More about me
I have a full range of IT experience in hardware and software gained over working in the computer industry off and on for the last 25 years. I can talk with you about what you need to be able to do for your work and business.
Some of my clients include writers and artists needing help with working efficiently with their Macs, including email, web and various technologies for traveling; non-profits needing help with database systems, data backups, small Windows networks and good web sites that draw traffic and raise funds; and offices of people with different needs and with Mac/Win mixed environments who need to collaborate.
I’m discrete with clients and assume (or will sign) a nondisclosure agreement covering all work.
One of my last jobs was for an academic department at the University of Montana as an IT technician for hardware (from client hardware to networking) and software (from client applications to web site work) for three years.
I write a weekly technology column for the Missoulian (all of my columns are available on this site) covering personal computing, security issues and consumer technology. I also write a bi-monthly column for State of the Arts, the newsletter of the Montana Arts Council.
I taught CS 111 Fluency with Information Technology, a class in the Department of Computer Science at The University of Montana in fall, 2008.
And - as I like to do lots of different things - some of my other work experience: I’ve shown photographs in galleries in Montana; can once knew how to pack a mule for back country outfitting; rebuilt the 302 and top loader 4 speed in my 1965 Mustang and the small block in my 1960 Bel Aire; have done some really nice work restoring several old bungalow style houses; used to build log furniture; have worked in a wilderness education program and canoed 110 miles down the Missouri River; hold an MFA in Fiction from The University of Montana-Missoula; have rewired and replumbed (copper, PVC and PEX) several houses; have been to mainland China before it got to be the place to go; met the Dalai Lama in India while working for the Tibetan Government in-exile; ridden a KZ650 (motorcycle) cross country, twice; soloed 10,000 peaks in winter; helped herd and brand cattle the old fashioned way on horseback and with “real” (not electric) branding irons; recorded, edited and published a book of oral history; helped set grizzly bear traps; written for weekly newspapers in Montana; stayed at a Trappist Monastery; spent a month walking 200 miles through Northwest Ireland; taught freshman composition in the university (as an adjunct professor of English) and photography in high schools (as part of the Montana Arts Council’s Artist in the Schools program); received grants and fellowships for editing, photography, writing and research; was appointed by the Montana Arts Council to serve on the Montana Cultural and Aesthetic Trust; and more.
emailMark Ratledge
PO Box 8701
Missoula, MT 59807
