 The magazine of the Melbourne PC User Group Prez Said Lloyd Borrett |
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Although I've always freely revealed my background and interests to those who ask, some recent events highlighted the fact that I'd not done so to the members of Melb PC. So here goes.
I've been employed as a member of the Information Systems department for B.H.P. in Melbourne for over seven years. I started out cutting code in BASIC and FORTRAN on Data General minicomputers for the Mine Planning, Oil and Gas Exploration, and Minerals Exploration systems.
Later systems programming support for Data General finis became my full time role for some three years, highlights of which were the introduction of an X.25 based computer network, the move to the AOS/VS 32-bit virtual operating system, an office automation pilot, and a term as President of the Data General Users Group.
During the fourth quarter of 1982 I purchased an IBM PC with the intention of implementing some software packages I'd designed. Instead I ended up consulting part-time for small businesses, and writing articles for Your Computer magazine.
In March '83 I was appointed Personal Computer Coordinator for B.H.P. Melbourne. Late in '83 I stopped taking on consulting work to concentrate on two new projects. The first was to get a PC user group established in Melbourne. The result is Melb PC as you know it today.
The second project was to start up a mail order business supplying hardware and software for IBM and compatible personal computers at discounted prices. That company. PC Connection Australia, is now becoming more widely known but it remains only a part-time interest for me.
Some people have thought that Melb PC is a group for B.H.P. employees, others have thought that PC Connection Australia is a business arm of Melb PC. I hope that the above revelations will serve to clear up such misconceptions. Now you also have the facts to decide if I have a vested interest in any issue.
Reprinted from the June 1984 issue of PC Update, the magazine of Melbourne PC User Group, Australia
