Technology Writer, Systems Architect & Builder
About Greg Weir
Writer, Builder and Founder
Greg Weir is a Canadian technology writer, systems architect, lifelong builder, and founder of Tartanleaf. His career spans early personal computing, internet infrastructure, software publishing, online systems, open-source hardware and software, amateur radio, home networking, and open-source Bitcoin-mining hardware.
He writes for intelligent non-specialists, explaining how systems work, what evidence matters, and where the limitations lie—without hype or condescension. His goal is not to make technology sound effortless, but to make it understandable enough that readers can make informed decisions for themselves.
Tartanleaf began as a software venture focused on monitoring internet systems. Over time, Greg found that the larger unmet need was not another stream of features, but trustworthy explanations. Books, interactive learning experiences, and open-source tools provide a durable way to explain the system, preserve the reasoning, and help people become more confident on their own.
Greg is the author of Smart Tech for Real People, a series of practical guides for everyday technology users. Home Networking, Digital Literacy, and Tech for Seniors are available now in paperback and Kindle. Scam Safety is available now in paperback and Kindle on Amazon. His published work also includes RadioBook and Bitcoin Mining with Bitaxe, while his open-source tools turn the same practical method into working software.
When he is not writing, coding, or building tools, you can find him on the air as VA1GW, experimenting with antennas and HF propagation, or exploring Cape Breton Island’s twisty roads on his Suzuki Hayabusa. He also plays guitar and Cape Breton–style fiddle.
Why Tartanleaf Exists
Technology advice tends to fail in two directions. Some of it is built to attract a click, sell a product, or manufacture urgency. Some is technically accurate but written as though every reader already speaks the language.
Tartanleaf exists between those extremes. It is an independent Canadian publisher and builder of practical technology books, interactive learning experiences, and open-source tools for intelligent people who want to understand the system in front of them.
The subjects range from home networking and digital literacy to amateur radio and open-source Bitcoin-mining hardware. The Tartanleaf Practical-Technology Method is consistent: define the purpose, observe before changing, confirm the evidence, make one controlled and reversible change at a time, verify the result, and preserve a recovery path. The aim is to make complex technology understandable without making the reader feel small.
Greg Weir’s books, method and profiles
For the complete publication record, see Books by Greg Weir. For the repeatable approach behind the books, tools and technical guidance, read The Tartanleaf Practical-Technology Method. For the editorial principles behind Tartanleaf books, articles, videos and tools, read Editorial Standards.
Find Greg online: Amazon Author · Goodreads · LinkedIn · GitHub · X · QRZ
Tartanleaf videos are published on the Tartanleaf YouTube channel.
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Explore Tartanleaf
Explore Greg’s published books and guides, including RadioBook and Bitcoin Mining with Bitaxe, browse the open-source tools, or read the latest articles. Smart Tech for Real People includes Home Networking, Digital Literacy, and Tech for Seniors, all available now in paperback and Kindle, plus Scam Safety, available now in paperback and Kindle on Amazon.
Journalists, reviewers, librarians and event organizers can use the Media and Reference Resources page for approved biographies, images, book records and attribution guidance.
Read the story behind the redesign: Introducing the New Tartanleaf Website & Blog.