Leigh Thomas Dyer

Address:3/43 Livingstone St Ivanhoe VIC 3079
Phone:0408 801 095
EMail:lsd@linuxgamers.net
DOB:31 August 1980

Introduction

My interest in computers stems from a fascination with technology and science that has been with me since my early childhood. Through self-learning, structured education and on-the-job experience I have developed a broad range of skills in fields such as game and application development, system administration, and web design and development. My ideal job would see me in a challenging role, harnessing my previous experience while exposing me to exciting new technologies.

Employment History

Late 2000-presenteClinic Pty. Ltd., North Carlton. Configuration and administration of 24/7 web services, with a mixed network of Linux and Windows servers running in a co-located data centre. Managed a variety of applications and services, including Apache, Tomcat, PHP, ColdFusion, PostgreSQL, and Microsoft SQL Server. Configuration and administration of office network, with a mix of desktop systems, development servers, and production servers for local and external services, including mail, DNS, and proxies. Lead developer of a small team responsible for web application development. Later development focused on Python, Java, and PostgreSQL, though this work included development and maintenance of many older systems based on PHP, ColdFusion, Perl, and Microsoft SQL Server.
1999-2000Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing, Swinburne University, Hawthorn. Organisation of developed content into multimedia CD-ROMs for Swinburne's online courses in astronomy, visualisation programming in C++/OpenGL on Linux and Compaq Alpha workstations and general administration of Linux workstations.
1996-1997Superking supermarket, Seymour. Data entry operator for store-wide automated re-ordering system.

Freelance/consultancy roles

In addition to my field experience, I also work as a freelance technology journalist, specialising in Linux. Since late 2003 I have written a monthly Linux column for the "Real World Computing" section of PC Authority magazine, and since 2004 I have contributed over 20 Linux tutorials to Atomic: Maximum Performance Computing magazine. In these articles I have discussed a wide range of subject matter, from configuring 3D desktop effects through to installing specific server tools, complete servers, and even high-performance clusters. I have also covered more academic issues, such as software licencing, DRM, and the potential effects of new technologies.

My success in this field has lead to critical acclaim, with nominiations in two categories in the 2006 Sun Microsystems IT Journalism Awards. I received a high commendation in one of these categories.

Education History

1999:Commenced Bachelor of Applied Science (Research & Development) / Bachelor of Engineering (Electronics and Computing) at Swinburne University of Technology. Completed two years of the degree before leaving to pursue work.
1998:Completed VCE at Seymour Technical High School, with passes in English, Specialist Maths, Mathematical Methods, Physics, Chemistry, and Information Processing and Management.
Achieved an ENTER score of 99.00

Programming experience

Language/ToolsetExperienceProficiency
C/C++5 yearsgood
Java4 yearvery good
Python3 yearvery good
OpenGL1.5 yearsgood
GTK/GNOME6 monthsfair
ARM assembler2 monthsgood
m68k assembler2 yearsgood

Much of my early experience includes projects developed at home - I am an avid hobbyist programmer, and a contributor to the open-source movement. Also, nearly all of my programming experience has been in a UNIX environment (typically linux) - I am familiar with standard UNIX development tools, as well as version control systems such as CVS. I also have experience in developing for hobbyist small or embedded systems, such as the Nintendo Gameboy Advance and the Lego Mindstorms system.

Operating System/Server Administration Experience

Web development experience

Language/PlatformExperienceProficiency
PHP6 yearsexcellent
Java Servlets3 yearsexcellent
WebWare for Python3 yearsexcellent

I also have a good knowledge of HTML and CSS, as well as experience with XML parsing and technologies such as XSL, SOAP and XHTML.

Other Activities/Achievements

Active member of the Linux Users of Victoria, and Linux Gamers League. I am also currently a member of the Linux Users of Victoria's organising committee. The linuxgamers.net site was developed by me in my spare time as a news and information portal site promoting the Linux Gamers League. I have also helped regularly at LAN parties held by the LGL, including setting up networks and building/configuring servers.

My hobbies include listening to and writing/playing music, computer programming and gaming, and building/programming models with Lego Mindstorms system.

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