happicow.com

 

Christopher VanHorn

Email: cvanhorn@cowtacular.com

Profile

13 years of professional experience building, managing and maintaining computer and network systems and infrastructure.  Uses a broad knowledge base to look for simple, solid and sustainable solutions.  

Skills and Technology Summary

Systems: Microsoft Windows (all versions), Microsoft Windows domains, Linux (Red Hat, Ubuntu, Slackware, custom), VMWare ESX, VMWare View

Hardware: Intel based desktops, laptops and servers, Cisco routers, switches and firewalls, rack mount hardware, copper, fiber, uninterpuptable power supplies (UPS), NetApp, NexSan, Hitachi SMS

Networking: IP, IPX, Dialup, T1, DS3, OC3, Ethernet, Token-Ring, 802.11a/b/g/n wireless, Point-to-Point (P2P), VPN, Stateful firewalls, OSPF, BGP, RIP, QOS, Cisco IOS, DNS, DHCP
Database: MS SQL, MySQL, Oracle, SQLite, Postgresql, Filemaker, Microsoft Access

Programming: PHP, Java, C, ColdFusion, Bash, VBScript, HTML

Professional Experience

Virtualization

  1. Consolidated a production Microsoft Windows environment of 60 physical servers in four locations down to 7 in two locations using VMWare ESX.  A savings of $40,000/year and a 68% reduction in power consumption and cooling was attained.
  2. Designed, installed and tested a disaster recovery site at an off-site location enabling the production environment to be recovered from a catastrophic failure in 2 hours.
  3. Developed a VMWare View environment to replace existing terminal servers and desktops resulting in a 50% reduction in time and support costs per desktop migrated.
  4. Configured, managed and monitored redundant storage arrays to support the virtualized environment.

Systems Administration

  1. Managed several Windows domains supporting a total of 1200 users, 800 desktops and 110 servers.
  2. Provided 24x7 support for several critical systems.
  3. Maintained a secure environment and changed methodologies as threats dictated.

Network Infrastructure

  1. Secured networks using Cisco PIX/ASA hardware firewalls.
  2. Provided network access to remote offices using IPSec VPN.
  3. Configured routing, switching and remote access services using Cisco IOS based devices.
  4. Performed troubleshooting and packet analysis to determine the cause and possible solutions to network related issues.

End User Support

  1. Provided a reliable and consistent user experience.
  2. Responded quickly and professionally to user requests, evaluated and prioritized them, and saw the requests through to resolution.  
  3. Developed a help desk and inventory solutions to improve the management of user requests and equipment.

Employment History

Cornell University - Ithaca, NY, USA

2007 – current                Senior Network Administrator

2004 – 2007                Network Administrator

2002 – 2004                Desktop Support Technician

Rutgers University - New Brunswick, NJ, USA

2000 – 2002                Telecommunications Analyst

1999 – 2000                Desktop Support Technician

Yesterdays Business Computers - Bridgewater, NY, USA

1997 – 1998                Computer Refurbishing Technician

Education

Rutgers University - New Brunswick, NJ, USA

1998 – 2002                Bachelors of Science in Computer Science with a minor in Psychology.

Certifications

Cisco Certified Network Administrator (CCNA)

Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer 2000 (MCSE)

Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer 2003 + Security (MCSE)

Comptia Security+

Other Projects and Interests

Cowtacular - http://www.cowtacular.com

Developed a PHP based open source help desk, inventory and software license application.  Features include managing of user requests and workload, notifications, automatic device and software inventory and software license organization.  It is used world wide by several companies, universities, and governments.  It is distributed as source code or in a custom Linux OS packaged in a virtual machine.

ArduVolans - http://www.happicow.com

Created an auto pilot for remote controlled aircraft allowing them to operate unmanned.  The circuit design, fabrication and software is custom built, and is based on an ATMEGA 16Mhz processor with a GPS, gyroscope, magnetometer, accelerometer, pressure sensor for orientation and navigation on a single board.

High Altitude Ballooning - http://www.happicow.com

Sending cameras and other electronic equipment for a ride on an unmanned helium balloon with a predicted burst height between 15000 and 30000 meters.

Sailing

Own and captain a Precision Boat Works 165 sailboat.