What do you do?

Discussion in 'The Lounge - Off Topic' started by tripwire45, Jul 8, 2003.

  1. tripwire45
    Honorary Member

    tripwire45 Zettabyte Poster

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    Hi. Just an update here. The IS job in Nampa expired in early January. I've had some day jobs and week long jobs here and there but no real prospects. I'm currently providing phone support (singlehandedly) for an HP product/service called SureSupply at http://www.hp.com/go/suresupply for all of the U.S. and Canada. Sounds impressive but on a "busy" week, I'll get maybe four calls plus the mandatory conference call every Tuesday.

    Besides that, I've been doing some tech writing. I updated a chapter in a text called "Guide to TCP/IP" 2nd ed by Ed Tittel and Laura Chappell. The chapter was TCP/IP, NetBIOS, and WINS and for the 2nd ed, it needed to be revised for Windows XP and Windows Server 2003. I've also just finished the Instructor's Manual for the same text for Course Technology. We're doing the final drafts now and I have a conference call set with my PM (Product Manager) for 10 this morning (I'm in Boise, ID and he's in Boston).

    Other writing projects in various stages but I'm still under the NDAs until they near publication. Some rumor of me getting cover credit for a book that will be in the stores sometime this summer. Also might be eligible for a small royalty if it comes to it.

    Other irons in the fire but they're all very, very preliminary.
     
    Certifications: A+ and Network+
  2. Phoenix
    Honorary Member

    Phoenix 53656e696f7220 4d6f64

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    TripWire, small world, that small local city is where my girlfriend lives, just spent three weeks over there for christmas/new years, quiet little place compared to here, should be moving over there early next year, probably work in boise though, i'm guessing there maybe a tad more work there, nice meeting someone from over there :)
     
    Certifications: MCSE, MCITP, VCP
    WIP: > 0
  3. wizard

    wizard Petabyte Poster

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    This sounds more like a meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous. :)

    Only kidding. ;)

    I'm 29 years of age, I am working as a Material Control Clerk on the West Coast Route Modernisation project.

    I also do a bit of part time IT support at my local depot as well.

    I am completely self taught when it comes to PCs, no certs or experience, more into the hardware side than the software side.

    I even have scars to prove it, the amount of times I've cut my fingers on the inside of a case. :D

    As I said in my introduction I have just started an OU degree "BSc (Honours) Information Technology and Computing."

    I know the job market in the IT field looks a bit dire at the moment, but hopefully by the time I have completed my degree, things will have picked up.
     
    Certifications: SIA DS Licence
    WIP: A+ 2009
  4. mattwest

    mattwest Megabyte Poster

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    Hi.

    I've just turned 23, I worked during my A Levels (16 - 18) part time helping out with the school network, as i left the Network Manager became a teacher and i took over his job.

    From 18 - 21, or about 3.5 years i was employed as the IT Network Manager for a large school, 800 users, 200 PC's etc...

    I'm now 13 months into a new job as a IT Systems Administrator for a internet based payroll company. I work with the IT Manager looking after the site in Salisbury and the racks we have in London.

    I also work weekends as an Assistant Manager for a nightclub, looking after bars and staff, kinda gets me away from the screen for a while!!

    Looking to push for a pay rise so i can leave the weekend job and concentrate fully on the IT career.

    Thats about it!

    Also studying Spanish once a week as i'm trying to what i can to set myself apart from the rest of the job market.

    Matt :D
     
    Certifications: See my signature...
    WIP: Maybe re-certify my CCNA
  5. Greebo

    Greebo Byte Poster

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    Well as you know, I got my first IT job in a school about 6 wks ago and love it :D
    I've been at College doing various courses ..... CIT PC Maintenance, C & G Maintenance & Networking, ECDL (requirement when doing HND) and HND in Computing which I've nearly finished :D Always been interested in computers but never actually did anything about it until '01

    Altho I act younger than most I'm on the course with (and they're early 20's) I'm an old git of f...f.....f....f... 41 :cry:

    I have been seperated for nearly 2 yrs and have a 5 yr old daughter. Would like to get another bike but not very practical with a 5yr old :roll:

    So basically, I work, I study and I'm a full time Mum :)
     
  6. tripwire45
    Honorary Member

    tripwire45 Zettabyte Poster

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    Guess it's time for another update: I work at HP half-time as the hardware technician for two usability labs for the Human Factors team. We test HP websites by recruiting volunteers (well, they get paid $50.00 an hour) from the community to come in and test the design of web sites such as troubleshooting sites for certain types of PCs, printers and such. Since we have two subject labs, two control rooms and an observation room all with PCs, servers, AV equipment and a whole bunch of wires, I'm the guy who gets to maintain all the stuff. I'm also responsible for shopping for new equipment and evaluating new technologies such as gaze tracking and digital recording devices.

    I also support another HP service/produce called SureSupply. I support the U.S. and Canada with a cell phone. Fortunately, I get almost no calls and many are either wrong numbers or are people looking for HP PC or general printer support (I only do SureSupply). Unfortunately, I only get paid when the phone rings, so it's more like a minor hobby than a job.

