Ho ho ho

sychial

Hello everyone, it seems like I'm going to be here to stay. It was an easy sign-up with no bull, and well... I thought it was time for me to actually sign-up on a computer forum since I needed help myself... but I have found and resolved the issue myself. So while I'm here I guess I might as well tell yall a little about me while I'm at it, since the regulars here will be seeing more of me.

My nickname is pronounced "cycle" and I'm a 27 year old computer spe******t from Ohio with 11 years of professional experience. I've been running an "all-round" home based computer company for about a year now, in which I do things from consulting, cabling, computer security, setup and installation for both computers and networks, and of course diagnosis and repair. I can almost call myself unemployed with the money I make right now HAH.

I've worked for and with numerous IT companies over the years, the most recent company I quit due to my boss having an ego problem with skillz, and have worked in a few major datacenters on a contract basis. I also have experience working with and on Emergency Response Teams, Incident Response Teams, and Disaster Recovery Teams.

I've been on a computer since the age of 7, you know... back in the days when you screwed something up and dad had to come along and break out tons of boxes of disks to re-install everything. Oh boy, the look on his face each time HAH. I didn't become serious with computers until around 1994 and it wasn't until 1998 that I had my first under the table job as a Linux Security Administrator, well that's what I call it today... yeah I know, I was very young but they REALLY needed it... believe me.

I'm a *nix fanatic and hold a lot of hostility towards Microsoft, though I still use many of their products. I enjoy hard and complex problems that seem to have no end, but they have to be my own or I better be getting paid for it. I also enjoy when cheap hardware fails on me, so much that when something has totally failed I feel joy in smashing it into little pieces. Anger issues?? Hmm I wonder... >=)

I have a private network of over 50 computer systems (mostly *nix machines), which about 3 are on at any given moment, and one working laptop. The majority of them range from 400mhz to 800mhz, some are 1ghz+... 1.7ghz being my best. Oh, and none of my computers have sides on them and some drives are hanging around, literally.

The only REAL certification that I have is my Linux+ (890 score back in 2002), the others were free ones that I took online MANY MANY years ago, but I did end up paying BrainBench $100 bucks later on... anyone remember BrainBench? I should have many more but they cost money... money I didn't have then and pretty much still don't have now.

Certifications that I have studied for and have passed the first time around though Transcender's prep software are:
A+
Network+
Security+
Server+
LCP (Linux Certified Professional) - This wasn't on Transcender's stuff, I actually don't remember what I took this test on to be honest, but can tell you it was FREAKIN HARD!

BrianBench certifications (2000-2001, yeah all old stuff):
MS Windows 95 Navigation - Gold Master sticker
MS Windows 98 Navigation
Internet Security Spe******t - Gold Master sticker
Internet Security - Gold Master sticker (This one is the same as the first one but newer)
TCP/IP Administrator - Gold Master sticker
Windows 95 Administrator - Gold Master sticker
Computer Fundamentals (Win95/98)
Internet Industry Knowledge
Internet Concepts - Gold Master sticker
Computer Technical Support - I should have received a gold sticker on this one but didn't =(

Another thing that I should note is that I have been a speaker at a few colleges around here, non paid of course, on computer security and a few other computer related subjects. And no, not just any non-student gets asked by a professor to come in and speak in their class... so yes I think it's note worthy. I have also been a speaker at a few computer conferences/conventions like DEFCON.

If you want to know more (like my name, where in Ohio I'm from, or whatever) then shoot me a message or something... I'll always give an honest response... whether it be yes, no, maybe, no comment, a laugh, or just a smile.

WOW what an introduction HAHAH right!?

Xtra

Hello sychial, welcome aboard. Enjoy your visits.

RootbeaR

Hello! From one new member to another.

carlaHanna

hello everyone am new on this forum as well

Strider

Wow, that's indeed a looong intro. Welcome to our community. I am sure our members can benefit a lot from an experienced computer expert like you.

If you need any help or clarifications feel free send me a Private Message.

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