A Computer Geek At Heart

My technical background is largely in software. I studied Computer Science at Loyola Marymount University and have been involved in software development during the emergence of the personal computer and the rise of the Internet. I grew up professionally on a steady diet of UNIX, which lead naturally to FreeBSD and Linux. Looking back, I'd have to say my specific experiences have centered on networks and databases with a good deal of CGI sprinkled liberally for taste.
Unlike many of my software friends, I've always enjoyed working close to the hardware, too - building small embedded systems with various microprocessors, including PICs. They manage the temperature of my servers and run the vacuum in my woodworking shop - among other things.

In 25+ years, a lot has changed - and yet (sadly) a great deal remains the same. If only advances in software development followed some equivalent of Moore's Law! But, alas, the evolution of software is not deterministic, it does not follow the immutable laws of physics as hardware does. After all, hardware is built upon electrons, software is built upon ideas. What a soft and squishy and entirely delightful endeavor software is for our intellect - and how maddeningly hard to systematize as a result. Perhaps hardware will evolve to the point where it can write its own software. That would be as monumental a leap as the origin of life on Earth.