    Finally, I write. Basically, I produce content for technical text books, manuals, and tutorial websites. I've contributed to a book on TCP/IP as well as written the instructor manuals for TCP/IP and General Network Security. I've also contributed to content such as Layer 2/3/4 switches, Window XP, motherboards, Windows operating system installation and configuration, and am currently doing a piece that could be termed "a beginners guide to servers".

    I can't go into details on some of my projects as they've yet to be published. Can't wait for the day when I can put them all into my CV and go after a book contract. We'll wait and see.
     
    Certifications: A+ and Network+
  7. Greebo

    Greebo Byte Poster

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    I desperately need the book on Beginners guide to servers :roll: Can I proof read it :D Lol
     
  8. tripwire45
    Honorary Member

    tripwire45 Zettabyte Poster

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    This is a little older (2001) but contains all the basics in pretty good detail. I had to write a beginner's course on servers (actually, I'm in mid-process now) and needed some basic, source material. It's really helped flesh out some details that would have taken much longer to pull together on the web. Looks like you can get it for cheep. Also, the Server+ exam will be updated in Q4 of this year by CompTIA but up until then, this book is still good. Go for it!

    As far as proofing what I'm writing...I don't think it would work out. First of all, I'm under an NDA so I can't spill details. Also, my contract says I don't own the content so I couldn't show you it gratis. When it gets published to the web, it can be viewed...for a price. Frankly, if what you need is a basic primer, my above recommendation would be best. What I'm writing is for a specific audience using specific hardware and operating system solutions...it's not entirely generic. Can't say more <sorry>.
     
    Certifications: A+ and Network+
  9. mattwest

    mattwest Megabyte Poster

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    Thats virtually the same book i used for the Server+ exam, very good, nice and concise.

    Good read i found!

    Matt

    :)
     
    Certifications: See my signature...
    WIP: Maybe re-certify my CCNA
  10. syntax_error

    syntax_error Bit Poster

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    22years old born and bread in London, was kicked out of school at the age of 15 and started working as a builder and have worked as a builder on and off for the last 7years. Spent 2 years at Charlton Athletic doing a sports and recreation course. Took a break from work at the beginning of last year to sort out and re evaluate my life and make some long term decisions. In the end decide for a career in IT I have found something that I enjoy and something that I cannot master (when I master something I jack it in) with technology changing all the time so we are constantly learning.

    Started working towards my MCSE at the end of last year and have 1 MCP so far not 100% sure this is the route I want to go as I just started a 3month work-placement setting up off site hosting and even though I haven't actually started doing it, the research I have done so far on VPN's , DMZ's, Routers etc seems alot more intresting that a administrator role. I think I might go down the Cisco road, but then again I change my mind like the wind.

    Steve.

    Anyway enough about me who's next :p
     
    Certifications: mcp server2k
    WIP: Network Infrastructure
  11. tripwire45
    Honorary Member

    tripwire45 Zettabyte Poster

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    Just noticed that I'm overdue for another update. Here goes.

    I work as a technical writer for a small software company that produces the operating system for an all-in-one server and networking device. I produce all of their text content including online and print manuals, online FAQs and HOW TOs, white papers and "help" information in the product's GUI.

    I also am a freelance writer, producing content for various books ranging from updating chapters for subsequent editions of a book to creating text banks for cert tests, writing instructor's manuals for IT text books, chapters on multi-author projects, web content for tutorials (well...I did one anyway), writing reviews for certification tests and my first book is currently in book stores and which can be found here:

    http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0764579223/qid=1108751615/202-5048659-4594216

    I'm also collaborating with a Canadian author to do another book for Novell Press. Incidently, Amazon.co.uk has it wrong. Emmett Dulaney has nothing to do with this book:

    http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos...51700/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_0_1/202-5048659-4594216
     
    Certifications: A+ and Network+
  12. 808

    808 Nibble Poster

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    yet another ex postman
    i am 29 and as from last week unemployed after telling my jobsworth boss to shove his job where the sun dont shine.i worked for royal mail for 8 years but got sick of dogs biting me and people threatening me(or the other way round sometimes).
    as for computers i have been into them since the c64 and speccy days(i still use them sometimes as i love the retro scene).i have been building and selling pc's in the small ad newspapers for a while and i am just starting selling them on ebay.as for certs i am currently half way through A+ and am also doing N+,CCNA and CCNP.
     
    Certifications: none yet
    WIP: A+,N+
  13. Phoenix
    Honorary Member

    Phoenix 53656e696f7220 4d6f64

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    Guess its time for me to give an update too

    I'm 22 and live in London, England
    I have worked in IT since work experiance at 14, through various roles in industries from web houses to investment banks, I now work for a Government regulator as an IT Network and Security Engineer
    I hold 2 MCSEs and am working on my third, as well as a CCNP and CCDP along with a few other certs

    I plan on starting a Masters degree (MSc) this year at the University of London (externals) in Information Security, and I hope that will put me in a good position for the future

    My roll involves a number of things from patch management to switch & SAN configuration, and most things in between, I specialise in hardening servers and network equipment along with Disaster recovery and backup procedure I also assist with security policy for the company.

