Al from Phoenix, Software Engineer, wrote: Al from Phoenix, Software Engineer now on disability, wrote:
As a software engineer, in addition to my PC, I used many computers to stimulate networks to test my software. I had racks of black boxes. Each box could hold 32 cards; each card had 1 to 4 computers. With this I was able to simulate a network with thousands of users. I also had special computers called “in circuit emulators,” which ran the software that was supposed to run on the “target” system and watched and recorded the processes so I could analyze both the logic and the timing. I liked the performance tuning the best. There are many ways to implement logic, and some approaches are faster than others. My way was the fastest way:-)
Computers are good for getting people to work together for a common goal from many diverse points on the globe. I was doing financial networks, which is pretty popular. Now I am trying to cope with [my chronic fatigue syndrome disability] and to help others to cope, which is a use that even Alan Turing never imagined. We are discovering each other and ourselves with computers.
Soon computers will help us create something really interesting. We just don’t know what, yet!
Bill Stewart, Systems Programmer, wrote:For my most recent job, see the information as coach of this ThinkQuest team.
A very early job in 1978 I had as a computer technician was for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service’s Cartographic Division .
I assisted the system vendor in designing and implementing the graphics software for use in the agency's optical scanner. I was required to detect and to analyze bugs in the system, to contact the vendor to discuss the best way to resolve the bug, then to code the FORTRAN instructions to implement the change. I used FORTRAN in the Data General environment., and did maintenance on all equipment, including problem analysis and replacement of parts or contacting the vendor for further assistance. Prior to the installation of the above system, mapping was done using a digitizer that stored digital coordinate data on tape. This data was processed in an IBM environment using FORTRAN (10-15 programs). These programs read the stored data and converted them into alphabetic characters to produce a map on a line printer.
Bek Oberin, Melbourne, Australia, wrote:Since 1994, after my second year at University, I have been seriously ill and unable to work or to study more than a few hours a week. I do Perl programming for Xanadu Australia. I am currently working on a project for them which involves working with other programmers and developers to implement a prototype of the ZigZag system in Perl. The system is currently about 2000 lines of Perl code. I’ve also been involved in coding OSMIC, completely rewriting the OSMIC server for them.
I use my expertise in Perl programming, including CGI and non-CGI applications and the new Perl version 5 features such as Modules and object-oriented programming. I am also competent in C, C++, Java, BASH and CSH shell scripting, Delphi, Pascal, and a variety of other languages. I have experience in designing and engineering projects up to approximately 5000 lines of code.
I have several years of experience setting up and administrating multiple Linux boxes connected both to a local LAN and to the Internet via a dialup PPP link. This includes things such as web servers, nameservers, local and remote printing majordomo, NFS partitions, and other commonly used Unix tools. I have experience in all major Internet tools including the Web, Telnet, Usenet news, Email, FTP, and others. I currently act as list owner and moderator for several mailing lists, including the OzME list which acts as an online support group for Australians who have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia syndrome, Multiple chemical sensitivities, and related disorders. I am also list owner for the CFS-P mailing list, an international online support group for parents of children with theses illnesses.
Rene M., VA, wrote:I develop custom client server applications. My current project is for the U.S. Coast Guard's Civil Engineering Department. It uses an Oracle databases and the GUI [graphical user interface] is developed in Power Builder.