Objective: An IT position that requires my unique combination of skills, vast experience, and broad expertise.

List of Top Skills And Experience

Certifications Acquired

Security Assessment and Implementation Software

Bastille Linux, Cheops,  Firewalk, GPG, IPtables, John the Ripper, Nessus, nmap, Packet Filter, PGP, Snort, SSH, Tripwire

Vendor Equipment Supported

Adaptec SnapAppliance, Cisco, Dell, Lightwave, Network Appliance, Nortel Meridian 1 PBX, IBM RS6000, Shoretel, Sun Microsystems,

Operating Systems Installed and Administered

AIX, Linux, (Fedora 5, 6, Mandriva 2005 – 2007,RedHat 6.2, 7.1-9.0, ES/AS 2.1,3,4, Debian 2.2,3.0), OpenBSD 2.9, 3.3, 3.6, Solaris 2.5-19, SunOS 4.1.3, Windows 2K, 2K3 Server

Application Software Used and Supported

Apache, Apache, ARKEIA, CVS, Disksuite, FLEXlm, JumpStart, Kickstart, Legato, LSF, MS Office, MS Project,
MS Visio, Netscape, Oracle DB, App Server and Ebusiness Suite, Postfix, Samba, Sendmail, Squid, Summary, VMware
workstation and Server, VNC, WebTrends, Zope

Network Protocols, Applications and Utilities Frequently Used

Autofs, Automounter, DHCP, DIG, DNS, Ethereal, Ethernet, IOS, IPsec, netstat, NFS, NIS, nslookup, RIP, TCP/IP, tcpdump

Projects Successfully Completed

*         Built and managed redundant DNS servers                                                                                                         2005

*         Built a prototype SSO system using Kerberos and OpenLDAP                                                                           2005

*         Developed a complex backup system using shell scripts and Linux utilities                                                            2005

*         Implemented an incident tracking system using Request Tracker (RT) and MySQL                                              2006

*         Built a development lab including networking and 50 systems running Linux and Windows                                    2004

*         Created an SSH gateway using OpenBSD allowing secure access into the company for authenticated users          2004

*         Set up a VPN between the USA and INDIA office and implemented a mail secure service using the VPN            2004

*         Researched and selected the Adaptec SnapAppliance NAS to use as the company’s centralized storage               2004

*         Used Kickstart to build an installation system for the alpha product release                                                            2004

*         Set up a secure Wifi infrastructure                                                                                                                        2004

*         Created an automated Kickstart installation process for RedHat ES 2.1 on Dell 1750s                                          2003

*         Architected, designed and built a secure information technology infrastructure                                                        2003

*         Designed and built a colocated web development site                                                                                           2002

*         Developed and implemented a backup system using Legato Networker 6.0.1                                                       2000

*         Implement the Load Sharing Facility (LSF)                                                                                                          2000

*         Set up JumpStart to perform rapid, automated and standardize Solaris Installs                                  2002, 2000, 1998

*         Directed a project to switch ISPs, upgrade to T1 and migrate to Cisco equipment                                                1998

*         Managed a project to migrate from Clones to Sun equipment and from SunOS to Solaris                                     1998

*         Implemented PGP security for Internet Email                                                                                                       1998

*         Coordinated multiple company moves and network infrastructure relocations                                    1997, 1993, 1991

*         Evaluated, selected, implemented and administered a Nortel Meridian telephone switch                                        1997

*         Designed and implemented a Customer problem duplication lab and network                                                       1995

*         Designed and Developed Software Release Tools using UNIX shell scripts and make                                          1993

*         Project Manager for the selection of the Clearcase software Configuration Management System                           1993

*         Designed a network including cabling, hubs, packet switching and network management                                       1993

Formal Training

Auditing Networks, Perimeters and Systems                             Sans Institute                                                       2003

SANS Security Essentials with CISSP CBK                            Sans Institute                                                        2003

RHCE Training Course Red Hat Linux 8.0                               RedHat                                                                2002

Network Administration for the Solaris 9 OE                           Sun Microsystems                                                 2002

Advanced System Administration for the Solaris 9 OE             Sun Microsystems                                                 2002

Intermediate System Administration for the Solaris 9 OE         Sun Microsystems                                                  2002

Enterprise System Performance Management                          Sun Microsystems                                                  2001

Solaris TCP/IP Network Administration                                 Sun Microsystems                                                   2000

Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices                                 Ascolta Training                                                      2000

Solaris 2.X System Administration                                          Sun Microsystems                                                   1995

NetBlazer Installation and Configuration                                  Telebit Corporation                                                 1994

AR System Administration                                                      Remedy Corporation                                               1994

