My computing background
Hi, I'm Matt. I'm an 19 year old student currently studying for a Bachelors degree in Software Engineering at Durham University in the north of England, UK. I was born and raised in Poynton, which is just south of Manchester.
I started working with computers from a very early age, and by the time I left primary school my 'technolust' had been honed to perfection! Shortly into secondary school, I bought my first computer and began working up my experience with Windows XP. I began working in the realms of internet radio during 2002, being a DJ and later part of the management team with HabboFM.co.uk (later closed), and eventually starting up my own site at HabboHome.net (also closed). I later matured and moved away from the addictive world of 'Habbo', with a much improved range of skills in a wide range of areas.
I then began freelance work with companies such as Sharpenews, and became involved in the world of Flight Simulation whilst studying for my GCSE's. Bristol-ATC.com was one offshoot within the very popular 'Flight Simulation Networks' genre surrounding the launch of Microsofts Flight Simulator X, and I was involved from the very start, seeing the progression from a simple email list, to multi-member community, and ultimately to its demise as the popularity bubble of online multiplayer simulation unfortunately burst.
At this point I met with Ryan Jackson, and we both sensed a niche in this market offering downloads to users of Flight Simulator X. I then built and launched my second website - FsPortal.net. FsPortal was a major player in this field, offering many unique features over its competitors, and reached a huge audience despite immense competition.
During this period, I was studying for my A-Levels, and ultimately secured a place at Durham University (see below for my academic achievements). Upon starting my degree, I diverted my attention to smaller personal projects, which resulted in the release of Twit2MSN, a project that I had worked on in private for many months (see projects for more information), as well as several smaller scripts.
In my spare time, I continue to work on these projects, further expanding my programming knowledge and exeperience in the field.
Programming Experience
I have experience working with a number of languages such as VB.net, Pascal and Java, but am most proficient with PHP. Most of the sites I have worked on have used backend systems calling for an in-depth knowledge of PHP, MySQL, HTML, CSS and Javascript, and hence I have many years experience programming with these.
I like to think I am easily adaptable to any language, however, and am looking forward to broadening my horizons through my degree course
Academic
I studied for my GCSE and A-level qualifications at Poynton High School and Performing Arts College, and obtained the following grades:
| A2 | Computing | A |
|---|---|---|
| Maths | B |
|
| Physics | B |
|
| Music Technology | C |
|
| AS | Computing | A |
| Maths | A |
|
| Music Technology | C |
|
| Physics | D |
|
| GCSE | ICT | A* |
| English Literature | A* |
|
| Science Double Award | A*/A* |
|
| English | A |
|
| German | A |
|
| Maths | A |
|
| Geography | B |
|
| Religious Studies | B |
|
| Music | B |
I am currently studying for a BSc in Software Engineering at Durham University, where I am a member of the JCR at Van Mildert College.
Future
After completing my degree, I hope to begin a career in Air Traffic Control, a natural progression given my long interest in aviation, and my lust to always be in control of a situation!
