Newsletter No. 387

No. 387, 19.11.2011 3 If an office is planning to set up a website, it can seek different levels of help from the ITSC. Roger said user offices can build their own websites and host them on the ITSC server. On the other hand, they can also choose to adopt a user-friendly interface offered by the ITSC and only prepare website contents such as text and images, and filling it up. It takes away the need for individual offices to keep a web server and minimizes that for technical maintenance. Despite the advantages of the emerging technology, security is one of users’ greater concerns. Certain government departments and organizations, which have to handle much confidential and sensitive information, So far this column has been dedicated to comments on style in writing. For a change, we are making a little foray into sartorial territory in this issue. The emphasis is on correctness rather than fashion, in line with the general tenor of the column. Dress Code Dress code is the form of attire that is deemed appropriate to a place or an occasion, for example the rules observed at certain ceremonies and receptions, and at hotels, restaurants, concert halls and religious establishments. While dress codes are seldom enforced by law, it is good manners to respect them where they are prescribed, and it is never pleasant to be the odd person out, and to be stared at by others for the outlandishness of what one wears. Customs vary from place to place but there are some basic observances that are common to all in the English-speaking world. Usually our first encounter with a prescribed dress code appears on an invitation card. In descending order of formality, they can be: • Morning Coat . It is most unlikely to be required today, but was indeed the prescribed dress for the inaugural congregation of CUHK, at which Sir Robert Black, as Chancellor, wore one (and so did some of the guests). It means a morning coat with tails for the man and a nice dress or suit, preferably with hat and gloves, for the woman. We at the University really do not have to worry about it at all nowadays. • There are two types of prescribed clothing for a formal evening. White Tie refers to an evening coat with tails (orchestral players still wear it) for the man, and floor length evening dress (NOT night gown, or night dress—they are something else) for the woman. Less formally, you will be asked to wear the black tie. This Black Tie is a black bow-tie, worn with a dinner jacket (British, sometimes abbreviated to DJ), which is the same thing as a tuxedo (US). For the woman it means a smart evening dress. • On other occasions which take place during daytime, we often see Lounge Suit inscribed on the invitation card. Lounge suit is the equivalent of Business Attire in North America, and is exactly what it means: a suit for the man, and corresponding clothing for the woman. This is the most common dress code prescribed in Hong Kong nowadays, and is the standard requirement for occasions ranging from degree congregations to receptions at the Government House. • Smart Casual . The vogue of this expression probably began at about the same time as the ascendancy of the IT tycoons. As those who dress themselves in a smart and casual manner are most likely to be free spirits beyond the bondage of conventions, it is a bit hard to define. Common sense would suggest that it involves a nice blazer, usually but not necessarily navy or black, a pair of good trousers that can go with the blazer (e.g., grey or beige), a plain shirt, usually no tie but perhaps a cravat, and oxfords or loafers (boat shoes only if you are really boating). Editor www.iso.cuhk.edu.hk/english/features/style-speaks/index.html still hesitate to switch to cloud computing because it seems more reliable to store data inside their own computers. Dr. Lee Pak-ching Patrick , assistant professor, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, admitted that it is a challenging issue to ensure all the information scattered in different clouds won’t leak. One of his current studies is to develop a new system that deletes backup copies made by cloud when the user removes data from one cloud. Apart from research, the University also places equal importance on teaching of this new technology. In the second semester of 2011–12, a new course ‘Introduction to Cloud Computing’ will be offered to senior undergraduates majoring or minoring in computer science and engineering. ‘A cloud platform will be set up for students to receive hands-on training,’ Dr. Lee remarked. 雲計算知多些 Cloud Computing Q & A 李柏晴博士 Dr. Lee Pak-ching Patrick 「雲計算」的定義是甚麼？ What is the definition of ‘cloud computing’? 現時較普遍採用美國國家標準與技術研究院的定義：雲計算是一個服務 模式，用家只需透過極少量的管理工作或與服務提供者互動，即可按個別 需要，便捷享用資源，包括網絡、伺服器、儲存、應用程式和服務。 The most commonly quoted definition comes from the US Institute for Standards and Technology which states that ‘Cloud computing is a model for enabling convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool of resources—networks, servers, storage, applications and services—that can be rapidly provided and released with minimal management effort or service provider interaction.’ 雲計算這名稱何時出現？ When was the term coined? 雖然「雲計算」是2007年才確立的名稱，但其概念雛型早已出現，例如我們檢閱Gmail帳戶、在MSN 分享空間撰寫網誌，在Flickr分享照片，這些只需連接上網便可進行的活動，已在應用雲計算技術。 The term ‘cloud computing’ was coined in 2007. However, the basic concept has been around for years. In fact, cloud computing activities are involved in much of our daily electronic life, such as checking the Gmail box, blogging in MSN, sharing photos via Flickr etc. 為何稱為「雲」？ Why is it named ‘cloud’? 據說，這是因為大家對個人電腦以外的網絡空間的模樣不太清楚，故普遍以「雲形」圖案來表達該 位置，並以此為該服務模式命名。 It is said that people always have no idea about Internet space outside the personal computer, so the image of cloud is commonly used to represent that area. Now, the new coinage was introduced to refer to this new service model. 為加深校內人士對這項新服務模式的認識，資訊科技服務處於9月15日首次 舉辦開放日，以雲計算為主題，邀請了計算機科學與工程學系教授，以及雲計算 技術的供應商主持講座，當天更有展覽、參觀等，吸引逾一百二十師生出席。 Over 120 staff and students attended ITSC Open Day—Cloud Computing on 15 September, which aimed at showcasing the concept, application, development, merits and trends of cloud technology to CUHK members. There were talks from a CUHK professor, key cloud computing players in the market, exhibitions, and visits to the University’s central computer room.