DavidSymons
David Symons
Email: MailTo(ubuntu AT SPAMFREE liberatedcomputing DOT net)BRFreenode Nick: bimberi
Hi all,
I'm an ubuntu enthusiast from Canberra, Australia.
Looking Back
I've been using *nix for a number of years, 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 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 deploy some 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 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'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.
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 distribution - I'm collecting :). I posted some Breezy CD's to someone on #ubuntu who only has dialup access.
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.
- Putting some (EMBA fueled) thought towards ubuntu marketing and advocacy.
- Trying my hand at packaging. Freemind will be my first target.
- Continuing to help out on #*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).
Cheers, Dave.