Well it is about what I expected......half say it's a good thing Half say it's OK, but make sure the end justifies the work.

For what it's worth, I'm in this a "knowledge for knowledge sake" mode. I understand the paper at the end of the chase can be worth something in a job search, but so far I have never needed it.

After looking at programs for several months, it seems there is a strong bias toward teaching CS in a UNIX based environment. That's great except every company I have worked for (both as a consultant and now as a IS Manager) have used windows based networks.

I think I can probably get the knowledge I desire using a personal study regiment, get some certifications along the way (my wife already has told me I'm certifiable.....) and take an occasional class at the local university to augment when necessary.

Currently my company wants to be on the cutting edge. We have wireless networks running VFP apps using Terminal server and running a single C# app talking to VFP tables. We have created a completely paperless system on the plant floor and have realtime links from our website to our accounting systems for customers and salesmen. We are preparing a system to utilize EDI and XML data communciaton with our customers and vendors. All this without a formal education in CS.

So I think I will keep going with the "I can do it myself" routine. Plus I have all you folks to answer my questions......what more can a programmer want????????

Thanks again!

Alan Wyne
IS Manager
Rollpak corp