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Random facts about me - 2025-04-05 (last update: 2025-04-13)

Learning Python

The first programming language I learned was Python. I learnt it myself from Gérard Swinnen's book to write automated tests for a pirate-themed board game I had invented (graphics made with Inkscape and GIMP).

Although the development was stuck at ~87% completion and never finished, Python and automated testing became my speciality and paved my career.

A pirate themed board game's board. There are over-the-top images of ships on the sides. On the middle there is a square shaped board with 45 fields. The background is a map of the Caribbean Sea. Some cities are marked with red X on the map: Curacao, Tortuga, Port Royal, Havanna and Martinique.

Learning Linux

I learned the basics of Linux just to satisfy my curiosity at the age of 11 on a weekly workshop. Who would have thought that I would be working with Linux servers, and one day having Linux on my PC would feel more natural than using Windows.

My 11-year-old self would have been amazed at the vision of smartphones, Raspberries, k8s clouds and SteamDeck consoles.

Though I worry a lot about technology being misused, it's refreshing to remember how inspiring technology is.

My first PC

The first computer I used regularly was an i286 running DOS. It had a black and white display and a large 5.25" floppy drive. On one of my floppies, I had 12-20 games like Alley Cat, Battle Chess, DigDug and Pac-Man clones. My favourite was Space Commanders II. I was 4 or 5.

Screenshot of the game Space Commanders II featuring the player's spacecraft and multiple lines of space invaders.

MSN Messenger

I miss MSN Messenger. It wasn't so bad being online only occasionally. And Solitaire Showdown was great too. I liked the simplicity and the graphics too. Seems I wasn't the only one who loved it. I've just come across a remake project: T1mmos/cards2.0.

Screenshot of the original Solitaire Showdown game.