I am a Network Administrator and Systems Developer from the East Riding of Yorkshire, UK. I have a specific interest in the development and application of Free Software based systems, particularly systems based on Linux. I have used GNU/Linux since 1995, starting with an early version of Debian before moving on to Mandrake and RedHat. For the past 3 years my distribution of choice has been Debian which I use extensively both at home and in the work place.
I work at a specialist college of further education. As part of my job I have undertaken many projects, including:
- Upgrade of a Netware 3 (bindery) site to Netware 6.0 (NDS) and later 6.5
- Implementation of a Cisco end-to-end network infrastructure comprising of over 60 switches connecting over 40 seperate buildings across a large rural site
- Development of a CMS based website using PHP and MySQL technologies
- Implementation, maintenance and consultantancy on the Moodle course management system
- Creation of a helpdesk system used to manage a busy Computer Services departments work load
- Creation of a webfilter system that allows users to request access to block sites with the request passed through a web interface to helpdesk staff who can allow or deny requests by making a single click
My passion for technology continues at home where I have a MythTV based PVR system along with as much technology gadgets as my ever tolerant partner allows.
In addition to my technology interests, I also have an interest in any form of remarkable engineering, whether it be a bridge, a Formula 1 car or even (at my most geeky) a steam engine.
When not connected to the digital world I try and relax by going walking in the countryside, or just by playing with the kittens.