Computer Services

Q. Describe the most common types of jobs you do for your clients.

A. Because I also have my BFA in Graphic Design from FAU, I managed to create a niche for myself keeping their network up and running smoothly. I had an intimate knowledge of their needs, still do and it's why, even in the midst of our current financial fiasco as a Nation, I can manage to work for myself at the drop of a hat.

In this arena, technology changes quickly. Project management and problem solving are my greatest gifts.

Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A. Ask questions...as many questions that come to mind. Try not to be so "afraid" of the computer, I've never not been able to fix one. Windows is hardly intuitive, but still I encourage everyone to tinker a little.

Q. If you were a customer, what do you wish you knew about your trade? Any inside secrets to share?

A. As Debian Linux die hard, very at home with GNOME, I would like to spend more time with Red Hat, Solaris and SuSE Enterprise linux.

Big huge secret...when in doubt...especially in Windows...REBOOT.

Q. What important information should buyers have thought through before seeking you out?

A. What type of machine it is and in what atmosphere does it operate. How does the person use the computer. In a server room environment, same questions apply, however, I like to know what happened just before an issue presents itself. WHERE IS THE BACKUP?

Q. Why does your work stand out from others who do what you do?

A. My work stand above the crowd, because I enjoy helping people. I take the time to do my research; very rarely, if ever, have I ever gone back to fix something.

99% of my clients have no complaints at all. They are very satisfied, because I take the time to explain what I am doing and help them to avoid having to call me again.

Q. What do you like most about your job?

A. What I like most is the incessant push by the industry to innovate new technologies.

I'm a thinker at heart, and I'm gifted at seeing a person or companies needs long before I make any recommendations.

Q. What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A. Almost everyone wants to know right away how much it will cost them. I understand this. Typically I say, "let's take a look at what is going on with your system or server. If I do not know something; I'll be the first to tell you. I also know where to go and to whom with these rare circumstances.

Q. Do you have a favorite story from your work?

A. While working in the Public sector, we had several users in a "garage type environment." Not only did they go out of their way to acknowledge and appreciate my work, they also took the time to learn as much as they could. For them, I'm sure at times it was like being dropped by parachute into the hotbed of computer issues. A good IT person is almost rarely seen (if they know what they're doing), but I loved helping the mechanics...they wanted to learn.

Q. What do you wish customers knew about you or your profession?

A. I wish they know how quickly technology changes, especially at the Enterprise level. I wish they knew how much reading I have to do on my own time, just to keep up

Q. How did you decide to get in your line of work?

A. When the web first became all the rage, I was in my 20's. We were doing our own hosting, The NT4 Blue Screen of Death wiped our $5000 database created in Boca Raton, FL. Enough was enough. I had Linux up and running the same day, we were back on line. Realizing the potential of Open Source Software still gets me all excited.

Q. Tell us about a recent job you did that you are particularly proud of.

A. In the Public Sector, I took on the challenge of migrating the Cities financial Database, MUNIS, to a new server, new OS and provided end users with a wealth of tools that ultimately made their jobs so much easier. It's nie to be recognized.

Q. Do you do any sort of continuing education to stay up on the latest developments in your field?

A. I'm currently reviewing all of the coursework for a class I completed about a year ago, C|EH (Certified Ethical Hacker). It may sound scary, but the course was about learning how hackers think and securing your network such that it is very difficult to have a vulnerability escalate to an actual attack.

Q. What are the latest developments in your field? Are there any exciting things coming in the next few years or decade that will change your line of business?

A. I'm curious to see how the acquisition of Sun Microsystems by Oracle will impact their commitment to Free Open Source Software.

I'm also eager to get the word out to small businesses that IPv4 is about to overflow and I have no doubt people will scramble at the last minute to make the jump to IPv6.

I also predict and believe Cloud model based computing will take a firm position very soon. I predict Citrix, unless it changes it's business plan, will fade into the past.

Smartphones will get smarter, smaller and cheaper. Google Android has already overtaken their presence in terms of units sold and OSes in the wirelss phone industry.

Q. Describe your most recent project, what it involved, how much it cost, and how long it took.

A. I mentioned earlier, the migration of MUNIS. This process took 6 months and it was imperative to not only coordinate the outsourced team in a timely fashion, but I also had to create new relationships with vendors AND give several classes an presentations on how to make the transition easiest for them. The total cost was around $25,000, not including new licensing fees. Everyone was extremely patient and truly acknowledged my efforts. it was a rewarding experience.

I also maintained the server room. We had at least three arrays and several servers including a separate server the the security doors and the gas pumps for Public works.

Q. If you have a complicated pricing system for your service, please give all the details here.

A. I'm complex, but I am not complicated. On an individual basis, I go above and beyond for what I usually get paid. I'm a long term thinker and planner.

If I cannot help you, I will say so and never charge to make a house call.

Q. If you were advising someone who wanted to get into your profession, what would you suggest?

A. Go to college and focus on Cisco routers, firewalls and switches.

Q. Write your own question and answer it.

A. Why do I do what I do? I do it to help people as individuals; I do it on an enterprise model, with proven experience in keeping overhead as low as possible. There is just too much Free Open Source Software to get stuck in a rut with one company who cannot or is not willing to follow STANDARDS.