Mary Burris
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‘I love to continually learn emerging technologies that allow me to take on new challenges’ |
I discovered that I loved – and was really good at – working with and repairing computers in 1986. My first jobs were as the Service Department manager at two retail computer stores (Connecting Point and Bee Microware), then I graduated to Systems Management at Microserv (systems maintenance) and Quinton Instrument (medical manufacturing).
Tell us more about your specific technical experience?
I’ve worked with all aspects of LAN and WAN office systems, from the server to the desktop, including the wiring closet. It sounds funny to say this about inanimate objects, but I inherently understand the interaction between PC hardware and software – and when the communication between them isn’t happening as it’s supposed to, I use this understanding to quickly troubleshoot and solve problems.
What’s your experience with Windows?
I started out supporting Novell networks and later learned how to integrate Windows NT and Novell. Now there are so many phenomenal tools within Windows that many businesses don’t take advantage of. My primary task is to integrate the most practical and time-saving Windows technologies into each client’s business environment and teach them how to use them.
What is it that you love so much about technology?
The continuous change. I love to learn, and it seems like every week there’s an emerging technology that presents a new and exciting challenge. To keep up with them all, I’ve taken countless courses, and earned over 20 technical certifications in areas including computers, printers, routers, and phone systems. I’m also a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE), which means that I’ve passed 7 exams on various aspects of network design and development.
What prompted you to start SisAdmin?
I saw that a lot of smaller businesses were frustrated with technology – either because they weren’t using the right equipment, or their consultants weren’t giving them the attention they needed. My sense was that customers wanted reliable technical support in combination with strong customer support. I find great satisfaction in finding solutions that make people and businesses more productive; in other words, watching an office filled with computers transform from chaos to stability.