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Programs for Progress | |
| also known as... | ||
| Bob's Computer Stuff | ||
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What in the world is Programs for Progress?? Well, it's the name I use for my computer consulting business, which I started back in 1979 shortly after purchasing my first home computer. Over the years I have assisted individuals, small businesses, local governments, and educational institutions with a variety of computer-related issues. Since I am located in Central Virginia, I am in close proximity to the Richmond metropolitan area as well as the surrounding cities and counties. Having access to both rural and metropolitan populations has led to some very interesting projects over the years. Here are some the computer-related areas that I deal with: |
Programming |
My first programming language was FORTRAN, which I learned while a senior in high school. Although I haven't programmed in FORTRAN in years, learning it formed the basis for other standard computer languages such as APL, BASIC, COBOL, and Pascal. As PC-based databases became popular, I also worked with database programming languages found in products such as dBASE and Paradox. For new programming projects, I like to work with Borland's Delphi, which is a Pascal-based environment used to develop Windows-based programs. For more information about Delphi click here. |
Database Design |
Databases have become my specialty over the years, as I have developed custom applications that deal with payroll, general ledger, inventory, point-of-sale, and other areas that require access to large amounts of data. In the "old days" I had to manage the data files by brute force, but, thanks to the advent of database programs, this is no longer necessary. I have developed applications in x-BASE (dBASE and the like), Paradox, Microsoft Access and Delphi. Although Delphi is principally classified as a programming language (like Visual BASIC and C++), it has the exceptional capability to manipulate structured databases. |
Troubleshooting |
This is an area where one has to wear the jack-of-all-trades hat! With the complexity of computer hardware and software has come the frustration of dealing with problems when they occur. I greatly enjoy a challenge, and troubleshooting computer-related problems has certainly posed its share of challenges over the years. I am frequently asked to draw upon my knowledge and experience to help others solve hardware, software, network and other problems. One thing I have learned over the years... no matter how many situations you have seen and problems you have solved, there are always other problems out there that present brand new challenges... and frustrations! My success rate has been very good, and I would be very happy to help you in any way I can. |
Upgrades |
Computer hardware and software becomes obsolete probably faster than any other technology that I can think of. What was the top-of-the-line system a year or so ago is now considered so slow as to be undesirable. My personal computer systems seem to be in a continual state of upgrade as I incrementally strive for newer, faster, and better. As prices drop, the temptation to continually upgrade increases. Since this is a universal situation within the computer user community, I have been frequently called upon to replace or upgrade computer systems. I try to keep my eye on the best market prices by reviewing specials at local stores, comparing prices on the Internet and attending local computer shows. In most cases, I am able to save my clients a substantial amount of time and money. |
Teaching |
Over the last several years I have been performing contract work as an instructor for the local campus of a nationally-known university. I teach blocks of instruction in Professional Development courses that lead to certification in computer networking and webmastering. The curiculum is constantly changing, which forces me to keep up with the latest technological information or get left behind. In addition to teaching, I have been working with a curriculum developer as a technical reviewer to ensure the best possible texts are produced. In a related vein, I have been working with the National Association of Communication Systems Engineers (NACSE) as the developer of official certification exams. This education-related experience has been particularly rewarding for me and is something I greatly enjoy. |
Certifications In the course of my professional development I have pursued some formal certifications in order to enhance my knowledge base and my marketability. To this end, I have achieved the following: (Click on the logos for more information) |
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Microsoft Certified Professional , May 1999 |
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Microsoft Certified Professional +Internet, June 1999 |
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Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer, July 1999 |
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National Association of Communication
Systems Engineers NACSE Associate Network Specialist/NACSE Senior Network Specialist/NACSE Web Technician - Instructor, April 1999 NACSE Certified WebMaster - Instructor, May 1999 |
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If you have any questions or comments, please
do not hesitate to send me an e-mail at |
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Last modified: May 10, 2002