AT the tender age of 17, Alexander Anderson is just not your average kid. In fact, to describe him as a computer whiz would be something of an understatement.

Unperturbed by the complexities of computers and associated software, this teenaged phenomenon continues to baffle the minds of others around him with his truly remarkable ability.

The Saltus Grammar School student was first introduced to computers at the age of seven, and has already gained widespread recognition locally for programming web sites for politicians, lawyers, doctors and business companies.

"For as long as I can remember Jacques Cousteau was the person I most admired. I spent hours reviewing old , imagining being on one of his expeditions," he recalled.

"At the age of 12 I became a certified junior open water diver with sights on becoming a marine biologist. Then Saltus introduced their lap-top programme and my focus changed and I became totally consumed by computer technology."

And for Alexander, life just wouldn't be the same as he once knew it. For, by his own admission, computers would forever become an "intricate" part of his life.

"The more I learn about them, the more I am inspired and mesmerised. Anyone can learn how a computer works, it is when you mix the theory with practical and creative application that you develop a plan for the future. And I did that.

"I know how to fix them, take them apart and rebuild them and now I am learning how to develop programs on them at Saltus," he continued. Alexander successfully completed a course on web development at Saltus before venturing overseas to further his knowledge at Noble Desktop in New York. At the age of 15, the computer whiz kid not only began teaching others the pros and cons about computers, but incredibly, he created his very own company called G Tech (Generation Technology).

The company's motto is "one generation helping another" and its marketing objective is based on three concepts: teaching, web site development and reconditioning computers. "Teaching professionals such as lawyers, doctors and politicians who do not have the time or inclination to attend group classes to learn programs such as Internet Explorer, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel," he explained.

"With my knowledge of Dreamweaver, Homepage and Photoshop I work with charities and companies to compile and create web sites. I believe you must always give back and so I have developed an initiative with companies for them to help underprivileged children."

In essence, Alexander collects used computers from local companies, applies the necessary restoration work to them and then donates them to other children.

"They (local companies) donate old computers to G Tech and I in turn empty the hard drive, reinstall the basic programs ? including Encarta ? recondition the computers and then place them in the homes of children under 12," he said.

He added: "While I am constantly learning things in technology there is much more that I want to understand.

"Some people go to college and do not have a direction. When you are going to spend the rest of your adult life working, it is so much better if it is in an area that completely encompasses you.

"That is why I wish to study computer science with a focus on programming and networking."

Alexander intends to make his business a limited liability company when he turns 18 next January.

"My clients, which have included Air Canada, continue to be supportive of me. I have many ideas on how to expand and develop G Tech in the future but not until I go to university and have a firm grasp of all aspects of computer science."

Judging by Alexander's tremendous successes thus far, it's a safe bet to say this youngster is well on his way to reach great heights in his chosen field.