About Me

I am a woman of colour who has worked as a systems engineer in the UNIX and Linux space for close to 25 years. I am a committed user of open source tech, and I am (at various times) learning about cloud technologies, cyber security and machine learning.

Current Certifications

Open Source products I currently use

I run Fedora Linux for my personal use, with products like Libre Office, Gimp, MuseScore and Handbrake. I dabble in virtualisation on my home setup using Virtual Machine Manager and VirtualBox. I use open source products for password management, mail, browsing and security. As much as possible I also use open source hosting solutions, like WordPress.

Professional experience

24 years in Unix and Linux systems engineering:

  • Extensive experience designing, implementing and managing Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), Oracle Linux (OL), Solaris and Solaris Containers and HP-UX.
  • Extensive experience designing, implementing and managing Oracle VM Server. Familiar with managing virtual systems (i.e guests) running on VMware and HyperV.
  • Experienced with various clustering, storage and systems management & monitoring tech.

Currently studying a Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security.

Why this blog?

Earlier in 2021 I switched careers to chase a dream with my partner, which involved a move overseas to work in a non-technical role. This has meant an identity shift for me. If one includes my time in university, I’ve spent close to 30 years immersed in the information technology industry.

For most of those years I felt like a reluctant sysadmin, struggled with imposter syndrome and felt inadequate. Once I stepped away from it, I realised both how much I loved working in the field and what a privilege I’ve had work in a tech role for over two decades.

This blog is part of my staying sane and connected to an industry I love while I get established in my new career. There will most probably be some soap-box moments, perhaps some reminiscing, and probably some how-to docs in the vague hope that someone somewhere in the big ether world will find something in here useful.

Please read the disclaimer before you implement any advice or recommendation here. TL;DR: you are responsible for any actions you take on yours or others’ systems. Not me :).