User:Chanchito

Welcome ! / Bienvenidos ! / Benvenuti !


I am Mario Juliano Grande Balletta. I am currently residing in Rhode Island, in the United States. I am an Italo-Argentine.

I have been involved with open source technologies since the 1990's. I do not use commercial software or vendor based software on any of my business and home systems. I founded the first open source use group here in Rhode Island at Roger Williams University.

I work in the technology industry as Principal Infrastructure Engineer for an international organization providing real and virtualized gaming, transaction, reporting and database systems on a variety of platforms and networks.

I have also taught technology classes and certification courses at several institutions and given lectures/discources to crowds numbering into the thousands. I have traveled and worked at over 200 cities in 60 countries. I hold several passports and multiple citizenship in the EU, AR, and the US.

Traveling internationally 6-9 months per year has many advantages and also occasional setbacks. For example, I have seen many famous places, but have also expired over a dozen certifications due to an aggressive work schedule.

Life, Fedora & Open Source


In my personal life, I am an aggressive advocate of open source technologies and promoting a community driven lifestyle, sharing and working together with friends both for business, education and professional development.

The four foundations of the Fedora Project are special and interwoven together, and thus all are part of the whole and yet, they each express different aspects. For me, the most important foundation is "FRIENDS" ! The community is the most powerful aspect of the Fedora Project and this is the most vital feature.

My very first FUDCON in Blacksburg, VA was an awesome event! I met so many new friends and enjoyed a wonderful time amongst everyone. I hope to join many trips and meet many more of you in person. I am planning to host a release event in time for Fedora 17, here in the northeastern corner of the USA.

Please join us for the Northeast Linux Fest on March 17, 2012 at Worcester State University. The details can be found on the event homepage: see northeastlinuxfest.org

I will also be attending and assisting at the Texas Linux Fest in Austin, Texas in April 2012.

Nothing is possible without working together, collaborating and organizing in unity trying to achieve goals. It is this foundation that means the most to me, especially since I am a former U.S. Marine, the team work and spirit that collects everyone's desires and efforts and beliefs is the glue that bonds everything together, and that motivates me like adrenaline! That is what "friends" means to me.

I look forward to meeting you someday and working with you to publish Fedora to rest of the world!

MJGB