Welcome! This page documents my DIY tech projects, experiments, and repairs with practical guides so you can recreate them at home. I also share tips on optimizing your home network and offer guides on parental controls and security to keep your family and devices safe from online threats.

My fascination with computers began in middle school and high school, where I was introduced to programming in BASIC on a Commodore and Apple II. At the time, computers were unaffordable for most people, so I lost interest and put my passion on hold. Decades passed, and with the advent of Windows 95, I finally got a chance to explore the world of computing again.

I purchased a Windows 95 computer with the intention of gaming and using the internet, but soon found myself more intrigued by how computers worked, how they were assembled, and of course different Operating Systems. This curiosity led me to experiment with Linux and delve deeper into development through C programming. As my knowledge grew, I expanded my skill set to include C++, Bash scripting, HTML, JavaScript, and SQL/MySQL.

Despite having a wealth of self-taught expertise, I encountered challenges finding employment in the tech industry due to lack of formal training. In my early thirties, I decided to pursue higher education through the CST program at NAIT (Northern Alberta Institute of technology) in Edmonton, which I completed with honors. Throughout my studies, I continued to supplement my learning by working on personal projects and developing home labs.

After graduating, I landed my first development position writing programs for Palm Pilots in C. I went on to take on various roles before finally finding a stable position as a Clinical Application Specialist. Today, I’m still passionate about technology and continue to build and maintain my home lab.

As someone passionate about staying up-to-date with new technologies and advancements, I’ve developed a few strategies that help me stay current:

1. Industry Blogs and Newsletters: I follow industry blogs, such as The Verge, TechCrunch, and Hacker Noon, to stay informed about the latest trends, breakthroughs, and innovations in tech.
2. Book Reviews and Research Papers: I regularly read book reviews and research papers on topics related to my field of interest to deepen my understanding of new technologies and advancements.
3. Social Media and Online Communities: I participate in online communities, such as Reddit’s r/learnprogramming, r/webdev, or Stack Overflow, to ask questions, share knowledge, and learn from others.
4. Podcasts: I sometimes listen to podcasts to stay informed about the latest developments and trends in tech.
5. Experimentation and Play: I regularly experiment with new technologies and tools in my personal projects and home labs to get hands-on experience and apply theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios.
6. Newsletters and Subscription Services: I subscribe to newsletters, such as The Hacker’s Newsletter or TechCrunch’s daily newsletter, to stay informed about the latest news, trends, and breakthroughs in tech.
7. Self-Directed Learning: I prioritize self-directed learning by dedicating time each week to learning new skills, exploring new topics, and working on personal projects.

By incorporating these strategies into my routine, I’m able to stay current with new technologies and advancements in the field of technology and continue growing as a professional.

This blog serves as a platform for me to share my experiences, insights, and knowledge with others, aiming to make technology more accessible and safer for everyone.