About Chin

Computers

I am a computerist or computernik, depending on which dictionary you refer to. A computerist is a person who works with or has a deep interest in computers. I've been working with computers since 1981 and continue to spend lots of time using and learning about computers and technology.

My first personal computer was a Commodore 64 with a 1541 disk drive and a 1701 color monitor. Remember those? I then graduated to Commodore Amiga's which had a multitasking GUI operating system, AmigaDOS, that could multitask within 512K of RAM, way before multitasking was a twinkle in Microsoft's eye.

I usually use IBM compatible computers running Microsoft Windows NT/2000/XP, Novell NetWare and Windows 2000 Server. I spend a lot of time using, configuring, troubleshooting, and exploring Microsoft Windows and Linux systems and the applications that run on these systems.

Motorcycles

I own a Honda CBR600F4. Riding a motorcycle is lots of fun but you need to manage your risks. My friends and I always wear proper protection when we ride. e.g. a full face helmet, gloves, jacket (with armor), long pants and boots. Many people get road rash and sometimes more seriously hurt because they were not wearing a full face helmet and other proper protection when they crashed. And of course, when at the race track, I wear a full leather, armored suit.

Have you taken any Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) courses (800-447-4700) ?
Please take at least one. Even if you've been riding for 20 years, you will probably learn something that could help you in an emergency situation. If you are new to riding motorcycles, what better way to get additional experience and learn some techniques that will make you a better rider and may even save your life.

Roller Skating

I've been roller skating since 1981. It's great exercise and lots of fun. I may try rollerblading to see what it's like, but I won't stop roller skating.

Music

I enjoy most types of music but I am especially fond of Reggae, African and Brazilian music. I enjoy going to live performances.

On my “full-time” job I am a Network Engineer, Computer Service Manager, and Staff Development Trainer. What all that means is that I do just about everything related to computers. Here's just a sampling...

• Setup and troubleshoot computer systems and networks.
  Install Network Operating Systems (NOS) on servers (Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0, Microsoft Windows 2000 Server, Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Novell NetWare 4.11 & 5.x, Red Hat Linux, Mac OS X Server).
  Proficient with NDS (Novell Directory Services) and AD (Microsoft's Active Directory).

• Setup and configure Ethernet and Token-Ring switches (Cisco & Intel), routers (Cisco & Linksys) and wireless (802.11) hardware, and install network cables, etc.

• Setup and maintain a WAN connection to an IBM Mainframe using a CSU/DSU, 1174 Communication server and Microsoft SNA Server on a dedicated leased line.

• Designing and programming of relational databases using Microsoft Access and Visual Basic.

• Program static and dynamic Web sites using HTML, JavaScript, PHP, and MySQL running on Apache Web servers. I used to do it all by hand using Arachnophilia as an editor, but I switched to using Dreamweaver MX in November 2002.

• Of course, I have other skills, but I won't bore you any further. :)

I also am an Adjunct Instructor at the New York City College of Technology in the Computer Information Systems department.

I have an Associates degree and a Bachelors degree from the New York City College of Technology in Computer Information Systems.