What is WiredSoc?
WiredSoc is the Computing Society of the University of St Andrews. The Society is affiliated to the Students Union at the University of St Andrews.
Our purpose
We at WiredSoc believe that computers are an essential part of everyday life. It is becoming harder and harder to get by in the world without touching a computer for whatever reason, especially in academia. As using computers becomes more of a necessity, we wish to ensure that everyone has the ability to use, benefit and understand them.
WiredSoc was formed in March 1997, from the ashes of the Virtual Society. Virtual Society was formed in the late eighties, when the Computer Society (1987) and the Mathematical & Physical Society (early 1940s) decided to amalgamate. Effectively, the two societies have now “demerged”, but with a number of important changes to the philosophy of WiredSoc.
What we do
Offer free hardware and software technical support to members (including Windows/MacOS/Linux). If your computer decides to break, we’ll see if we can sort out the problem for you. This also covers installations and upgrades
Hold and publicise lectures, seminars and events of a computer-related nature. In previous years we’ve had Microsoft, Sun and Apple come and talk to us.
Organise social and computer-related events. ET, anyone? Last semester we organised a games event at the union, and we plan to hold another event soon.
Offer discounts on computer software, hardware and literature to our members. Including 20% off O’Reilly books
Run a selection of computers for the benefit of members and anyone else with access to the internet. Our WWW server, FTP server and others.
All members get a Linux shell account, 1GB web space and an e-mail address. For running programs, such as GAIM, or for familiarising yourself with Unix and X via VNC.
OK, so you’re a society for Computer People?
No! Absolutely not. WiredSoc’s primary intention is to bring the benefits of computing to all students of the University, and to make computer technology as trouble free as possible for our members. To this end, we are a service oriented society. Computer people are welcome to join, and we expect many of them will, but we will be concentrating our efforts on educating and providing services to all students.
We believe that computers are important to students; you need to learn how to use them in most careers, and we are happy to help give you a head start. We want to bring the benefits of new and evolving technologies, particularly those involved in the Internet, to our members. We are as keen to have non computer people on the committee as any other student.
So what do you actually do?
Our primary aim is to provide a number of core services to members, with the help of our networked server, wired.st-andrews.ac.uk.
Who are you? And who thought up the name? And do you guys drop “information superhighway” into conversations at dinner?
The webmaster, haven’t got a clue, and no. What kind of a question is that to ask me?!
How can I get more involved?
It’s a well worn phrase, but what the heck, “The society is what you make it”. Admittedly it’s also what we make it too, because we are the Committee, BUT if you want to make it even better, join the Committee! Not only do you get to learn lots about administrating a computer server and organising workshops and events, you also get to spend quality time in our mighty presence. Erm. Well, forget that last bit. As a last desperate attempt to convince people, we usually say that it looks fantastic on your CV and gets you a great job earning lots of money, but this might just be an exaggeration / bare faced lie of some kind. Maybe.
How to become a member
All matricuated students at the University of St Andrews may become a Normal Member of the society for the cost of 3 pounds per year.
People who are not a matriculated student of the university may become an Associate Member for 6 pounds. Applications by non-matriculated students are subject to approval by the WiredSoc committee.
The WiredSoc committee may award Honorary Life Membership to those who have benefited the society in the past.
If you want to become a member, please contact this address for details. We also have a stall at the annual Freshers’ Fayre, and that’s the easiest time to join.