Western Nevada Community College computer instructor Michael Long stands in the computer lab where a host of Microsoft software will be installed and can be downloaded by computer students free of charge. The software was attained through the Microsoft Distribution Network Academy Alliance. Rick Gunn/Nevada Appeal
Computer students registered at Western Nevada Community College this spring can save money thanks to the Microsoft Corporation. Microsoft is allowing students to download programs used in the classes free of charge.
"The E-Academy program is set up by Microsoft so that technology-oriented departments can provide their students with the software to learn," WNCC computer teacher Michael Long said on Wednesday. "It's regularly $799 a year for a membership, but they were kind enough to comp our first year."
The programs will be available to anyone who signs up for at least a one-credit computer class at the Carson campus during the spring, summer and fall semesters and whose accounts are paid in full.
"What we're going to do is put a hard drive on our local network and they'll be able to go into the lab and download the software," he said.
The free Microsoft programs include operating systems like Windows XP and Windows 2000, servers like Windows, SQL and Exchange, applications like Visio Professional and Project Professional and software development packages like Visual Studio.
The free programs are a savings for students who would otherwise pay for student versions.
"Take the C++ class as an example," Long said. "All of my C++ students will be able to get MS Visual Studio for free. The student version of this is 100 bucks. They won't have to pay for that and they'll get the full professional version for free."
Students can keep the programs for life, a useful help in a rapidly expanding field. To keep on top of that field, the community college now offers associate of applied science degrees in Web technology, computer networking and computer office technology, as well as a certificate of achievement in computer programming.
Also, to help students who may transfer within the state, WNCC recently aligned itself with the state's three other community colleges, one college and two universities, so that course numbers are the same throughout.
"What we're doing is changing the course numbers so that if you take CIT 130 here at WNCC, if it's offered at any other university or college, it's the same number there."
Long, who came to WNCC in the fall, has a bachelor's degree in computer information systems and is near completion of a master's degree.
The 46-year-old will teach the school's first Java class, a computer language course, this spring. He describes himself as a laid-back instructor.
"I'm pretty relaxed," he said. "Half the time I wear a Harley T-shirt to class. Just look for the guy in the blue jeans and T-shirt. That's me."
Contact reporter Maggie O'Neill at moneill@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1219.
SIGN UP
Teacher Michael Long will be instructing the classes below this spring. To register, go to www.wncc.edu on the Internet. Long can be reached at 445-3301 or by e-mail at longm9@wncc.edu.
• Beginning Java, CIT 130, 1-2:15 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays
• Web Script Language Programming CIT 152B, 7-9:45 p.m. Mondays
• Systems Analysis and Design, CIT 260, 7-9:45 p.m. Tuesdays
• Beginning Web Development, CIT 151, 7-9:45 p.m. Wednesdays
• Beginning C++, CAT 133B, 7-9:45 p.m. Thursdays
• Intermediate Database systems, COT266, Web-based