8/2001(comp.), dated 22 March 2002) for introduction of Computer Applications paper in Statistics, Bio Sciences, Home Science, Psychology and Physics at the P. G. Level. The list of equipment purchased under this grant is shown in the Appendix-E.

 

A Separate space in the Computer Laboratory is provided for the students who have opted for Computer Applications paper. Regular practical training is imparted to these students.

 

Services rendered to the University Administration

 

Establishment Section

 

            Software developed, maintained and documented in-house for :

 

·        Recruitment

·        Leave

·        Insurance

·        Payroll, Provident Fund, CTD calculation

·        Income Tax calculation and printing of related forms

·        Service book

·       Automation of Fixation and calculation of arrears

·       Human resource Information

 

Examination Section

 

Since last year 2002-2003 the University has started printing of Hall-tickets and mark sheets with photograph of the students.  The aim was to give mark sheets with security features so that duplication of any mark sheets cannot be done. As it was for the first time, the task was outsourced. Meanwhile, the Centre procured the required equipment and printed some mark sheets on trial basis. Seeing the sensitivity of data and expenditure in outsourcing, the university has decided to print the mark sheets in-house from April-2005.

 

The University believes in clean and transparent examination system.  For this reason, the examination reforms unit of the University has taken several corrective measures:

 

·        The answer sheets (with sealed examination numbers) of various examinations are assessed centrally.

·        The examiners do not prepare the mark lists. The marks from the answer sheets are directly entered at the Computer Centre.

 

            Software developed, maintained and documented in-house using for:

 

·        Pre Examination Work

·        Examination Schedule

·        Appointment of Examiners/Panel

·        Student record preparation

·        Hall Ticket preparation and printing

 

·        On Examination Work

·        Marks entry

·        Result Processing

·        Preparation of Mark sheets (pre, post printed)

 

·        Post Examination Work

·        Statistical analysis for decision making

·        Merit List

·        Convocation and provisional degree

Account Section

 

In the new integrated system the entire Accounting module is developed in-house which is in the testing phase and likely to be implemented by the start of the financial year April 2005. The main modules of the system include:

·        Bill Section

·        Cash Section

·        General Section

 

Presently, the following activities are taken care by the Computer Centre.

 

·        Budget Preparation

·        Annual account preparation

·        Establishment schedule preparation

 

Software developed, maintained and documented in-house for :

 

·        Examination remuneration processing

·        Cash & Bank book generation, trial balance generation etc.

 

 

Academic Section

Software is prepared in-house for:

·        Admission procedure

·        Registration

·        Board of Studies

·        Migration

·        Transfer Certificate

·        Provisional eligibility certificate and Final eligibility certificate

·        Automation of admission procedures in various departments

·        Merit list preparation

·        College record

·        Other reports

 

 

Library

 

·        The Computer laboratory at the Library was established under the assistance of the Computer Centre. Since its inception, the Computer Centre is helping the library in procuring and maintaining the Computers and related items.

·        Initially Data was entered at the Computer Centre and then after training the Library Staff and by deputing one staff member of the Computer Centre the data is now entered at the Library.

·        The University Library has purchased SOUL software for automating the library activities. The Computer Centre staff assists the library professionals by training and trouble shooting the problems related to the software.

·        Data entry of records of students & staff

·        Automation of stock taking procedure

·        Complete Library automation is intended and likely to be computerized in the near future under the supervision of the Computer Centre.

 

 

 

 

University Press

 

·        A well-equipped Computer lab is established at the University Press under the assistance of the Computer Centre.

·        Computer Centre Staff plays an important role  during examination time. The examination papers are typed using the Computers. The data entry operators and the  I/C Director, Computer Centre along with other University and Press staff helps in printing the papers. Please note that this activity takes place at the unorthodox time.

Xerox Facilities

 

Xerox machines are provided at the computer centre which cater to the needs of  all the departments and sections of the University.

Others

·        B.Ed. Admission

The admission procedure for B.Ed. is centralized. Every year, we receive and average of 10,000 forms. The following activities are associated with this task :

·        Entry of the forms

·        Printing of various checklists.

·        For B.Ed.(English) students an entrance test is conducted. It is the responsibility of the Computer Centre to print the test paper and evaluate. A software is prepared for evaluation.

·        Merit List Preparation

·        The computer centre staff solves minor hardware problems at the computer centre and other departments and administrative sections.

·        Computer Centre staff helps in teaching at MCA, MBA and other courses where Computer courses are taught.

·        Center for DOEACC examination

 

Training for University Personnel

         Nodal Centre for imparting practical to the Home Science, Bio Science, and Psychology

         Two orientation programmes are conducted in a year, one for teaching staff, and other for Non-teaching staff. Duration is 5 weeks

         Orientation programmes conducted: 12

(No fees is charged from the participants and the training personnel also work honorary)

 

Other training programmes conducted so far :

 

         A one seminar cum training programme was conducted in collaboration with INFLIBNET, Ahmedabad for accessing e-resources.

         UGC Sponsored Programmes

         Employees of Telecom Department

         Employees of State Bank Of India

         Computer awareness programs for villagers and school children

Note: (Above training programmes were conducted in association with the Computer Science Department)

 

Updating of Staff

 

·        In co-ordination with the Computer Science Department of the University the Computer staff is updated on the latest trends in Information Technology.

·        The related staff attends seminars, symposia and training programs at various places.

 

Linkages with other Departments

 

Computer Centre helps other departments in

         Purchase of Computers and related Hardware

         Establishing networks

         Trouble shooting hardware and software related problems.

         Development of Software

         Preparation of syllabi for computer related courses

         Teaching  & Training

 

Computer Centre as a resource centre

 

The University has the central purchase system for buying computers, peripherals and related items for all Departments and Administrative Sections. Every two months the university floats tenders to the registered parties. The Computer Centre plays an important role in proposing