About Me

My name's Steve, A.K.A TechXero/DarkXero, and I am a 45 year old Tech fanatic from Lebanon. I love technology, mainly Computer Hardware/Software, smartphones, and some web-design. I also love many music genres, like all types of Electronic mostly anything with hard bass, classic 80's, Heavy Metal, Country, among others.

Music

Films

Films too, especially Art Films by famous Directors like Lars Von Trier, Tarkovsky, Kubrick, Francis Ford Coppola, George Lucas and others. Don't get me wrong, I do like some of the commercial movies coming out today, but not all. These days they tend to do remakes rather than come up with new stuff...

Platforms

iOS and Android

I am an avid iOS user when it comes to smartphones. I did use Android for 5 years, was happy on it for a while, I moved to iOS and have been a happy man ever since. However, it's not to say that I will stick with it for good, who knows what the future holds? I might go back to Android... I use both in parallel now to see where I will land...

In essence, I am a Multi-User — I don't stick to one platform, I like to dabble in all of them. I currently use iOS and Android for smartphones, macOS, Windows and Linux for desktop.

Background

Apple

Landed a job at Apple in 2019 in Ireland. But it didn't last long unfortunately. At least I can say that I have worked for that company LoL...

Cork, Ireland · 2019

Freelance

Freelance Technical Support specialist — I help people with their tech problems from time to time.

Lebanon · Ongoing
XeroLinux

I currently maintain my very own ArchLinux Distro XeroLinux. An innovative Arch-based distribution designed to demystify the installation process while preserving user-driven customization.

Interests

Music

  • Electronic / Hard Bass
  • 80's Classics
  • Heavy Metal
  • Country

Film

  • Lars Von Trier
  • Andrei Tarkovsky
  • Stanley Kubrick
  • Francis Ford Coppola
  • George Lucas

Platforms

  • macOS
  • Windows 11
  • Linux (XeroLinux)
  • iOS / iPhone
  • Android

Passions

  • Hardware Tinkering
  • Web Design
  • Open Source
  • Multi-Platform Workflows

Tech Specs

For the full specs of all machines, head over to xerolinux.xyz/gear.

StationXero // Daily Driver
StationXero Setup
GPU AMD RX 7800XT
CPU AMD Ryzen 9 5950X
OS XeroLinux + Windows 11
DE/Session KDE Plasma Wayland
Phone iPhone (iOS) + Android

Curriculum Vitae

PDF

Stéphane CHAANINE

Nationality: Greek — Beit-Meri, Mont-Liban, Le Nord Metn

[email protected] · +961-3-741446

Professional Experience

Apple EU HQ

Cork, Ireland

2019 – 2020

Siri Machine Learning / A.I / Transcription

Transcriber on the French Siri Team & Machine Learning / A.I Specialist

  • Fixing Siri responses, making sure they are correct
  • Geo Tagging when needed
  • Reporting Malicious Requests

iStyle Computers L.L.C

Apple Authorized Official Reseller

2015 – 2019

Confirmed Seller — Apple Products & Support

Dubai Mall (UAE) 2015–2018 | City Center Beirut (Lebanon) 2018–2019. Max monthly individual turnover: $150K.

  • Promote Apple Services, including sale of computer hardware and mobile phones
  • Provide personalized advice for customers on different Apple products
  • Present new Apple products and commercial operations in-store
  • Implement actions for specific events (Back to School, Black Friday, etc.)
  • Build customer loyalty and support Apple Care setup
  • IT support management and software diagnostics
  • Stock management, customer receipts, and store accounts

Unilog Lebanon

Beirut, Lebanon

2010 – 2015

Junior IT Support Technician

Support and technical assistance of the customer Régie Lebanon.

  • Ensure proper functioning of hardware and software during Unilog's mission with Régie Lebanon
  • Perform on-site troubleshooting

Independent IT Freelancer

Beirut, Lebanon

2003 – 2009

IT Support Technician

IT Freelancer for individuals and professionals.

  • Set up computer software and repair computer hardware
  • Implement domestic computer networks in homes
  • Create websites and forums for individuals
  • Computer maintenance in PC / Mac environments, backup and restore data

Education

Louis Massignon French High School

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

1998

Baccalaureate level

Languages

English

Bilingual

French

Bilingual

Classical Arabic

Read, Write, Speak fluently

Lebanese

Mother tongue

Technical Skills

  • Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android
  • Repair / Diagnostics PC & Mac
  • Diagnosing all software problems (PC/Mac)
  • Diagnosing and repairing most PC hardware problems
  • Building any type of PC for all occasions (Gaming / Animation 2D or 3D, etc.)

My Story

YouTube Channel — IRL Updates

I created a brand new YouTube Channel where I upload IRL Updates — real, unfiltered moments from my life. Making that first video was incredibly challenging. It wasn't just about hitting the record button, it was about opening up and talking about some uncomfortable, deeply personal subjects. In doing so, I really laid myself bare, exposing parts of my story that I don't usually share.

This channel is more than just a place for videos; it's a space where I hope to connect on a genuine level, to be vulnerable, and to explore life's ups and downs with all of you.

Living in Lebanon has been incredibly difficult, especially in recent years. I used to work for Apple in Ireland, but even then, I struggled with depression and financial difficulties because of the high cost of living. After the Beirut port explosion, I tried to take leave to support my family, but that was a challenge in itself.

I remember hearing the explosion live as I was on the phone with my father — it was a terrifying and traumatic moment. Eventually, I returned home despite the currency devaluation, which wiped out more than 90% of the Lebanese pound's value and cut salaries drastically. Finding work locally has been almost impossible despite my experience, and everyday life has only gotten harder.

Through every hardship, I hold onto the belief that persistence and honesty can pave the way for better days. My journey is far from over, and every small step forward is a victory worth celebrating. I am grateful for the support I have received so far and hopeful for the future — that creativity, community, and courage can thrive even in the toughest circumstances.

The Vault

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Contact

Want to get in touch? Whether it's about tech, a collaboration, or just to say hello — feel free to reach out.

[email protected]
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