I joined Geoworks Ltd (formerly Eden Group Ltd) in early 1996. I was employed as a software engineer, having decided to revert back to my first love of software development rather than management. Programming in C with some PowerPC assembler, I developed the Dynamic Linker Loader for the Eden Operating System (OS) over the next 10 months. Gaining knowledge of Embedded Linking Format (ELF), low-level multi-tasking, and virtual memory management. I also designed a suite of tools, again in C, to complement the Dynamic Linker Loader.

I participated in many design reviews for the then evolving portions of the OS. I designed dynamically loadable resources for the OS and a task selection tool for the Eden OS SDK, acting as a mentor for a graduate engineer. I also worked on a PC disk driver for the SDK.

I was named a Principal Engineer after 4 months. I was briefly assigned to the Roadmap group at the time of the merger with Geoworks. I then worked on the email application for the CHILE project: a PDA product based on the Eden OS running on an Hitachi SH3 processor. I have worked on common functionality for all the applications on the device. Involving (proprietary) UI work, re-entrancy issues, etc.

I have ported the Dynamic Linker Loader to the SH3 chip for this project using an non-ELF solution in C and SH3 assembler, and also developed the post-ROM patching solution for this device. I spent three months as the build manager for the CHILE project; co-ordinating submissions from 15 or so developers, producing and testing each build and releasing them to the customer. I then some time in California, working closely with the customer, as first contact for fault reports.

For another SH3 based PDA project, I was the consultant for the development of the Dynamic Linker Loader and for the patching solution for this device. I have recently spent three months in QA for this project; developing functional and system test suites in C for one of the (proprietary) communication protocols.

My last project involved development with Java to implement a proprietary information delivery system for a major UK telecoms company. I have installed, configured, and interfaced to SQL DBMS's running on Linux and Windows NT. I have had to install, configure, and administer several Linux workstations connected to a Windows NT network. I modified, installed, and configured an email/http server as part of this project. Finally, I was also Build Manager for this project co-ordinating submissions from up to 10 developers working on 7 'branches' in two continents.

I started as trainee programmer and moved up through software engineer to managing the Software Development Department. As an engineer, I programmed projects both large and small, singly, and as part of a team. I gained experience in DOS programming and Windows SDK. I programmed mainly in C with some assembler. I have experience in Novell, TCP/IP and Microsoft networks development. I did a lot of work in serial and TCP/IP communications. Later I developed Visual Basic applications for Windows. I acquired some Windows NT experience. I completed a C++ training course, and have worked on MFC/Visual C++ based applications. I also had some experience of Delphi (version 1).

I gained design and specification experience, both algorithms and user interface. I wrote end-user documentation: manuals and on-line help. Other experience includes hardware interfacing and embedded software, configuration control, and writing code from proprietary protocol specifications.

I introduced coding standards within the development department; the company applied for BS5750 (ISO 9001) standard and I was actively involved in developing standards and procedures.

I have customer facing skills and worked extensively on-site both in the UK and abroad.

As the manager of a team of six, I was responsible for the day to day running of the department, including scheduling, progress tracking, problem solving, etc. I liaised with customers from initial requirement specification, through full functional specification, pre- and post-delivery testing, and post-release support. I also acted as technical support for the sales department, both for general queries and attending pre-sale customer briefings.

I was responsible for department budgeting and forecasting, reporting directly to the technical services manager.

I also designed and gave one- and two-day training courses in some of the development products the company sold.

Other languages: Awk, Perl, Paradox Application Language, Access Basic, Microsoft Word and Excel macros, sed, and MS-DOS batch files.

Proprietor/partner. I introduced a computer system, improving customer service and staff utilisation. I trained all staff in computer usage. I established training methods for new staff. I expanded the range of products, increasing turnover. I was instrumental in upgrading the then current software; and designed and programmed a new stock control system and trained staff in its use, resulting in better customer service.

Warehouse manager. I was appointed to re-organise the warehouse storage methods. Achieved improvement in use of storage space, and cut wastage from over-ordering.

I was a video technician and editor. I organised a 2 camera unit and U-Matic editing suite. I controlled editing and post-production to duplication stage. Introduced computer graphics for titling and credits improving quality of finished product.

Programmer and Sound technician. I organised PA and musical equipment. I programmed synthesisers, drum machines and sequencers; assisted in studio and live recording sessions; helped speed up song writing/rehearsing/recording cycle for a number of bands.

Shop manager promoted from counter assistant. I supervised up to four counter staff. I was responsible for the day to day running of the record shop. I ordered stock and managed the daily cashing up and banking.

Engineer/trainer promoted from trainee. I was responsible for maintenance and repair of systems, and installation from drawings. I achieved trainer status in just nine months.

My principal interest is in computers and computing: I have taught myself C, C++, Java, Perl, PHP, SQL, Pascal, BASIC, and 6502 and 80x86 Assembler and program for fun and education on IBM PCs. I have experimented with Borland Delphi, Borland Paradox (PAL) and Microsoft Access Basic. I have used AWK, Perl, and sed string processing languages. I run Linux on most of my PC's at home along with Window 95 and Windows NT.

I have four machines networked together using NFS and Windows SMB networking. I have an Apache Server and MySQL Database server running on one of the Linux boxes serving a Photo Album application I developed in Perl and PHP, giving access to the family's digital/scanned Photo collection.

More recently, I have developed another MySQL/PHP application to help my partner with her family history research.

I have been on the Internet since 1994 and regularly participate in several mailing lists and Usenet groups. In my pre-internet days I contributed to a number of local BBSs and, through FidoNet, have helped solve user's problems all over the world. I am an avid reader of both science fact and Science Fiction. I enjoy cycling and walking.

A Visual Basic utility I wrote was placed on Compuserve by a US company, Wonderware, in their user support forum. I once wrote a configurable Windows installation application for a well-known computer magazine. Sales of the disk sets using the application gave it an 'installed user base' of around 8000.

I was a member of Mensa from 1984 to 1992 (IQ 158). During a course at Central Manchester college, I gained some working knowledge of UNIX systems (principally IBM's AIX) and Networks. I have since installed and configured Linux, and run experimental ftp servers, web servers etc. on my home network. I attended Stockport School, Heaviley, Stockport until 1979, where I obtained 6 GCE O levels; including Maths and Physics at grade A. I helped introduce an elementary computer course to the school.

I am quick to assess situations and an enthusiastic learner; If I can read about it; I can do it (almost)!