Since the day I first came in contact with computers in high school, I knew I wanted to be a “computer guy." During those high school years, and for the time I spent in college the first time around, I learned how to program them – mostly COBOL, FORTRAN and BASIC. This experience taught me to think the same way that computers "think" -- that is, logically.

When I could no longer afford college, I joined the Navy, where they taught me how to be an Electronics Technician. One of the most important things I learned in the Navy was how to troubleshoot problems quickly and effectively.

After leaving the Navy I started on the path to becoming the best darned “computer guy” that anyone could want. Many people will tell you that I have achieved that goal. I know that this sounds like an immodest claim. However, I am not immodest; I know that being the best means that one must keep current and constantly strive to improve themselves, lest the field pass them by. I very much enjoy learning new things, applying those things to my work, and I am excellent at doing so.

I completed my course of study at Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC) where I earned two Associates of Applied Science degrees, one in Cisco Networking and one in Linux Administration (which was earned at Arizona's first and best RedHat Linux Academy). I graduated with highest distinction, with a perfect 4.0 GPA. I am a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. I have also earned the following professional certifications: Red Hat Certified System Administrator, Cisco CCENT, Cisco CCNA Routing and Switching, Cisco CCNA Security, CNSS 4011 (Information Systems Security (INFOSEC) Professional) , CompTIA Linux+, CompTIA A+, and CRLA Level I tutor.

I have completed the coursework for the VMware class at EMCC's VMware Academy as well as the Cisco security class as South Mountain Community College (SMCC).

I have worked in many different environments, such as residences, professional offices (law, doctor, dentist), corporate offices (real estate management, internet companies), commercial offices (trucking companies, foundries, mechanic's shops), educational facilities (school district classrooms and offices, tutoring companies), and governmental offices (city offices, police stations, fire stations).

Currently, I am residential faculty member at EMCC, where I teach Red Hat Linux and lead the Red Hat Academy program. Previously, I was adjunct faculty for the Maricopa Community College District (MCCCD), teaching all Cisco CCNA level and entry-level Linux courses. I was also the Learning Associate for SMCC where I was responsible for all the of the lab equipment that is used with and for students. This included Cisco routers, switches, ASAs and access servers, Microsoft servers and desktop clients - both hardware based and virtualized, virtualized Linux servers, the lab's network infrastructure, VMware hosts and virtual machines, domain controllers, a TACACS+ server, and more.

I have also had the pleasure of being an instructor at both the Alameda, CA and Pleasanton, CA Adult Schools where I taught "Troubleshooting, Maintaining, and Repairing Computers" classes. I have also taught, as a volunteer, a youth-oriented class at the Castro Valley, CA Library called "Computer Guts", where I used interactive and hands-on techniques to acquaint youths with the components that make up computers.

I short, I love making things work. I am always interested as to the why and how things work so that I can make them work better.

However, my greatest passion is educating others. Since joining MCCCD in 2012, I have had the privilege of helping students learn about technology. Many have my students have gone on to earn professional certifications of their own. Others have become instructors as well. Others have competed in international technology competitions. I have found no greater satisfaction than that of helping people learn.

I am also quite proficient in areas that are not strictly limited to being a computer rsupport technician or network administrator, such as:

• Integrating computers and networks with home audio and video equipment -- AV receivers, flat panel displays, DVD/Blu-ray players, gaming systems, iPod docking stations, etc.
• Installation of internet capable CCTV and DVRs for video monitor of sites.
• Installation and configuration of SONOS distributed audio systems; including integration with PCs, Macs, external hard drives (for music storage), and networks.
• Programming of the Elan whole house distributed audio/video system.
• Installation of programming of the Philips' and Marantz's line of universal touch screen remote controls, both in infra-red and radio frequency modes.

Thank you very much for reading this, and thank you for your consideration!

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Degrees: (click on image to view full sized)
Associates in Applied Science Networking Technology: Cisco with highest distinction	Associates in Applied Science Linux Networking Administration with highest distinction

Professional Certifications: (click on image to view full sized)
Red Hat Certified System Administrator		Cisco Certified Network Associate - Routing and Switching
Cisco Certified Network Associate - Security		Information Systems Security Professional recognition NSA / CNSS 4011
CompTIA Linux+		CompTIA A+
Cisco Certified Entry Network Technician		College Reading & Learning Association Certified Tutor, Level I

Certificates, Honors, and Awards: (click on image to view full sized)
Certificate of Completion: Networking Administration: Cisco		Certificate of Completion: Networking Technology: Cisco
Certificate of Completion: Linux Associate	Certificate of Completion: Linux Professional	Certificate of Completion: Linux Networking Administration
Certificate of Completion (EMCC): IT Essentials: PC Hardware and Software (CompTIA A+ course)	Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society membership	EMCC's Networking Technology Institue Certificate of Appreciation - Promoting Student Success
SMCC / MCCCD Honors Program Certificate of Appreciation - For outstanding support	Interface Phoenix Certificate of Completion 3 credits - Computer Science	Arizona Technology Summit Certificate of Credit 6 Education Hours

Letters of recommendation: (click on image to view full sized)
Thomas Polliard, Cisco Instructor, "I have no doubt that given Tracy L. Baker's intellect, willingness to work as a team player, and diligence, he will be a valuable asset to any organization that he would join."	Sylvan Learning Centers, "Our employees have an education background, not an IT background, so when any problems occurred we always called Tracy, and he was able to solve our problems in a quick and efficient manner" - Bill Kramer, owner	Boys & Girls Club of Alameda, "Just as important, I would describe Tracy as a 'Techie' who speaks layman's English. By that I mean he has the ability to explain problems and proposes solutions that are easy to understand and evaluate, which facilitates our ability to make thoughtful decisions about our business." - George Phillips, executive director
Hidden Connections, Inc., "Tracy responded promptly and professionally to any request made of him. He contacted customers in a timely manner, and arrived at jobs on time as promised. His natural talent, training and skills he acquired through his employment at Hidden Connections should make him an asset to your company." - Josiah Lewis, president	Alameda Business Machines, "Tracy is extremely adept working with computers and networking systems. While working for me, he showed the rare talent of being able to troubleshoot problems and then affecting proper repairs in a timely manner." - Michael Woods, owner	Jean Collier Hurley, "I have the highest regard for his expertise in those areas [PC hardware and software] and for his availability when the need was urgent. ... I would give the highest recommendation for him and the services he provides."

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I made EMCC's President's Honor List every semester that I was a full-time student. (click on image to view full sized)
Fall 2012	Spring 2013	Fall 2013

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A few testimonials about the work I've done over the years:

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A few years ago I was involved with the renovation (server installation, wireless network set up, data tbackup and transfer, installation of new PCs and laptops etc.) of a home owned by a former CFO of a major internet company. When the job was finished, he presented various people with gifts. I received a very nice LED flashlight onto which my name and the phrase "Consultant Par Excellence" is engraved.

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(c) 2014 - 2016 - Tracy L. Baker