I graduated from my BSc (Hons) Computing Science degree course at the University of Huddersfield in May 2006. I received a Lower Second Class Honours degree. I am currently working for newmediaboutique Ltd. in Leeds as a Web Developer focussing on PHP5 object oriented development using the Zend Framework. I have a keen interest in anything computing/technology related, particularly web and communication technologies.

For my industrial placement year, I worked as part of the web/marketing team for CCL Computers Ltd. based in Tong, Bradford. This allowed me to gain a lot of commercial experience mainly in the web technologies area, as well as the more general business environment. Working for CCL also had the advantage of allowing me to expand upon my collection of computer hardware.

Dan's new friend

We currently have three computers which I decided to name after characters from the popular television series Red Dwarf. The Dwarf family comprise of:

  • Kryten - File/Print/Web server for the network as well as my day-to-day desktop machine. Currently running Ubuntu 7.04.
  • Holly - Laptop used for web development as well as portable gaming.
  • Kochanski - Becca’s workstation used for web, office and music editing/manipulation duties.
  • Lister - Main workstation used for gaming, web duties, development and Uni work. (retired due to PSU and motherboard failure :( )
  • Cat - Fedora Core 4 sand box, although I have been using VMWare on Lister of late for this. (Retired due to being surplus to requirements)

One of my dreams is to setup my own business, catering for specialiased web applications. I feel that there is a niche in the market for web applications meeting the highest development standards. I am very interested in the Agile Software Development family of methodologies and their practices. I am currently in the process of introducing some of the practices and tools used into the development process with my current employer. In the mean time, if you are a prospective client/employer and wish to find out more about my skills, please contact me and I will be able to supply a copy of my curriculum vitae.

I am living with my wife Becca in Golcar, Huddersfield. I met Becca shortly after starting my second term at University, through a mutual friend. Soon after, we started courting and we have now been together for over four years. I proposed in November ‘04, when surprisingly the answer was “yes!”. We tied the knot on 22nd July 2006 in South Shields, Tyne and Wear. See the wedding photos at the gallery.

So that was a little information about myself and what keeps me busy, which you should probably know before you start to read my blog. Enjoy your visit!