    Thats my update for now :)
     
    Certifications: MCSE, MCITP, VCP
    WIP: > 0
  14. Stu_C

    Stu_C Byte Poster

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    I currently work for a Door/Window manufacturing company ( www.masterdor.co.uk )for about the last 4-5 years, we supply mostly councils in the UK.
    My Position there is Sales Order Processor ( read Data-Monkey ). A few Times i have been down to London to help the I.T. guys install a new network and backup system ( my task was setting up the Client Machines and setting up the Backup Software ) and theres currently talk of me putting my skills into practise as i get further into my course which is the old C#.Net


    Stu_C
     
    Certifications: Bsc(Bronze Swimming Certificate)
    WIP: C# MCP, MCAD
  15. Jakamoko
    Honorary Member

    Jakamoko On the move again ...

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    My update:

    Now in second Helpdesk / Tech Support Job. This one is with a Domain Hosting company, and not exactly what I plan to be doing longterm. Got a fair bit network/server experience from my last job (ISP) so hopefully I have maybe just enough experience to blag my way into a semi decent network support role (away from the damn phones !!!!!!)

    To all of those still awaiting their first IT break - keep plugging - it'll come [​IMG]
     
    Certifications: MCP, A+, Network+
    WIP: Clarity
  16. Veteran's son

    Veteran's son Megabyte Poster

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    Not much to tell for me. :(
    I have been working at a grocery store
    for almost five years. Sucessfully completed
    my IT diploma at community college. :)

    Just hoping to have an IT job soon(I guess
    getting a job does take time). :biggrin

    I may do as someone else mentioned and do
    some volunteer IT work. One possibility is
    to volunteer one day a week(as I am currently
    working five days a week.)
     
    Certifications: A+
    WIP: N+
  17. moominboy

    moominboy Gigabyte Poster

    here goes, 23 years old, started working in a bakery, then my dads locksmith shop but realised i was going nowhere staying in the area, so i moved to spain for a while and worked as a dogsbody in a dutch holiday camp, cue dribbling.........

    then i came back and joined the army which is probably the worst thing i ever couldve done.

    ive always enjoyed working with computers but didn't know much about them, so ive started self studying for my a+ now, n+ and security+ in the future and hopefully, emigrate to Canada. :D :) :biggrin
     
    Certifications: ECDL
    WIP: A+
  18. Modey

    Modey Terabyte Poster

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    Since this thread has reared it's head and caught my interest I'll add my tuppence worth. Oh and nice choice of a place to emigrate Moomin. :)

    I'm 34 and am a Senior ICT Technician for a medium sized company based in Northamptonshire. I have several years experience in IT most of which was hands on with PC hardware and small networks, but in recent years bigger networks and much more server work. The company I work for specialises in providing IT Support to Primary Schools, although we do support other organisations as well. I personally go into several different schools each week and sort out their problems etc... I also help install and configure new networks in schools, set up servers etc... So a reasonably varied role.

    Decided recently that I ought to get some certs to go along with my experience and academic quals as it would look better on the CV etc.. So I picked up A+ & N+, and hope to go on and complete an MCSA, then possibly an MCSE (depending on wether I can be bothered or not :) ).
     
    Certifications: A+, N+, MCP, MCDST, MCSA 2K3, MCTS, MOS, MTA, MCT, MCITP:EDST7, MCSA W7, Citrix CCA, ITIL Foundation
    WIP: Nada
  19. zimbo
    Honorary Member

    zimbo Petabyte Poster

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    well im 20 born and lived all my life in zimbabwe... until i did my gcses i had no idea what i wanted to do in life.. my school started in house a+ and from there the rest is history... came to cyprus for obvious reasons (DAH!! - ZIMBABWE) and two years later have finally broken into the market with support (pay isnt great but we all got to start somewhere!) just started MCSA and getting my comptia A+ and i completed 2years of a diploma in Comp Science... applying to UK unis next year for Comp Netwoking and Security... from there it looks like either UK or Australia as this little island isnt big enough for me!! :biggrin
     
    Certifications: B.Sc, MCDST & MCSA
    WIP: M.Sc - Computer Forensics
  20. Neall

    Neall Byte Poster

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    Well came out of school at 16. Laboured for about a year. Had been troubleshooting computers and networks since about 14.

    Blagged my way into a small computer support company and stayed there for about 2 years. In which i learnt a lot and had plenty of hands on experience.

    At 18 i then left to go travelling New Zealand and Fiji for about 7 months. Supporting various hostels etc. Which i loved and would still be doing if money didnt make the world go round.

    Came back. grudgenly, and applied for various IT jobs but could only get a computer anaylst job which i stuck for a grand total of 3 weeks. 3 weeks too long if i might add.

    I then went back to labouring for about 6 months and decided if no one was going to employ me i'd employ myself. Im now 22 and for the last 8 months ive been self employed providing IT support to home and business users. Which until now (Touches Wood) is going well. :)

    Neall
     
    WIP: A+

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