Connected Digital World (CDW) was created back in the distant past of 2007 and focused primarily on Windows Home Server. Since then, it has grown to include Windows Home Server, Windows Media Center, Apple products, Small Business Server, toys, games, gadgets and basically anything in the Connected Digital World.

CDW actually started life as Using Windows Home Server (UWHS) but grew to be a lot more than Windows Home Server, so we changed the name!

We are always on the look out for new writers, articles, ideas, etc. for CDW, so if you are interested in joining the team, want us to cover something, or just want to say hi, drop us an email by clicking on the Contact Us link on the top of any page.

Who Are the CDW Team?

ANDREW EDNEY has been an IT professional for more than 15 years and has over the course of his career worked for a range of high-tech companies, such as Microsoft, Hewlett-Packard, and Fujitsu Services. He has a wide range of experience in virtually all aspects of Microsoft’s computing solutions, having designed and architected large enterprise solutions for government and private-sector customers.

Andrew spends all his time now writing for CDW and writing tech books, and frankly he enjoys it!

Over the years, Andrew has made a number of guest appearances at major industry events, presenting on a wide range of information systems subjects, such as an appearance at the annual Microsoft Exchange Conference in Nice where he addressed the Microsoft technical community on mobility computing. Andrew is currently involved in numerous Microsoft beta programs, including next-generation Windows operating systems and next-generation Microsoft Office products, and he actively participates in all Windows Media Center beta programs and was, and still is heavily involved in the Windows Home Server beta program.

Andrew is honoured to be a Microsoft MVP for Windows Home Server for the 4th year running.

Andrew also has a number of qualifications, including an MSc in Network Technologies and Management, he is an MCSE and has numerous MCPs, he is also a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and a Certified Ethical Hacker. He is also honoured to be a Fellow of the British Computer Society.

In addition, Andrew has written a number of books on topics such as Windows Home Server, Windows Media Center, Live Communications Server, PowerPoint 2007, networks, Windows Vista, Windows 7 and the Xbox 360. These include The Windows Home Server User’s Guide (Apress, 2007), Pro LCS: Live Communications Server Administration (Apress, 2007), Getting More from Your Microsoft Xbox 360 (Bernard Babani, 2006), How to Set Up Your Home or Small Business Network (Bernard Babani, 2006), Using Microsoft Windows XP Media Center 2005 (Bernard Babani, 2006), Windows Vista: An Ultimate Guide (Bernard Babani, 2007), PowerPoint 2007 in Easy Steps (Computer Step, 2007), Windows Vista Media Center in Easy Steps (Computer Step, 2007), Using Ubuntu Linux (Bernard Babani, 2007), PowerPoint 2010 in Easy Steps (Computer Step, 2010), NetBooks in Easy Steps (Computer Step, 2010), Windows 7 Tweaks, Tips and Tricks (Bernard Babani, 2009), An Introduction to the MacBook (Bernard Babani, 2011), An Introduction to the iPad 2 (Bernard Babani, 2011) and Working with Windows Small Business Server 2011 Essentials (MS Press 2011).

Andrew also co-hosts The Digital Lifestyle Show podcast with Ian Dixon and Garry Whittiker.

Andrew also blogs for the Huffington Post.

JIM MCCARTHY is a licensed CPA with over 20 years of experience, ranging from public accounting, internal audit, mergers and acquisitions analysis and support, and corporate accounting. He’s currently in corporate practice with a manufacturing company based in Illinois. Jim has also been involved with three SAP implementations, including one where he ran the Business Intelligence team. He holds a BSBA (Accounting) degree from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio and an MBA in Banking/Finance from the Weatherhead School at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. Jim is a native of the Cleveland, Ohio area and is a huge Cleveland Indians fan. He currently runs an EX475 and a WHS2011 VM on his HP HPE 390 Pavilion Elite.

TIMOTHY DALEO is a Project Resource Analyst and Oracle Applications Trainer for the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California. In addition to financial analysis, Tim has been developing training materials since 2003 and supporting direct projects through various auxiliary databases since 2005. Tim’s background is in finance with an MBA from the University of Redlands and a Communications degree from California State Fullerton. Tim currently runs an EX485, EX470, LX195, three OEM WHS and a VAIL test server.

Tim is honoured to be a Microsoft MVP for Windows Home Server.

Tim also co-hosts the BYOB podcast with Michael Martis and Michael Faucher (commonly referred to by Tim as “the Michaels”).

JOHN KELLAR is a certified is both Comptia Security + (2008 edition) certified and a MCP (Microsoft Certified Professional) on Both Windows XP & Server 2003 Administration who currently works as an Windows System Administrator for Northrop Grumman in the Greater Los Angeles Area. He has been an avid fan and follower of Windows Home Server since Mid 2009 with Version 1 and is currently try to exploit the full potential of Windows Home Server 2011 and it’s Small Business counterpart Small Business Server 2011 Essentials. When not being a Nerd and a Geek he likes watch Movies, Read Comic Books, and most importantly spend time with his family.