Marcus W. Brooks



Austin, Texas, USA

Last update: 20 March 2007


Profile

Versatile Technical Writer with over 17 years experience using many publishing tools and operating systems. Skilled at turning rough source material into clear, concise text. Wide-ranging technical background, including over 25 years of hands-on experience with computer hardware and software at all levels, from programmable logic to system administration. Thrives as a go-to person, helping coworkers and customers solve problems and achieve their goals.

Employment

Webster Techwriters, Santa Cruz, CA, October 2006-March 2007

For a customer in Austin, TX, wrote HTML online helps for a new online shipping service and revised helps for an existing service. Wrote and illustrated a printed Getting Started booklet with hardware and software setup instructions and a troubleshooting guide for the new service.

Various Customers, December 2003-August 2006

As freelance technical writer, completed projects for various customers. Wrote and revised embedded CPU and development tool manuals, online FAQs, application notes, specifications, and related documents for 8- and 16-bit microcontrollers. Wrote a software implementation guide and functional specification for image processing applications based on a Photoshop expert's standard procedures. Wrote technical papers based on PowerPoint presentations describing CMOS process experiments with new gate stack materials.

Apple Computer, Austin, TX, July 2003-May 2004

As contract AppleCare Frontline Agent (through Adecco), provided telephone technical support for Apple Macintosh computers running Mac OS 9 and Mac OS X. Provided supplemental E-mail support for a web-based service following the rollout of a new offering.

Advanced Micro Devices, Austin, TX, 1997-2003

As Senior Technical Writer (beginning in 2000), wrote data sheets, specifications, and related documentation for processors, chipset devices, and reference design platforms. Developed and maintained FrameMaker and Word templates. Assisted coworkers with questions about software tools and documentation process.

As Contract Technical Writer (through Volt Services Group), wrote data, programming, and user documentation for embedded microcontrollers and related hardware.

C&T Consulting Group, Inc., Austin, TX, 1997

Wrote task-oriented procedures for using configuration and change management software in the client's development environment.

A.R.I.S.E. International, Austin, TX, 1996-1997

At TN Technologies in Round Rock, wrote user-level installation and operation manuals for nuclear gauges used to measure material density and tank levels in industrial applications. Developed content based on engineering documents and access to engineers and prototypes.

XXCAL, INC., Austin, TX, 1995-1996

At IBM Austin, led a team documenting integrated client and server products. Produced online helps, online documentation, and hardcopy books on an aggressive schedule from diverse and often incomplete source material. Helped to resolve book production problems for manufacturing and translation centers and developed techniques for using an IBM helps tool. Later, worked on the IBM Developer Connection CD-ROM and edited the IBM Developer Connection News.

JANA Inc. Technical Communications, Austin, TX, 1990-1995

Developed and revised user, service, and reference documentation for computer hardware and software. Acted as sole writer or team leader, as required. Projects included documenting IBM RISC System/6000 and OEM AT clone hardware, as well as OS/2, Macintosh, and other LAN software and hardware. Performed system administration as needed for the site's AIX, Macintosh, and OS/2 systems. Helped answer technical and terminology-related questions for coworkers.

Warren, Gorham, & Lamont, New York, NY, 1990

Wrote and illustrated articles published in the September, November, and December issues of Macintosh Aided Design magazine. Topics were 3D modeling and a show report on Siggraph `90.

Byte by Byte Corporation, Austin, TX, 1987-1990

Wrote and illustrated documentation for Macintosh and Amiga 3D modeling, ray-tracing, and animation software. Created 3D models and animations for test, marketing, and training. Provided technical support and service for hardware and software products. Assisted in the design, programming, prototyping, testing, and production of hardware and software products.

Education and Background