John Armington is an Assistant Scout Master with Troop 1776 in Marietta, GA.  He is wood badge trained (92-48 Owl) and keeps current all his BSA training.  In addition to serving on staff for the MeritBadge University every year since it began, hs also counsels Scouts for the Digital Technology, Camping, and Photography merit badges. 

I literally grew up with computers.  At age six I started hanging around Southern Computer Service, my Grandfather's company that did computer processing for businesses around the Dothan Alabama area (this was 1964).  I used to take home discarded parts and supplies with plans that someday I would build my own computer.  By Junior High School I was working there after school, running the computers and other equipment, and even doing a little programming.  When starting on my Computer Engineering degree at Auburn University, I quickly resumed my career by running and repairing the computers for Ampex's magnetic tape manufacturing plant, where I stayed for 17 years, keeping up with and implementing the latest computer technologies.  Sixteen years ago I moved to Atlanta to work for HP. 

I currently research and implement new server and storage technologies for the large data centers that HP Managed Services operates on behalf of its many large enterprise customers, finding new and innovative ways to apply technology to improve services and save time and money.

Many people today see the computer as a platform for entertainment and playing games.  Maybe so, but for me, computers have always been a fun way to earn a living.

It’s a Great Day for Scouting! 

John Armington MCSE, CISSP
Data Center Automation Engineering
Hewlett Packard Global Information Technology
Phone: +1 770-565-9453
Email: john.armington@gmail.com

Prerequisites for Computers Merit Badge:  By completing the following, you will help assure that you will leave the clinic on Saturday with a completed, signed blue card.  (be sure to bring your blue card with you)

1.     If you don't already have it, you should get a copy of the Computers Merit Badge booklet either from the Scout Store or from your Troop Library.  It is an easy and interesting read, so be sure to read it over.  Bring it with you to the clinic.

2.     Please download and print a copy of the Computers Merit Badge Worksheet at http://www.usscouts.org/mb/worksheets/Computers.doc or
http://www.usscouts.org/mb/worksheets/Computers.pdf

a.     Write your name and Troop or Crew number on page 1.

b.     Read carefully and thoughtfully all of the requirements and think about which ones you know about or have a special interest in.  Write down any information that you already know, and things you have already done.  This will save you time during the Merit Badge Clinic on Saturday and make it easier to share your knowledge with the class. 

c.     Bring the worksheet and your notes with you to the clinic on Saturday.

3.     For requirement number 1, ask your Parent, Scout Leader or Teacher about conversing with strangers on the internet via chat, e-mail, or online games, and why you should not give out personal information to people you don’t know. Write down what they say and be prepared to share it with the class. 

4.     Complete two of the items under requirement number 6, print the output and also put it on a CD or flash drive, and bring it with you to the class on Saturday.  Alternatively, you may e-mail it to yourself and access it online at the class. We'll pick a third one to do in class.  

5.     Pick and work on one of the items for requirement number 7, print any output AND also put it on a CD or flash drive, and bring it with you to the class on Saturday.  Or you may e-mail it to yourself and download it at the class. 

6.     Look at requirement number 9.   Think about why you chose the Computers Merit Badge.   Write down on your worksheet, three careers in the computer industry that interest you.  Find out what training or education is required for your favorite of these three.  Be prepared to discuss your choices with the class.  

I will have some old computers and parts for you to look at and do requirement number 4(a).  We have a lot to cover, so be prepared to work hard and learn.  I look forward to seeing you on Saturday at Merit Badge University.