Introduction
I am Lewis Anderson, an IT professional with a rich 11-year history in the industry. My career is a testament to my dedication to technical excellence, problem-solving, and enhancing user experiences through efficient IT operations.
Professional Expertise
- Technical Support: Adept at providing end-to-end support, ensuring seamless daily operations for a diverse range of clients, including but not limited to insurance companies, restaurants, retail and warehouses.
- Virtualisation Management: Responsible for managing 28+ virtual servers on a cluster of three physical hosts, demonstrating expertise in virtualization technologies and cloud infrastructure. Windows and Linux OS.
- Retail IT Support: Provided daily support and maintenance for a large retail business, troubleshooting for 50+ stores’ networks, tills, PDQs, and more.
- Educational IT Management: Oversaw IT operations for an education institute, managing over 270 networked devices and 170 Windows computer systems, supporting 350 users.
Systems and Services
- Windows Server Administration: With experience in Windows Server 2008 to 2022. I managed servers using Active Directory and Group Policy to deploy shared drive mapping, software, and printers to end devices and configured default policy. Manage and maintain various servers and bespoke software’s, i.e. Sage, CRM’s, Data base servers, license server and many more.
- Exchange and Office 365 Administration: Transitioned to an Exchange 365 Hybrid configuration with Microsoft 365 and Azure Entra ID (AD), managing mailbox migrations and Office 365 services. Managed and maintained internal Extranet with SharePoint and managed Azure and Microsoft 365 Admin Tenant. Onboarding users, resources and groups as required.
- Network Configuration: SonicWall, Watchgaurd, and Fortinet and Websense firewall management. Full Firewall management, VPN configuration and application rules exposure. Netgear switch management. Draytek and other router management. DHCP scope network and subnetting.
- Disaster Recovery: Implemented backup systems that enabled quick recovery from ransomware attacks within 2 hours. Veeam and Datto experience for backup and recovery of files and folders. Skilled in backup and recovery solutions like Acronis, I protect data against threats and ensure business continuity.
Security and Software Management
- Cybersecurity Vigilance: Implemented and managed antivirus and internet security solutions, including SonicWall, Kaspersky and TrendMicro, to safeguard digital assets. Manged licenses and patch management. I safeguard systems against emerging threats and maintain a secure IT environment.
- Safeguarding Software: Implemented Impero Server to comply with the PREVENT agenda, managing computers remotely and enhancing digital safety.
- License Management: Managed specialized CAD software licenses, ensuring compliance and up-to-date licensing. Also any other bespoke license hosting them to specific machines on the network which require access while isolating devices which do not.
- GDPR Compliance: Knowledgeable in GDPR standards, I ensure IT practices adhere to regulations, utilizing tools like Microsoft’s Compliance and Governance suite.
Hardware and Access Control
- Hardware Troubleshooting: Identified and resolved hardware faults, advised on suitable replacements, and managed upgrades. Intune and Auto Pilot devices via Azure, RRM’s and other hardware management tools. Experience building PC hardware and upgrading devices since 1999 as a hobby, then professionally after 2010.
- Access Control Systems: Managed NET2 door access control systems, resolving complex networking issues to ensure seamless security operations. Tensor access control system and door mag lock systems, IP reservations for facilities and support with technology outside of the standard day to day support. Fire alarm systems and other technical software’s that may need SMTP, networking or MAC address filtering.
Client-Side Support and Network Management
- Client Support: Supported and troubleshooted various Windows operating systems, ensuring systems were up-to-date and compliant. Thin Clients, remote support, laptops, desktops, Citrix and AVD.
- Network Troubleshooting: Managed VLANs, traffic monitoring, and network resources, ensuring robust network performance. Switch management and full server stack management.
Current and Previous Employment
- Atech Support Ltd (IT Support Engineer): In a dynamic team environment, I managed Dell Management Suite for Thin Clients, utilized Intune, RMMs, and device management tools for automation, and supported remote desktop solutions like Citrix and AVD environments.
- ProCook Ltd (Senior IT Support): Ensured stable IT support infrastructure, provided multi-tiered support, and managed system upgrades.
- BOVIS HOMES Ltd (IT Field Engineer): Rolled out Windows devices, printers and networking across UK Build sites and provided field-based IT support.
- GET Ltd (ICT Technician): Installed and configured systems, managed network security, and supported multifunctional devices.
Innovation and Development
- Web Hosting Services: Running my own web hosting service since 2012, I manage VPS, DNS, and domain management, focusing on open-source platforms for cost-effective solutions. LAMP Stack, Ubuntu, WordPress, cPanel, Virtualmin, and open-source SaaS.
- Software Programming: Familiar with using languages like Python, SQL, I bring versatility to software development projects but I am not a software developer. I just overcome my own challenges. I did make a working WordPress plugin with PHP so I do understand principles and basics of programming.
Personal Projects
- AI Course: My passion project, an online educational platform focusing on AI and content creation, showcases my commitment to knowledge sharing and innovation.
Conclusion and Invitation
My journey in IT support has been one of continuous learning, improvement, and a drive to provide the best possible solutions to users and businesses alike. If my expertise aligns with your needs, let’s connect to explore how we can elevate your IT infrastructure together.