Most computer professionals consider themselves to be self taught. Whether I can be considered a "computer professional" or not is debatable. Regardless, I do consider myself to be 'self taught.' Spending countless hours learning about computers first hand (using the trial and error and brute force methods at times) helped form the base for all my understanding of computer hardware, software, integration, network design, and most importantly: the human computer interaction.

All throughout high school, and now into college, I have worked as a freelance computer consultant. Essentially, if a project fell in my lap, I would take it. But I was too busy doing other things, like growing up, to worry about developing a business.

Some of the projects I took on were as simple as upgrading a computer. Friends of mine, friends of friends, or even family, would turn to me to add RAM, a new hard drive, or install an operating system.

Other tasks were more involved. For instance, a local realty organization, Re/Max Greater Princeton, used my services to analyze the needs of their office, and then recommend a complete system. For this task, I designed a network for their office (star topology using CAT 5 wire and dual cascading hubs), recommended the quantity and type of computers that would best suite their needs, and offered a list of necessary server functions. All of these recommendations were put into effect by Canon, Wire One, and ATI Communications, the venders I recommended after reviewing all the bids Re/Max Greater Princeton received. (Additionally, I used this project for my final report for my IST 220 class.)

For WWPH 107.9 FM, a local radio station, I was asked to develop the station's image on the web. That includes everything from a static website to a system to stream the station live over the Internet. Using RealServer, the backend system for RealAudio and RealVideo, I was able to get the station streaming successfully. Although the face of the station has changed from when I worked there, the original site I created in 1997 can still be found here. Additionally, I also developed other solutions for the station and trained the staff on how to use them. Those include systems for digital editing of video (Avid Systems) and audio (Cool Edit Pro), as well as a way to play music and promos over the air from a computer, thereby removing the need for cassette tapes and carts in the studio. I also worked to upgrade the news system from a UPI ticker to an Associated Press satellite feed.

I have also served as the onsite computer technician during the College Board AP Science Conferences. Essentially, I was paid to sit in on various discussions at the convention in anticipation that the presenter would be unable to login to the computer or operate the projector. This rarely happened, but when it did, I was there to help make the presenter's talk move along smoothly.

Working as a freelance computer consultant has given me plenty of experience into the computing world. I am always interested in taking on new challenges. If you need assistance designing, upgrading, or with specific concerns, feel free to contact me.

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