Dear student: Our class will be utilizing this semester the software BioCoRE for communication on all matters related to the course. This software has been developed at the University of Illinois for the purpose of scientific collaboration and training. BioCoRE is a web-based collaborative environment that requires only a common web browser, but has many advantages over the use of a simple web browser. BioCoRE works on all types of computers: PCs, Macs, Unix and Linux operating systems, as long as you have a standard browser. BioCoRE permits you to view general course information, but also to contribute to a message board, i.e., YOU can also post messages to the site. In addition, BioCoRE provides instant chat where you can assist each other during long nights on the home work sets. ;-) To access the Control Panel for BioCoRE, which gives instant chatting, your computer will need to have Java installed. Instructions for installing Java on your own computer are given at the URL below. In case you do not have Java properly installed, you only loose the ability to chat with class mates, but no other ability; access to all course material will not be impeded. BioCoRE also provides a data depository where you can download as well as upload course related files using your computer's file system (you will be amazed how well this works). In particular, you can share views of proteins, etc. with each other as well as VMD saved states that will allow your class mates to almost immediately view the same picture that you work on. First step to join BioCoRE: To use BioCoRE you will need to create an account on the BioCoRE system. A webpage has been set up with the necessary information: http://www.ks.uiuc.edu/Research/biocore/use/course.shtml Once you have set up your BioCoRE account, you will receive an email with your password that you need for signing on at later times. You are then in a group of hundreds of present BioCoRE users, but you are not yet in the group of BioCoRE students for this class. To "join" the BioCoRE class project you need to do a second step. Second step to join the BioCoRE class project: You need to send your login name to XXXXXXXXXXXXXX so that you can be added to the class project on our BioCoRE server. For a user named John Doe, this might be "johndoe", or whatever username was chosen during the registration process. Once your login name is received by XXXXXXXXXXXX, you will be made a member of the BioCoRE class project. Once you are registered with BioCoRE and have sent your login name to XXXXXXXXXXX, you will see the class "project" every time you log into BioCoRE. The BioCoRE software is pretty much self-explanatory (please experiment a little); you may consult also the web site given above. If you have further questions you can contact the BioCoRE technical support team at biocore@ks.uiuc.edu. Please create your BioCoRE account now and send your login name to XXXXXXXXXXXXXX as soon as possible, but definitely by XXXXX. With best wishes,