What does MVP mean to you?I consider participation in the MVP program to be, above everything, an honor. Every day, I am simply amazed that I have access to such knowledge able people and can contribute to the wonderful group that comprises the MVP community. The MVP Program provides me direct access to people and resources that help me expand my knowledge so I can better serve the communities in which I participate, assist end users with Microsoft® products, and help them protect against tomorrow’s security threats.If you could ask Steve Ballmer one question about Microsoft, what would it be?I am interested in how Steve Ballmer sees the computing world - especially the security world - evolving in the coming years, and what Microsoft’s strategy is for responding to a new generation of security issues. These days as we address security issues, we’re often engaged in a game of catch-up. I am very interested to see how Microsoft® will integrate learnings from past incidents to make adjustments in future operating systems.What do you think the best software ever written was?It’s hard to say because it seems like I discover new examples of “best software ever” several times a week (grin). Rather than citing specific software, I will nominate the entire first generation of multimedia applications from Windows® 3.1. These applications have elevated the world of PCs from ugly machines that people kept locked in the basement to multimedia, entertainment, and productivity centers.If you were the manager of Windows® Security, what would you change?I would put a lot more focus on user education. Right now, many people have a very animated view of what viruses are and the problems that they cause, as well as how they spread. Many people fear viruses, yet often don’t bother to learn how to avoid them because they are convinced they wouldn’t be able to understand the technology. Security should be as approachable as possible without becoming a time-draining chore for the end user. | If you were given unlimited data bandwidth,what would you do with it?Of course, I would create the best ISP ever, and perhaps, for once, even win at Unreal Tournament.My dream, I suppose, would be to host a monolithic source of information that permanently archives known Web sites, the contents of the great libraries of the world, major news publications, and the like. Of course, that might put a load on my server storage…What was the last book you read?Besides the books that I must read for school, I must admit that most of my reading is limited to magazines and the Internet. I have a good selection of blogs-mostly politics and computer security-that I read loyally.What music CD do you recommend?I always have something playing in the background, usually net radio, but I’m not a big consumer of CDs. Although I have a pretty liberal taste in music, my favorite genre has always been alternative rock. Right now, my favorite bands are Modest Mouse, The Shins, and Pavement.What makes you a great MVP?(Grin.) Ah, this is the sort of question I’ve always hated. I like to think that I am a good MVP because I love interfacing with end users who know a little about security. I learned computers in a very non-technical environment, surrounded by people who used them mostly for e-mail and Web browsing. Looking back to when I was 8 years old with a new computer and always nervous about getting a virus, I can appreciate the difficulties that end users have. I try to offer solutions that they can understand, but are not needlessly complex. Also, I have much too much time on my hands, which allows me to devote more time as an MVP. | What’s in your computer bag?My computer bag has some CompactFlash® memory, a lot of blank floppies, boot disks, virus removal tools, security software CDs, and other CDs that are full of miscellaneous utilities. In fact, I’m not even sure what some of those CDs are. What’s the best thing that has happened since you’ve become an MVP?One of the many cool things that have happened as a result of becoming an MVP entailed my school district giving me a small reward and the opportunity to speak at a school board meeting. Of course, I consider the MVP Program to be an honor in itself.What is your motto?I really can’t say that I have ever considered any motto as a personal statement.Who is your hero?I don’t have one hero-rather, I have a lot of them. Heroism is apparent when anyone simply does his or her best or makes an effort to help others. I consider the everyday small selfless acts to reveal true character.What does success mean to you?Cliché as it may sound, I consider success to be achieving happiness and a sense of contributing to the greater good. To me, success means not only standing up for one’s ideals, but also appreciating the views of others. If I’m happy with what I’m doing and have a roof over my head, that represents success to me. |
