GirlGeek of the Week
February 2000

Elaine Chandler

I became interested in computers while I was in high school in the 1970's. I did not pursue a career in computers at that time because I decided to get married. I always kept an interest in computers though. In 1985, I bought my first computer (TRS-80 model 4). I really thought I had something there. I taught myself some basic programming and spreadsheets. In 1992 I decided to go back to school after 18 years and began studying computers and operating systems. Before I knew it, the little 286 that I had wasn't enough. I couldn't afford a new computer, so I bought the parts, piece by piece and proceeded to build my own. I thought it was the greatest thing to be able to put the pieces together and make them work.

While I was in my last year at Dyersburg State Community College, I needed to do 120 FREE hours of work in the area of my degree. I went to work for a small local computer store. The first job I did was move a computer from a mini tower case to a desktop case. After that I just continued working for the same little store. Eventually I began making the service calls to the customers with problems. I was so comfortable in the DOS and Windows environment that my boss thought I was a natural. I don't think that I am a natural, I just know how to find what I am looking for and what seems to be logical when a problem arises.

When did you first discover your love and/or obsession with computers and technology?

I suppose I first discovered my love or obsession for computers while sitting (sleeping) through a business class in college. I realized that I really hated business and that I loved my programming and computer classes. When something was wrong on my machine at home or one of the machines at work, I HAD to figure it out. I just could not walk away unless I knew why it didn't work like it was supposed to.

How do you earn a living?

I am currently the service manager for Electronic Communication Systems, LLC and ECSIS.NET in Dyersburg, TN.

Do you consider yourself a Geek?

I don't consider myself a geek. Some do because they might ask a question and I just pop off some answer and most times it is correct. I do not know how I do this, I just think that I heard it somewhere and it falls out of my mouth when the time is right. I use very simple terms when I talk to people so that they understand what I am telling them.

What is your favorite Website?

I don't really have a favorite, but there are a couple that I check every day, www.ecsis.net, www.freelotto.com, www.bingozone.com and www.nonprofit.net.

What do you do when you are not working?

When I am not working, I am a partner in a small web design company, where I do a lot of web pages for clients. I also love genealogy, I have a 26,000 name database online that I maintain along with the rest of my Website. I also love to camp, play bingo, and watch movies (about computers and the future). I have 3 children and 1 grandchild that I love to spend time with when I am not working. I want to thank my daughter for nominating me for this honor.