Random Feature
The random feature was created to offer an alternate solution to the current random effect on the home page of www.SFU.ca. Currently, a CGI script makes a random selection between five different pages (index1.html, index2.html, etc.) and supplies to the browser a static web page. The issue with the current system is, if you bookmark one of the index pages, you will bypass the random feature of the script which will prevent you from seeing any of the other news stories.

The solution uses a JavaScript feature which gets the user's computer to process the random selection which only effects which image will be loaded as well as which headlines that are loaded. In theory, each time you reload the home page, you will see different headlines, if enough exist as well as a different image.

SFU Facts
All SFU facts get updated in JavaScript (.js) files. The content of the SFU facts is administered by a PHP script on Fraser. JavaScript must be turned on in order to see the SFU facts. They are maintained by Media and Public Relations.

News Items
All news items get updated in JavaScript (.js) files. The content of the news items is administered by a PHP script on Fraser. JavaScript must be turned on in order to see the news items. News items are maintained by Media and Public Relations. The news headlines are stored in a mySQL database.

Security
All information will be transfered using SFU's secure HTTP server.

Administrative Back End
The Administrative Site uses PHP as the server side language, and supports IE and Netscape. The purpose of the administrative site is to allow a secure yet quick and easy ability for content (image resources and news items) to be maintained on the www.SFU.ca home page and sub pages.

Tech Support
General tech support and security will be provided by ACS. Additional tech support will be provided by the LIDC.