Jim Jackson's     Personal stuff

I enjoyed 15 years working in the School's Computing and Technical Support team as the networking guy, and doing lots of good networking and Linux stuff.

I'm now retired (early) and enjoying some free time.

I do work one day a week for the networking support team of ISS, the central Information Technology (IT) and Information Systems (IS) provider for the University. I'm told my networking expertise is an asset - we shall see :-)

So what's going to keep me busy in my retirement?

• the Organic Garden - a third of an acre. Special interests in fruit growing and vegetables.
  I am a member of H.D.R.A. the Organic Gardening Research organisation, and
  I am a friend of Brogdale the home of the National Fruit Collection.
• Natural History - bird watching and an interest in insects/spiders and photography.
• Linux - Co-founder and member for the West Yorks Linux User Group (WYLUG).
  I was the main meeting organiser for the first 7 years of WYLUG's existance, but have now taken a back seat.
• Programming - lots of stuff though I rarely get round to getting it in sufficiently good shape to "release".
  I've released the SIGGEN suite of programs, and
  a few applications for the TS7200 embedded ARM board.
  I might have time to get more software in a state for release.
  Here's my general Linux Page.
• CP/M and Z80 - Much to the annoyance of the rest of the family, I have a bit of a computer museum.
  Several Z80 based CP/M machines - Comart Communicator(s), Xerox 820, Osborne.
  But am thinking of thinning them out to get the space. Anyone keen on acquiring old computers email me.
• Electronics - embedded, radio, audio, control and alternative power stuff.
• Cycling and Walking - I'm a life member of the YHA.
• Community Activism - was a school governor for 20 years but have given up in frustration at the increased workload and changes in the role of governors.
  I am a member of the Campaign for State Education.
  I used to be a member of the Labour Party until it became "New Labour" and stopped even having any pretence at being socialist.
  I was then a member of the Socialist Alliance - now defunct.
  I think it's about time I stopped joining political parties and jinxing them :-).
  
• Family - 'nuff said :-) - Two Children, both now left home, two wonderful grandchildren, nearly 8 and not yet 1.

jj@franjam.org.uk

http://www.comp.leeds.ac.uk/jj