I have been using computers since 1971 and doind Statistical Analysis since 1967.
My first computer was an IBM 360 mainframe at the University of Hawaii, where I was then working on my MSc.: I punched the data from my experimental research and my analysis instructions in cards and submitted them to operations for overnight processing. If I was lucky, I would get my results the next day. If not (if I had made errors in the syntax of the job control cards, for instance), I would have to resubmit the job and wait another day.
From 1971 to 1981, I used various mainframes and mini computers (IBM 360, 370, Amdahls and PDP-11) to process data from my work or research (MSc. at Hawaii, Peru's Ministry of Food, Ph.D. at Guelph). In the late 70s, instead of punch cards, we started using terminals to communicate (using TSO or CMS) with the mainframes (big progress!).
I started using personal computers in the late 70s, first the Apple II and later the Superbrain. When the Commodore 64 came out, I bought one and had much fun with it but I soon found it limiting (it had 64 kB of RAM and used a casette tape for data storage!).
In 1983, I bought an IBM PC-XT (640 KB of ram, 10 MB hard drive). When I got home with it, I was instructed by my spouse (with whom I had not consulted about the purchase) that, if I wanted to buy expensive toys, I had to find a way to pay for them. Having learned my lesson about dealing with a higher authority, I decided to start a career as part-time computer consultant.
During the next few years, in my spare time, I wrote programs, databases and macro-based spreadsheets for industry (Ontario Nutri labs, Martin Feed Mills, Maple Leaf Mills, among others) and performed computer based statistical consulting for the government (Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources). I also trained Faculty and graduate students on graphical and statistical computer applications.
In 1990 I began a full time computer career as MIS Coordinator for Mid Atlantic Medical Services: I migrated their computer systems from stand alone Apples to IBM PCs, set up a Novell network, wrote an on-line ordering and inventory system, and configured and managed a computer based voice response system.
In 1991 I was recruited by the Hoechst Celanese Research Center to work, as a statistician, performing computer based formula and process optimization using advanced statistical modeling techniques on a VAX mini computer.
Shortly thereafter (in 1992), I was retained by L'Oreal's Research and Development Division to manage their computer systems (VAX) and administer their Oracle based Formula and Raw Material databases. They also wanted me to lead their efforts in computer based formula and process optimization. As the L'Oreal R&D team grew, my duties concentrated more on the computing side: I determined hardware, software and training requirements and selected and purchased the necessary hardware and software. I also trained the users or arranged for their training. I established local area networks (Novell and NT), and later WANs and VPNs. I configured, maintained and supported a variety of hardware and software. Because of the high value of the information stored in the computers (about 400 million dollars), I designed and implemented strict Security Policies to protect it from unauthorized access and a Disaster Recovery plan to recover it in the event of it's being destroyed in a disaster.
In 1999, while still at L'Oreal, I started teaching 3 computer courses per semester at Hudson County Community College. I had always enjoyed teaching (I had taught previously to graduate and undergraduate students in Canada) and I took up teaching at HCCC as a fun way to spend my free time. When I left L'Oreal in 2001, I became a full time temporary Instructor at HCCC (teaching Computer Networks, Database Design, Intro to Computing and MS Office).
In September of 2002, I joined Bergen Communty College as a full time lecturer, and taught courses on Operating Systems, Networking Technologies, Internet Concepts and Applications and Microsoft Office. I left Bergen in January of 2004 to join AT&T Automation Prototype Center as a Network Engineer, dealing with wide area network outages and their restoration.
On November of 2004, I joined Rutgers University at Newark where I am in charge of a Research Facility which I am in the process of automating and computerizing. During all these years, I have continued teaching at HCCC (Networking, AS/400 Workshop, MS Access and Introduction to Information Systems), and this semester (Spring 2007) I am teaching Introduction to Computing. On January of 2007 I also rejoined the Faculty of Bergen Community College, where I am teaching Animal Nutrition and Lab Animal Research techniques to students in the Veterinary Technology Program.