Computer science graduate student Biao Hao opted to write a chat application, which allows several computer users to join online disussions. Although, like many of the other winners, Hao had an interest in Java before registering for the Footprint seminar, he said the course was useful. Computer engineering student Anne Kwong also chose to submit a chat application. And it's a pretty easy language to learn. Kwong is the only woman among the 17 McGill winners.
Women sometimes like things to be more dynamic.
Mark Aiken, a student in electrical engineering, was one of the winners in the open category. He wrote an applet that monitors a user's favourite web pages and alerts him or her when one is updated. This isn't the first time Aiken's programming has attracted attention. He has also written several utility programs for Macintosh computers which he distributes as shareware. Computer users can download Aiken's software over the Internet.