In my early teens, I received a second-hand computer and began spending way too much time with it. Using Windows 3.1, the first thing I ever learned about an operating system was how file extensions work.
What I didn't know then was that all that time spent 'playing' on my computer would turn out to be a worthwhile investment.
Today my tech skills range from building a workstation or server from the ground up, to writing software for any purpose. I troubleshoot, I train, I try my best at everything. Print, scan, copy, fax, capture, edit, install, ISA, PCI, AGP, IDE, USB, CPU, IRQ, DVD, serial, parallel, binary, hexadecimal, gigabyte. Did I mention automated backup routine?
Software development is great. Creativity without cost. Imagine a woodworker getting to make anything he or she desires, without ever having to buy materials. Of course there is always an initial investment for tools. My main tools are EditPlus™ (a text editor) and Photoshop™. Occasionally I whip out the old MS Visual C++™, but these days I prefer to stick to web-based development because it's easier and faster, cross-platform capable, and multi-user by nature.
Familiar Technologies: (X)HTML, CSS, JavaScript/AJAX/jQuery, JSON, XML, PHP, CodeIgniter PHP Framework, OOP, MVC, MySQL, C++.
My specialty is website design and development with an emphasis on web standards (w3c.org), creating highly functional designs that maximize user interaction and accessibility while minimizing download times.
What does all that mean? It means faster loading pages that are rich in color and style, yet remain usable by older browsers, visitors with visual or hearing impairments, and search engines. This standards based approach achieves compliance with the Section 508 Amendment to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
What's all this hype about section 508?
The internet is a great thing. Control of the media has finally been put back into the hands of the people. Just like any industry, there exists a set of standards on how things should be done. The only problem is, due to the nature of the internet, these standards cannot be enforced. Or can they?
In 1998 the US government made an amendment to The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 which requires federal agencies to create their electronic and information technology in such a way that it remains accessible to people with disabilities.
In addition to federal agencies, many states now require private businesses to adhere to these same regulations if they have a physical presence in the state. Target™, for example, has been faced with a class action lawsuit for lack of accessibility at target.com.