About Me

I'm a student in the UK, studying computer science, mathematics, and physics. Though that's probably not the part you care about.

Programming

I'm pretty interested in programming, particuarly in systems level areas, but I enjoy a mix of stuff. I'm a contributor to various open-source projects, and have a few of my own. Here's a couple of those:

• tlockr, a (experimental) customisable screen locker for wlroots compositors. The main idea is that t uses user defined QML to render any password prompt.

• nlock, a stable alternative to tlockr that's in early stages. It's basically tlockr with my favourite theme built in, rendered with Cairo.

• tars, the static site generator that powers this website. It's written in Rust, and uses Jinja (or compatible at least) templates.

My favourite programming language is C, but again, I quite enjoy writing Rust, C++, and (somewhat suprisingly) Python too.

Operating System, Software Packages

I'm (naturally) a Linux user, but I'm impartial to BSD as well. I'm currently using Void Linux, mainly for its stable rolling-release nature, but also the simplicity. The Void package repository is also quite easy to contribute to, so most software is available, at least in my case. In the rare case where I can't find something, I normally resort to using Nix instead, which works suprisingly well.

Other things I use, and highly recommend:

• Kakoune for code editing, pairing quite nicely with sidetree

• zsh as my primary shell

• Sway window manager

• kitty terminal emulator

Systemetric

I am part of Hills Road Robotics (a.k.a. team Systemetric). Here's the GitHub organisation. Alongside my own projects, I am often building/maintaining others here.

As part of this, I help with RoboCon, a competition we run for GCSE students in the UK. Our team also competes in Student Robotics which I am involved in (at least in 2025).

You can find more stuff relating to my role in this in my blog where I may post updates occasionally.

Other

Given the name, this section is other stuff that doesn't fit nicely with any of the categories above.

• I enjoy modding Apple iPods, I've currently got a 6th-gen Classic with a 128 GB mSATA SSD, hoping to upgrade to SD at some point, and also a 1st-gen Mini, with a 32 GB CF card, running Rockbox.

• My favourite computer mouse is the Microsoft IntelliMouse Explorer 3.0.

• My favourite laptop is the HP EliteBook 8460p, it's probably the most reliable and repairable hardware I've ever used. I don't use it a great deal however, mainly due to its age.

• My favourite book series is easily Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. If you (somehow) haven't read it, then I highly recommend you do.

My GitHub username is OldUser101 and, as I say over there, you can pronounce my username in a few ways:

• "Old user one-oh-one"
• "Old user five"
• "Old user minus three"

Take your pick.