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Profile: Andrew Comeau
This profile is intended as a companion to my on-line resume.
Technical Summary
My computer experience started in the mid-80s when I first taught myself the BASIC programming language. This gave me a head start on the college programming courses I took later on. In the years since, I've continued to add to my hardware and software skills, mostly through experience and self-directed study in needed areas.
Over the years, I've used that experience to support users at all skill levels onsite and through the writing of documentation. My support experience started informally as an additional part of some of my early jobs and this eventually lead to a position as a computer support technician.
In addition to my support work, I started using Microsoft Access in 1997 and this led to some of my most notable work in the development of database applications. This work has covered areas such as retail sales, production efficiency tracking, human resources and laboratory testing.
In later positions and my current work as a computer programmer, I've moved beyond Access with tools such as SQL Server 2000 and Visual Basic .NET.
Programming / Database Design
Microsoft Access / VBA
I first used Access to build a document control database that would automate the administration of a documentation system I was responsible for. During this time, I was building on previous experience with other desktop databases such as Borland Paradox and Alpha Four. I started with Access 2.0 and have worked with subsequent versions through Access 2003.
I soon found other uses for Access and continued to learn more about database and application design. My work was eventually noticed by my employer and I agreed to work with other departments and facilities to develop new applications. I continued to use Access after leaving that company to build applications including retail sales and inventory management.
Visual Basic.NET / VB 6.0
After working with Microsoft Access for several years, I moved on to Visual Basic 6.0 as part of the work that I was doing at the time and then to Visual Basic.NET 2003 and 2005. This gave me a better grasp on concepts such as object-oriented design and the writing of efficient code than I'd gained with Access and VBA. I also expanded my database experience with SQL Server 2000 which I've been able to use in Visual Basic applications.
I earned my MCP certification by passing Microsoft exam 70-306: Developing and Implementing Windows-based Applications with Microsoft Visual Basic.Net and Microsoft Visual Studio.Net
SQL Server
Since 2005, I've been working with SQL Server 2000 as part of my work in programming and application support. This experience includes using custom multi-table queries to investigate data issues as well as the analysis and writing of stored procedures for application design.
Technical Support
My self-taught computer skills made me a bit more valuable in my early jobs and I picked up more experience in user support through my work with Access.
In 2002, I accepted a long-term contract position as a computer support technician for a local utility employing around 300 people. During 18 months at that company, I was able to use and build on my computer operation and troubleshooting experience with PC-compatible systems and associated hardware. I also helped to manage a company-wide rollout of new computer systems. This included upgrades of all users from Windows 98 to Windows XP as well as coordination with different departments for upgrade scheduling and inventory tagging of new equipment.
Although my original focus was on software and programming, my work in this area helped me to sharpen my skills in the installation and configuration of PC hardware including printers, scanners and other peripherals.
Web Authoring
I first designed this website in March 2000 as a personal site to showcase my various interests including writing and photography. I secured the Drewslair.com domain and the site has been in continuous operation since. In 2002, Drewslair.com was completely redesigned and renamed to give it a professional focus. I added the domain AndrewComeau.com in 2005 and plan to maintain the site for the foreseeable future.
Drewslair.com has been designed and managed using Microsoft FrontPage. Since it's inception, I've contributed most of the site's content including photography and original writing. I've also used and expanded my experience with graphics software, HTML and CSS to create my own design theme. In 2008, the site was again redesigned with CSS and other tools in order to remove the site's dependency on the obsolete FrontPage extensions.
In May 2008, Drewslair.com received an average of over 700 page requests per day from over 8700 sites in more than 80 countries. I continue to receive reader e-mails in response to the articles posted here and I enjoy corresponding with people who have visited the site.
Documentation Management
My documentation experience started in 1996 when the company I was working for was pursuing certification in the ISO9000 quality standard. My role was to assist in the creation of a system of procedures and work instructions for a facility of over 600 employees. This system eventually contained over 250 documents which were made available in both hard copy and electronic formats.
After the system was in place, I continued to manage revisions to the documentation, providing significant input into the its continuing development. I worked with manufacturing and engineering personnel to facilitate all document changes through the system until I left the company. My responsibilities also included the management and continual update of the on-line documentation, implementation of global documentation changes and end-user support.
Personal
Originally from Groveland, Massachusetts, I moved to Florida in 1985, finished high school here and started my career after earning my college diploma in Accounting.
In addition to computers and technology, I also enjoy reading about a variety of subjects, listening to a wide selection of music and, over the years, I've also played around a little with photography and cooking.
I've been interested in becoming a writer since before I could write complete sentences and I feel fortunate to live in a time when the Internet has expanded the opportunities for this beyond anything we've seen before. I enjoy almost all aspects of writing except for the agonizing effort that it takes to get started on a project.
Over the years, I've also learned the value of not going on about myself too much so if there's anything else you would like to know, you're welcome to e-mail me the questions at acomeau@drewslair.com.
Andrew Comeau
Port St. Lucie, Florida
October 2008