Technical Writer
October 2007 to February 2008
TEKSystems/iAnywhere/Sybase
Senior Technical Writer
Developed online help files for OneBridge mobile client and server products.
Continually updated OneBridge mobile client and server documentation to include any new features, bug fixes, or other upgrades or changes to this product.
Created new content for support of the Apple iPhone mobile platform in the OneBridge mobile office suite.
Reviewed the operations on how the OneBridge client software is downloaded, installed, and configured on different handheld devices including different operating system and hardware products.
Utilized the Bugzilla bug tracking system to manage work assignments and tasks.
Utilized RoboHelp Office 5 to create, maintain, and update all relevant help file content.
Utilized Subversion software repository application to commit all new and updated help file information to the system so that information can be included in subsequent builds.
Utilized Microsoft Virtual PC to install and test OneBridge server products with IBM Domino mail servers on the Microsoft Windows Server 2003 platform.
Created scripts for video and audio content and for product training guides.
Technical Writing Consultant
April 2007 to September 2007
Sakson & Taylor, an Aquent Company
Technical Writer
Edited XML content for HP's XP for Business Continuity Manager Software User's Guide
Researched and developed a Document Center Wiki for Sun Microsystems to provide public resources for Sun StorageTek Storage Archive Manager (SAM) and QFS File System technologies.
Tested and edited online help files for Adobe Acrobat running on the Linux desktop.
Created content for Adobe FlashCast Operations Manuals, focusing on command-line interface (CLI) commands and syntax used to administer Data Source and FlashCast server clusters.
Created and edited content for Adobe Flash Lite testing and operations manuals including the Adobe Acceptance Test Suite (ATS) and web portal.
Technical Writing Consultant
May 2006 to March 2007
TEKSystems/Micron
Technical Writer/Site Administrator
Designed Microsoft SharePoint Portal Intranet Site for multiple software development teams at Micron.
Gather data from multiple legacy Intranet sites, updated, and consolidated the information into a single site.
Utilize html and javascript in the design and implementation of the Intranet site.
Consult with software engineers on how information regarding programming languages, applications and libraries/APIs are required to be presented on the Intranet site.
Create security access schemes, allowing in-house software engineers full access to data while limiting access for outside developers.
Research tutorial and other educational resources and make them available for software engineers on the Intranet.
Convert multiple software repositories from PVCS to Subversion version control utility.
Staff Writer
July 2004 to March 2006
EmergeCore Networks
Technical Writer
Designed and developed all the content for the Linux-based CoreVista Web Operating System User Manual in an easy-to-understand format.
Created and maintained all instructional information in the help files for the CoreVista Web Operating System interface.
Researched and established all of the content for the EmergeCore website support page including FAQs, HOW TOs, Troubleshooting Knowledge Base, and Technical Glossary.
In team collaboration analyzed and evaluated all technical, training for sales staff using web and PowerPoint formats.
Coordinated input from engineering and support teams and documented all testing procedures and developing feature sets of the operating system.
Generated all press releases, promotional email newsletters, sales presentations and other sales and marketing content related to the technical product.
Book Author
March 2008
MCTS: Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 Configuration Study Guide: Exam 70-630
By James Pyles
672 Pages - Paperback
I leveraged my knowledge as a SharePoint administrator as well as my experiences in writing SharePoint 2007: The Definitive Guide to create this one-and-only certification text for the Microsoft MCTS 70-630 exam for Sybex. In part, the back cover of the book says:
Prepare for Microsoft's new certification for SharePoint administrators. Qualified SharePoint administrators are in demand, and what better way to show your expertise in this growing field than with Microsoft's new MCTS: Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007, Configuration certification. Inside, find everything you need to prepare for exam 70-630, including full coverage of exam topics such as configuring content management, managing business intelligence, and more.
September 2007
Sharepoint 2007: The Definitive Guide
By James Pyles, Christopher Buechler, Bob Fox, et al.
O'Reilly Press
904 Pages - Paperback
I'm the lead author on this project, having written thirteen chapters or almost half of this book. Here's the publisher's description:
For any organization that wants to use Windows SharePoint Services to share and collaborate on Microsoft Office documents, this book shows administrators of all levels how to get up and running with this powerful set of collaboration tools.
December 2006
PC Technician Street Smarts:
A Real World Guide to CompTIA A+ Skills
By James Pyles
Sybex Publications
400 Pages - Paperback
In addition to covering the CompTIA objectives, the book demonstrates installing or replacing a power supply or laptop hard drive, upgrading Windows 2000 to Windows XP, scanning for and removing viruses, installing printer drivers, and troubleshooting a network
Breaks down the various aspects of the role of a PC technician and provides hands-on experience for hardware and software installation and maintenance, including how to install and upgrade operating systems, networks, and security systems
February 2005
Master Visually Windows Server 2003
By James Pyles
Wiley Publications
480 Pages - Paperback
Nearly 450 pages of highly visual, task-oriented instruction make this guide a must for network technicians and administrators who want to take the next step in expertise.
