The Spotlight is on Curt Simmons. Mr. Simmons wrote some of our Microsoft Windows XP Professional questions.

RN: Please tell us a little about yourself.

SIMMONS: My name is Curt Simmons, and I am a freelance writer and technical trainer. I was formerly a lead Microsoft trainer at a technical training company in Dallas. I began writing computers books as a sideline business, and a few years ago, I became a full-time freelancer. I began my career teaching high school students - I have a B.A. in English and communications studies and a master's in Education. After that, corporate America snatched me up and I've been doing technical work ever since. I'm a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE), a Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA), and a Certified Technical Trainer (CTT). I live in a small town outside of Dallas with my wife and my two daughter. www.curtsimmons.com

RN: What interested you in writing ReviewNet tests?

SIMMONS: At a company where I formerly worked, I was involved in a mass hiring of about 500 Microsoft support engineers. It was a grueling process that taught me a lot about asking the right questions. When I first came in contact with Reviewnet, I knew it was a great way to screen candidates and I wanted to be involved. I also enjoy writing questions.

RN:What did you enjoy most about writing your Microsoft Windows XP Professional test?

SIMMONS: I like mixing the hands-on kind of questions with technical knowledge. Many of the questions I have written require you to "get your hands dirty." I believe that is the best way you learn, and I try to use questions that put you in a situation that you have to solve.

RN: How did you first get involved in writing technical books?

SIMMONS: I had a writing background before ever moving into the ITenvironment, and I wanted to do some writing about operating systems. I got in contact with an agent who specializes in technical books and started doing some editorial work. This led to my first book contract - and the rest is history as they say.

RN: Tell us about your latest book.

SIMMONS: I write seven to eight books a year, so there is always one about to be released. At this time, my new book is Windows XP Networking Inside Out, which is about to be released by Microsoft Press. This book was a lot of fun to write because it combines networking with a lot of good hands-on stuff.

RN: How do you keep up with changing technologies and the latest trends in the IT industry?

SIMMONS: This is challenge for any IT professional, it really means that you have to be constantly learning. I read a lot and am a member of several beta programs, so I'm always tinkering with the next new thing that is on the way. I like the learning curve, though, it keeps me challenged.

RN: What advice would you give to someone learning your discipline? Are there significant barriers to learning about this subject?

SIMMONS: I would say you have to work hard and be a self-driven learner. Read a lot and work on computers a lot. Try to combine hands on learning with book learning and you'll make it. IT is a great career to be in, but it is a lot of work, and the more self motivated you are, the more success you'll have.

RN: What do you do besides technical work?

SIMMONS: I believe in trying to live a balanced life, so aside from training, writing books, and learning about new products, I spend most of my time with my family. I do a lot of work with my church, and my wife and I own a 102 year old historical home which requires our constant attention. My first novel is about to be released as well. Visit me at my Web site to learn more!