Systems Programming

The systems programming staff provides computer programming for every department in the City. The programming languages used are: Microsoft Access, Informix, SQL, PHP, Ruby, Visual Basic and C++.

Network Administration

The network support group of the Information Technology Department is responsible for the purchase, installation, maintenance and support of approximately 500 desktop workstation personal computers. These PCs are dispersed across a dozen locations although most are located inside of City Hall.

Network Administrators are responsible for training all employees in PC use, troubleshooting software and hardware, assembling equipment, running and terminating category 5 cable, setting up switches, hubs, routers, firewalls, as well as staying current with new technology and trends.

IT supports almost 30 file servers running Novell Netware 3.12, Netware 5.1, Windows NT and Redhat Fedora. The network operating system is determined by the applications used by the various city departments.

Every city location including 23 school sites are all connected by fiber optic cable and have a fast ethernet connection back to City Hall.

Geographic Information Systems

Established in 1992, Newton's GIS is one of the oldest and most comprehensive systems in New England. The system is used by most city departments and consists of about 80 data layers. Newton was presented the "Best Municipal GIS in New England" award in 2000 at a GIS user conference in Providence, Rhode Island.

Links & Resources

• Map Library: Maps in Acrobat .pdf format (requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)
• Available Maps and Data: Brochure listing maps and data (requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)
• GIS Data Dictionary: Complete descriptions of available GIS data layers.
• District Finder: Find Voting and School Districts, and Garbage Collection Schedule.

Online GIS Access

• Assessor's Database: Property information, interactive maps and aerial photography.
• Newton GIS Browser: Browse the GIS database for property information.