GirlGeek of the Week
January 2000

Erin Rush-Nelson

My Dad has worked for NCR for 20 some odd years and he used to bring home the old computers from work to "play" with. When I was 8yrs old, I got to help him tear apart a computer for the first time. I remember the biggest thrill was when he let me help him tear apart a mainframe computer at a hospital so that it could be removed and updated. I always thought that my dad had the coolest job and I wanted to be like him. Since then I have been striving to be like my dad and work in the field that most interests me. I love to learn new things and computing is an area where you have to be willing to learn new stuff constantly. I am presently transitioning from being hardware oriented to being software oriented. I am working towards my MCSE certification and trying to learn Linux. I am also going to college for my Bachelors in Business Management.

When did you first discover your love and/or obsession with computers and technology?

I can remember one year, I was either 8 or 9 and my dad brought home a kit so that I could make my own alarm clock. I strayed from computers for a while, but ended up working with them again digitizing art for an embroidery company.

How do you earn a living?

At the present time I am the only female technical support agent for a small Internet service provider on the Big Island of Hawaii. We have people who are interested in becoming new customers with us. We also have customers that are experiencing problems getting connected so we have to troubleshoot their problems over the phone. I have learned in the past 8 months how to set up Macs, a computer that I hadn't even touched until May of this year. I have also set up an NT Workstation system to access the Internet through Dial-up Networking.

Do you consider yourself a Geek?

Not until recently. I didn't think I was smart enough until people were telling me that I wow them when they watch me work.

What is your favorite Web site?

There are so many to choose from.....I love to send my kids free eCards through hallmark.com. I like checking out the new downloads at download.com.

What do you do when you are not working?

I have to admit that I am still a kid at heart and I play video games like Tomb Raiders, Civilization II, etc. I also do cross stitching.