Gary Smith

Live in Llandudno, North Wales, UK

Married to Sioned

Have a son - Gruffydd

Geek and general techie. Mainly database, network, communications, and audio/visual/theatre/presentation stuff.

Computer user since the days of Vic20, Internet user for longer than I like to remember.

Gweithio i'r Canolfan Cymraeg i Oedolion Gogledd Cymru a Prifysgol Bangor

Also work for The School of Lifelong Learning at Bangor University

Also work for Fotopic.net

Also work for Venue Cymru

Also work for Conwy County Borough Council

Have written and maintain a piece of control & monitor software called laeks.

I do freelance work as well. Contact me if you're interested in me working for you.

I enjoy taking photos. I've got lots (over 18000) on my photo site.

My mainly pointless and entirely boring blog can be found here.

I'm putting together a pile of useful Cisco stuff - UK configurations for various devices such as Cisco 837 (Static & Dynamic), Cisco 2950, Cisco Aironet devices and Cisco 7940(G) configs, as well as explanations of why I'm doing certain things on there.

My main job is working for The University Of Wales as a Data Manager. This sees me managing various services (mainly LAMP (MySQL/Apache/PHP) and Microsoft SQL Server with an IIS front end), as well as some Access databases. I also do work with Oracle and PostgreSQL. As well as this, I'm involved in other areas of data management which spark my interest, such as data security. I'm working on some other projects involving common data access methods across distinct clients for the University.

I also do some work for Fotopic.net where people can post their digital photos online. We've currently got over 14,000,000 images online, and it's growing more and more with each day that goes by. You can see my own personal photo gallery here

I've also written laeks, a piece of control software using Visual Basic. The software is used as a direct replacement for remote control units and offers the ability for a user to control a range of products such as DVD, video, TV, tape, CD player, data projectors and so on from their computer. There are also security facilities built in so that only valid users may use the equipment at certain times, and so on. Initially it was designed for educational use, but it's also seen other establishments such as hospitals and clubs using it.

Other projects involve the creation of bespoke purchase ordering systems and timetable management.

In my free time, I nurture my passion in photography. I've got a readily available subject in the shape of my son. I'm deeply interested in band photography and have had the opportunity to take photos for bands such as The Enemy, Manic Street Preachers, Goldie Lookin' Chain and The Automatic in the last couple of years. I use a Nikon D2x body, having graduated from a Nikon D100. The D2x gets used with a variety of lenses including a Nikon 28-70mm f/2.8 and a Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8. Also in the bag is an essential SB800 speedlight. I do various bits of paid work. If you're interested in commissioning me or would like to see my portfolio, send me an e-mail.

I recently fought a speeding case brought against me in North Wales successfully. Information on the failings by the police and Arrive Alive, and how I won the case.

We're currently working with Thomson's over an issue with Parc Hotels Italia's Paradiso hotel and their level of customer service - click on the link for more information.

I'm also involved in a few other projects which see me using many technical skills, and gaining more every day, which means I have a very rich and featured skillset. If you're interested in me doing freelance work for you, please e-mail me at gary@garysmith.org.uk for further details.

As an Ixie, I'm also listed in the Ixion business directory.