SunOS System Administration                                                Sun Microsystems, Inc.                                            1989

Eclipse System Support                                                          Calma Corporation                                                  1987

Database Administration                                                         Advanced Data Management, Inc.                           1987

VAX/VMS System Management                                            Digital Equipment Corporation                                 1984

System Administrator                                                             Prime Computer Inc.                                                1983

Seminars/Classes

Security For The System Administrator I, II                                      LinuxWorld                                                              2002

Securing Linux/UNIX systems I, II                                                   LinuxWorld                                                              2001

Successful Project Management for IT Professionals                        TechLink                                                                   2000

Implementing a Network and Systems Management                         Interop                                                                      1998

Center, and IS Organization for the Twenty-First Century

Designing and Securing Enterprise Networks                                    Interop                                                                      1992

Understanding Multimedia Technologies & Apps                              Interop                                                                      1995
Using and Understanding the Internet                                                Interop                                                                      1994

Executive Interop                                                                             Interop                                                                      1993

Application of Bridges and Routers,                                                 Interop                                                                       1991

Network Design and Product Survey

Managing a UNIX TCP/IP network                                                U. C. Santa Cruz, Ext.                                                1993

NFS and NIS                                                                                 U. C. Santa Cruz, Ext.                                                1993

Ethernet Local Area Network                                                         U. C. Santa Cruz, Ext.                                                1993

High Speed Networking                                                                 U. C. Santa Cruz, Ext.                                                 1993

Building a TCP/IP Wide Area Network                                          U. C. Santa Cruz, Ext.                                                 1992

C Programming Language                                                               U. C. Santa Cruz, Ext.                                                 1991

Academic Education

U. C. Davis, 200+ Units towards a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology                                                 1979

Summary of Recent Practical Skills and Experience

I have extensive startup experience acquired while working at six startups. That experience has given me a solid understanding of the special requirements inherent in startups. I developed a broad base of IT knowledge that allows me to provide the breadth of support necessary to the success of an early startup. I enjoy and thrive in startup environments.

My tenure at Blue Lane as Senior IT Engineer challenged me to learn new and complex technologies while facing the pressure of aggressive deadlines. As the first IT person I became the IT department, providing support for a fast paced Engineering department developing a state of the art network security appliance, and a small group of corporate users. To support the Engineering effort I quickly learned how to build complex combinations of VMware or standalone servers and clients running Microsoft, IIS, MSSQL, Exchange; Oracle, databases, Application servers and the Ebusiness Suite; UNIX/Linux, AIX, Solaris, RedHat, OpenBSD. I supported the Microsoft patch Tuesday and Oracle CPU patch release cycles, needed for Engineering development and testing, by installing security patches and building customized VMware hosts within the required short turn around times. The Engineers relied on me to provide them with all levels of support. I solved problems daily, which, if not resolved promptly, would have had adverse affects on product development schedules. I developed an automated installation process using Kickstart to build a complete product for the alpha release.

Additionally I supported Corporate IT. I Developed and implemented an interim data backup and recovery system that served as the replacement for a $25K backup system after it’s purchase was postponed. Implemented a networked UPS and power distribution system that provided battery backup, automatic system shutdown and remote power control of servers in the IT room. Provided Linux technical knowledge to the Windows corporate IT support personnel.

As an independent contractor, working through Park Computer Systems at Rambus, I created an automated installation process for RedHat ES 2.1 on Dell 1750s to migrate applications from Solaris to RedHat Linux. This included a Kickstart configuration coupled with a customized and consistent post-installation configuration process designed to overcome a combination of hardware and software problems that prevented some systems from performing a completely automated Kickstart installation.  The project required the development of a Bourne shell scripting system that automated such requirements as email, security, NFS, NIS and remote printer configuration. I was also required to recompile certain tools, (GCC, PERL) to resolve library compatible issues. I completed the project by developing comprehensive training documentation for Solaris and Windows IT personnel unfamiliar with RedHat Linux System Administration.

 Prior to the above engagement I spent a year of intense training acquiring a number of professionally recognized IT certifications. That quest culminated in the completion of a project titled, Architecting, Designing and Building a Secure Information Technology Infrastructure, A Case Study. It fulfilled the practical requirement for the GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC). To complete the project I built an Information Technology Infrastructure with an integrated Security Architecture. It is a multi-platform environment with Solaris and OpenBSD UNIX, RedHat and Debian Linux, and Windows 98 and 2000 Professional and Server.  Acting alone I performed all task including the preliminary research, planning and developing the architecture, and selecting all the tools used in the design. Those tools included firewalls and Network/Host Intrusion Detections systems. I configure the firewalls by creating rulesets for packet filtering and NATing. I installed and configuration DNS services securely. I set up a central logging server to securely store backups of system log files if needed for forensics.  I used IPsec to provide secure data transfer over 802.11b wireless. This endeavor forced me to sharpen my previous skills and acquire new ones resulting in the successful completion of the project.

