Michael McCallister

Michael McCallister is devoted to the idea that technology need not be feared, and can be mastered by anyone. After all, he grew up in the days when computers filled entire rooms, and spent thirteen years as a civil service clerk doing nothing more technical than recording WordPerfect macros.

He is devoted to making computing easier for the full spectrum of user levels and experience. As a technical communicator, freelance technology writer, and book author, he understands that ordinary people can and should make the most of their tools.

Besides Linux, WordPress and other open source software, interests include tools for communicating via the Web (blogs, social networks, wikis, and the like) and bridging the digital divide.

McCallister has been running Linux as his primary day-to-day desktop operating system since 1999, but he also documents software for a variety of platforms.

He writes a technology-oriented blog, Notes from the Metaverse. His technology stories have been published in places like: linuxjournal.com, LinuxWorld, Java Developer's Journal, and searchenterpriselinux.com.

He is a compulsive joiner. Among the relevant groups: senior member of the Society for Technical Communication, president of the Wisconsin STC chapter, and the National Writers Union, UAW Local 1981.

He absolutely loves going to BarCamps and BarCamp-style events, especially BarCampMilwaukee. Occasionally, you'll also find him at the Milwaukee Linux Users Group.

When he's not staring at computer screens (which he admittedly finds strangely alluring), you'll often find him trying to make the world a better place. Or reading, watching a baseball game or other sporting event (live or on TV), hanging out with the grandkids, and walking around urban landscapes.