I started out on my own as “3D Computer Services” in 2001 after leaving my position as a software engineer in Nortel Networks. After completing my degree in Electrical & Electronic Engineering at Queen’s University and working for both BT and Nortel here in Belfast, I realised that the ‘Big Company’ environment was not for me and I decided to become self-employed. 22 years later, with a large client base of repeat customers and frequent word-of-mouth referrals, it’s nice to know we must be doing something right!"
David McCauley, Proprietor.
David McCauley, Proprietor.
David has been “into” computers since he was first introduced to a BBC Microcomputer when he was about 8 years old, in primary school. Not long after his parents bought him a second-hand ZX Spectrum (the one with the rubber keys!) and that was that. David knew from this early age that he wanted to work with computers. Student jobs (packing eggs, bartending and cleaning) aside, he has always worked with computers – First in BT, then Nortel Networks and since 2001 in his own business, 3D Computer Services – at the same address in Newtownards for the last 18 years.
David is fascinated by the tumultuous history of the personal computer – the many companies that have come and gone – the innovations that never made it, the quirks of design fate that are still with us decades later, and he has amassed a large collection of classic machines dating from 1977 until the late 1990s – each one with an interesting history about how they came into production, the company behind it and how it did (or didn’t) impact on the machines we use today.
David is fascinated by the tumultuous history of the personal computer – the many companies that have come and gone – the innovations that never made it, the quirks of design fate that are still with us decades later, and he has amassed a large collection of classic machines dating from 1977 until the late 1990s – each one with an interesting history about how they came into production, the company behind it and how it did (or didn’t) impact on the machines we use today.
When he’s not doing something with computers – modern or classic – David is often off adventuring outdoors in his campervan with Margot, his big, black Newfoundland Dog. They can be regularly found climbing a mountain, or bobbing about in cold water somewhere - David is a strong believer of the transformative power of Yoga, mindfulness, meditation, 5 Rhythms conscious dance and other embodiment practices and is currently studying to be able to offer coaching to others.
In 2006 David discovered his Cholesterol was very high due to a genetic condition called Familial Hypercholesterolaemia – thought to affect as many as 1 in 250 people – it runs in families. While David’s high cholesterol was quickly brought down to manageable levels, the damage was done – and in 2020 he was fitted with a stent in his right coronary artery.
A very lucky escape, as David had no symptoms at this stage – in fact during the few years beforehand he had lost about 30kg (5 stone), stopped drinking alcohol entirely and had been running marathons…. the key takeaway here being that no matter how healthy a lifestyle you lead, or how fit you are – know your cholesterol – FH can affect anyone!
As part of his stent recovery journey, David set himself a challenge for 2021 – completing the Mourne Seven Sevens challenge (9 peaks total, 7 over 700m, about 18 miles in around 11 hours) and also the Belfast and London Marathons – in total Raising over £5500 for The British Heart Foundation, Thanks in no small part to the generosity of his customers, Family and Friends.
David was also asked to become the NI Ambassador for Heart UK.
|
|