DavidSymons
David Symons
Email: MailTo(ubuntu AT SPAMFREE liberatedcomputing DOT net)BRFreenode Nick: bimberiBR[http://launchpad.net/people/bimberi Launchpad Page]
Hi all,
I love brown! That's enough isn't it? 
Alright then - I'm an Ubuntu enthusiast from Canberra, Australia.
Looking Back
I've been using Unix in a sysadmin role since the early 1990's, Linux since 2000. I was made aware of Ubuntu by a friend, just after warty's release and have been using it since. I'd finally found something that installed and ran on my laptop without having to compile a kernel.
I'm primarily a developer, working mainly on bespoke software development consultancies for Australian Government organisations, predominantly based on the Oracle RDBMS. I'm proud to say that some of my code is still going strong after 18 years! I have moved into more of a management role in recent times but still like/need to "keep the hands dirty". It has meant that I've been able to have my way and deploy Linux based systems featuring fantastic FOSS software such as Python and Zope for my customers.
Away from work, my primary contributions have been within the [http://www.oztivo.net/ oztivo community], in particular helping on the mailing list & forums, testing, bugfixing and wiki maintaining.
As well as that, some of my other work can be found at http://www.liberatedcomputing.net/ including an on-line Mind Manager to Freemind file-conversion utility.
Ubuntu
I feel the spirit of Ubuntu matches well with my own philosophies summarised in part by my domain name of choice (see my email address above). The Code of Conduct strongly aligns with my own thoughts on the way people should behave and treat each other generally.
Being used to forums, I initially got going on the ubuntuforums but have since developed a preference for helping out on IRC, which I've been doing regularly since June 2005. I mainly frequent #ubuntu, #kubuntu, and more recently #edubuntu and have probably averaged an hour or two each day since that time.
I've got to know how to work with 'ubotu' (the channel bot) quite well and try to ensure that useful factoids are present and up to date.
I've also helped a couple of developers with testing (smeg/alacarte and a python/dbus email notifier) when they've popped into the channel looking for volunteers.
Some wiki updating and bug reports (see my Launchpad page) and I'm involved with the AustralianTeam (including being its Launchpad Owner/Administrator).
A recipe I've submitted for the ubuntu book has been accepted. Looking forward to seeing it in print!
I reported ubuntu.co.za upon discovering it (a gambling site! nice to see it gone) as well as the MSN Spaces logo clash (redundantly though).
Ubuntu is evangelised whenever someone gives me the opportunity. Particularly when I hear about their latest virus/worm/trojan horror story. Some go away with an Ubuntu CD, although I've made sure I keep one of each release - I'm collecting :).
Looking Forward
In November 2005 I handed in the final project of a (4 year) part time EMBA (hooray!). Spare time (and particularly mind-space) is now available to devote to a worthy cause like ubuntu!
This includes:
- Encouraging the company I work through to become an ubuntu support provider. I feel that while promotion/awareness is important, local support must be available before IT managers will consider Ubuntu as an alternative.
- Putting some (EMBA fueled) thought towards ubuntu marketing and advocacy.
Trying my hand at packaging. Perhaps a python/glade front end to my MindManager->Freemind converter.
- Getting into bug triage (hm, if everyone triaged a bug a day...)
- Continuing to help out in #*ubuntu*.
My wife runs a home-based embroidery business and we're considering having a go at some ubuntu related embroidered merchandise (with permission of course). [http://www.liberatedcomputing.net/ubuntu/embroidery Here is our prototype].
Cheers, Dave.