A two-color interior with detailed, step-by-step screen shots walks readers through intermediate-to-advanced topics, demonstrating how to install, configure, and maintain Windows Server 2003.
Task coverage includes setting up users, computers, and printers; managing networked file and print servers; creating an e-mail server; and most important, how to keep all data protected and secure.
Features an invaluable overview of SharePoint Services.
Technical Book Editor
September 2007
Essential SharePoint 2007
By Jeff Webb
O'Reilly Press
504 Pages - Paperback
I was one of two technical editors on this book, verifying that the content and instructions presented in this text opperated as described.
Book Contributor
December 2004
A+ For Real
By Tcat Houser, James Pyles, et al
StudyExam4Less
800 Pages - Hardback, Softback, and PDF
Built to be "The Missing Link" for Success with A+ 2003 objectives.
Contributed content included Windows XP CLI commands, a tour of the console view Control Panel and Motherboard Basics.
January 2004
Guide to TCP/IP 2nd Edition
By Ed Tittel and Laura Chappel
Course Technology
736 Pages - Softcover
Updated Chapter 12, TCP/IP, NETBIOS, and WINS for Windows XP and Windows Server 2003.
February 2006
Dell PowerConnect Network Primer: An Introduction to Standards-Based Networking
By Ed Tittel
Prentice Hall
400 Pages - Paperback
Wrote 3 chapters and two appendices.
Chapter 5, Managing Routes, Services and QoS.
Chapter 6, Switch Interoperability: Topics and Issues.
Chapter 7, Understanding VLANs.
Appendix F, IEEE Standards
Appendix G, Well-Known Protocol Ports
Instructional Video Content
March 2006
Network+ 2005 Video Instructional Guide
Keystone Learning Systems
Published by 7 Hills Media Group
Developed and taught all course content mapped directly to the CompTIA objectives for the Network+ 2005 certification exam for use in corporate training.
Utilized Camtasia Studio 2 to record live-action screen recordings of networking labs, instructing students in a wide variety of computer networking concepts and practices.
Developed and taught from the script for the instructor's video presentation.
Demonstrated networking training on both Windows and Linux platforms.
Researched the Network+ objectives and domain areas and incorporated that research into the training elements of the recording.
Web Content
June 2006
Thin is In: Blade Systems and Thin Clients
HP Learning Center
Published by Powered, Inc.
May 2006
Up-to-Date Virus Protection: Strategies and Realities
HP Learning Center
Published by Powered, Inc.
February 2006
Senior Network Administrator Best Practices
HP Learning Center
Published by Powered, Inc.
October 2005
HOW TO: Select the right operating system for your server
HP Learning Center
Published by Powered, Inc.
October 2005
Securing Your Windows XP Computer
eMachines Knowledge Center
Published by Powered Inc.
September 2005
Small Business Servers and Networking: Understanding the Benefits and Getting Started
Gateway Inc: Learn With Gateway
Published by Powered Inc.
August 2005
Wireless Networking Solutions (Co-author)
HP Learning Center
Published by Powered Inc.
November 2004
Servers 101
HP Learning Center
Published by Powered, Inc.
Created numerous four to six-lesson online tutorials and developed HOW TO tutorials explaining complex technical and business concepts in an easy to understand format.
Generated companion quizzes and assignments mapping to the lessons.
Delivered instructions on establishing a network configuration, security, operational management; controlling email, network monitoring and disaster recovery.
Introduced the technical features and capacities of Microsoft, Novell, Red Hat, and Debian server systems.
Provided an introduction to home computer security, a review of typical threats from the Internet and other sources, information on computer security tools and techniques, and how to maintain an ongoing security system for the computer.
Assessed corporate requirements for a server system, basic LAN networking concepts, understanding data storage and backups and monitoring, maintaining, and troubleshooting a server.
Analyzed WLAN troubleshooting and security, WWAN security, and implementing WPAN technologies.
Developed information on traditional server roles including web servers, email servers, file and print servers, and SharePoint services.
Test Banks
March 2004
A+ Guide to Hardware: Managing Maintaining, and Troubleshooting
By Jean Andrews
Course Technology
749 Pages - Hardback
Constructed test bank for eight chapters of this text
Developed test questions and answers on installing and configuring computer hardware mapped to the A+ certification domains.
Instructor Manuals
January 2004
Guide to TCP/IP 2nd Edition
By Ed Tittel and Laura Chappell
Instructor's Manual
Published by Course Technology
February 2004
Security Awareness: Applying Practical Security in Your World
By Mark Ciampa
Instructor's Manual
Published by Course Technology
Reviews
My most recent technical book reviews can be found on this site's reviews page. A complete list can be found on the reviews list page.