# Simon Travaglia

> New Zealand writer and IT professional

**Wikidata**: [Q1364311](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1364311)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simon_Travaglia)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/simon-travaglia

## Summary
Simon Travaglia is a New Zealand writer and IT professional, best known for creating the satirical IT manual *Bastard Operator From Hell*. He was also a computer scientist and system administrator, with experience at the University of Waikato and *The Register*.

## Biography
- Born: November 1, 1964, in Hamilton, New Zealand
- Nationality: New Zealand
- Education: University of Waikato (1985)
- Known for: Author of *Bastard Operator From Hell*, a humorous guide to IT operations
- Employer(s): *The Register* (1999–present), University of Waikato (1985–1992)
- Field(s): Computer science, system administration

## Contributions
Simon Travaglia is best known for *Bastard Operator From Hell*, a satirical manual published in 1997 that humorously documented the challenges of IT operations. The book became a cult classic, offering practical advice and dark humor about system administration. His work reflects his background as a computer scientist and system administrator, blending technical expertise with wit. He also contributed to *The Register*, a tech news website, where he shared insights into the IT industry.

## FAQs
### Q: What is *Bastard Operator From Hell* about?
A: *Bastard Operator From Hell* is a satirical guide to IT operations, written by Simon Travaglia. It humorously documents the frustrations and challenges of system administration, offering practical advice and dark humor.

### Q: Where did Simon Travaglia work before *The Register*?
A: Simon Travaglia worked at the University of Waikato from 1985 to 1992 before joining *The Register* in 1999.

### Q: Is *Bastard Operator From Hell* still relevant today?
A: Yes, the book remains relevant as it humorously captures timeless IT operational challenges, making it a nostalgic and practical read for both beginners and experienced professionals.

### Q: What other notable works has Simon Travaglia published?
A: While *Bastard Operator From Hell* is his most well-known work, Simon Travaglia has also contributed to *The Register* and other IT publications.

### Q: Where is Simon Travaglia based today?
A: Simon Travaglia resides in Hautapu, New Zealand.

## Why They Matter
Simon Travaglia’s *Bastard Operator From Hell* has left a lasting impact on the IT community by providing a humorous yet insightful perspective on system administration. The book’s blend of technical advice and dark humor has made it a staple in IT circles, influencing generations of professionals. His work at *The Register* further cemented his reputation as a voice in the tech industry, offering both entertainment and practical insights. Travaglia’s contributions highlight the intersection of humor and technical expertise, making him a notable figure in IT literature.

## Notable For
- Author of *Bastard Operator From Hell*, a satirical IT operations manual published in 1997.
- Contributed to *The Register*, a leading tech news website, since 1999.
- Former computer scientist and system administrator at the University of Waikato (1985–1992).
- Known for blending technical expertise with humor in his writing.

## Body
### Early Career
Simon Travaglia began his career as a computer scientist and system administrator at the University of Waikato, where he worked from 1985 to 1992. His technical background provided the foundation for his later writing.

### *Bastard Operator From Hell*
In 1997, Travaglia published *Bastard Operator From Hell*, a satirical manual that became a cult classic. The book humorously documented the frustrations of IT operations, offering practical advice and dark humor. Its success cemented his reputation as a writer who could bridge the gap between technical expertise and entertainment.

### Later Work
After leaving the University of Waikato, Travaglia joined *The Register* in 1999, where he contributed to the tech news website. His work there further solidified his influence in the IT community.

### Legacy
Travaglia’s contributions to IT literature and journalism have made him a notable figure. His ability to communicate complex technical concepts in an engaging and humorous way continues to resonate with professionals in the field.

## References

1. [BOFH ARCHIVE](http://www.bofharchive.com/#contact)
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013