I have considerable experience in the semi-conductor area supporting Engineering departments that designed EDA tools or used EDA to design semi-conductors that range from memory chips to microprocessors. I have mentored and trained junior System Administrators and I am comfortable learning new complex technologies. I will bring a vast amount of experience to any company and with it the ability to function on many levels. I have outstanding references that will be furnished upon request. Please consult my website, www.johnston.com, for additional information.

Professional History 

Owner/Consultant                              Johnston Enterprises San Jose, CA                                                                                      08/94—Present

I support my consulting company’s network infrastructure, which is a multi-platform environment consisting of a 486 PC, two Dell PCs, a SPARCstation 2, a Micron PC and an IBM ThinkPad T30. The operating systems support Solaris X86, Debian, OpenBSD, and Windows 2000 Professional and Server. The various tasks include IT infrastructure design, backups and recovery procedures, and information security. I also used the infrastructure for training, prototyping and testing. Additional task involve System and Network Administration and Linux kernel patching, configuration and compilation.

 I contracted at Rambus to develop an automated installation process and documentation for RedHat ES 2.1.

 I Contracted at Empowertel Networks to provide all levels of Solaris System and Network Administration and support to Engineers in a lab and system development environment. Ran diagnostics and worked with Sun Field Engineers to resolve hardware problems. Used various tools to analyze Operating System and Network problems.  Installed Solaris, added/removed users, modified NIS maps, DNS and DHCP configuration files. Performed backups and wrote scripts.

 I provided consulting services and support to HAL Computer systems for UNIX system administration and Network Architecture. Designed and implemented a lab network using state of the art multi-protocol switching technology.
 

Senior IT Engineer                                       Blue Lane Technologies, Cupertino, CA                                                                   03/04–11/06

 As Senior IT Engineer at Blue Lane technologies I was responsible for providing all levels of IT support in an early stage startup. In addition to the newly acquired skills I also updated, reinforced and sharpened skills previously performed and mentioned throughout this resume. Those tasks include user account management, installing and configuring Linux servers and desktops, trouble shooting and diagnosing system and network problems.

Senior UNIX Administrator             Sonics Inc, Mountain View, CA                                                                                             04/01--09/02

As Senior UNIX Administrator at Sonics I utilized my IT experiences gained from various EDA environments, and acquired new skills, to provide 24/7 system and network support for the SOCworks IT infrastructure and the Sonics corporate website. SOCworks, a division of Sonics, provides web accessible application services using semiconductor design tools developed by Sonics. That infrastructure consisted of a combination of VALinux, Dell and Sun hardware running a VALinux modified version of RedHat 6.2, RedHat 7.1, and Solaris 8. It supported the Zope application server and the Apache Web Server. Areas of support included security, basic System Administration, Network Engineering, Sys Admin lab setup and scripting. Other duties included, purchase selections, trade show setup and documentation. Areas of support included the following:

 Security

Implemented a VPN using PPP over SSH. Setup configured and maintained firewalls, modified and tested firewall rulesets using ipchains. Hardened Systems.  Modified sendmail.cf to remove vulnerabilities. Implemented security quick hits recommended by a third party security auditor. Installed and configured SSH on Linux and Solaris systems. Performed preliminary forensics and prepared a system image for third party analysis. To stay abreast of vulnerabilities I subscribed to security alert email lists such as CERT, Sun, Debian and RedHat and fixed vulnerabilities as required. At the time of the layoff I was completing a proposal to implement a new security system that included the use of a firewall appliance and a security monitoring and notification system. The monitoring system was to include vulnerability scanners with network and host intrusion detection systems. The preliminary selection of tools for the security system was the SonicWALL Pro, Nessus, Tripwire and Snort.

Basic System Administration

Performed standard system administration tasks for Solaris and Linux systems. This included backups and restores, adding and removing user accounts, upgrading operating systems and application software. It also involved maintaining the email system and required generating and modifying sendmail and postfix configuration files. I was also responsible for monitoring system usage, troubleshooting user problems and configuring systems to access printers and samba shares.

Network Engineering

Setup a complete development network at the colocation site to mirror the production network. That project included network architecture design, DNS configuration, netmask calculations for subnetting and resolving routing issues. The VPN mentioned above also required setting up custom routing tables.

 Scripting