About the director - Martin Milner

Below is some information about me for anyone interested...or click here to see my CV.

Career

I've worked with computers as a living since 1977, starting out as a computer operator on ICL-2903's, but moved into programming after 2 years. This was mainly in COBOL on various Data General minis, but with some BASIC and assembler thrown in occasions. In the mid-eighties, I moved into technical support of DRS20 networks and microcomputers, but the work also including software/hardware evaluation and installation.

From 1987 to early 1994, I was a systems programmer on ICL VME mainframes at various sites in the midlands before spending 12 months in UNIX technical support, system admin and shell programming.

Between late 1995 and early 2000 I worked as a freelance technical support consultant at Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council with the odd days consultancy at other sites.

In late 1999 / early 2000, I started training in Java, JavaScript, DHTML and other web orientated subjects including E-Commerce systems. I then started gaining Linux, SQL and PERL experience.

Between November 2000 and July 2003 I worked for Actis Ltd. doing similar work, but gaining many other skills and experience of working to W3C accessibility guidelines, E-Gif, etc.

In July 2003, I and several other colleages were made redundant so making me available for freelance and contract work once again.

Since July 2003, (except for a 6 month stint as Webmaster at Warwick University to cover for someone on maternity leave), I have been doing freelance work for various clients across the country and beyond. (See home page.)

Computer Journalism

I Have written articles for various specialist computer magazines over the past few years including Atari ST Review and Atari Computing. In August 2000 I was commissioned to write a 2,400 word article on performance and tuning for a new English Linux magazine, (Linux Magazine:-), launched in early September 2000. Later, (in 2001), I wrote a 1200 word article about creating Emergency Recovery Disk sets. Things have moved on since then in the Linux world, of course.

Interests

Well, besides obviously being interested in computers, I also like:- Caving (Potholing), Walking, Cycling, Scrambling, a bit of climbing now and then, music...Also reading, photography, eating out, drinking, videos, loads of things, really.