Veterans Day in 1985 I purchased my first “true” computer, an IBM clone (as it was known at the time). I was advised I could purchase a hard drive later “when I was ready for it”. I did purchase one a short time later, a, at the time, massive 10 mg hard drive (mg, not gb). I actually used it until I skipped several generations to a “486” as it was known.
I actually purchased my first computer a “Vic 20” for $83 around Christmas of 1981. I had a lot of fun with it, and still have two Vic 20’s and a Commodore 64 stored away.
For some reason, I always seem to get my computers around holidays (although my recent ones and my iPad have been on “tax free holidays”!).
I bought my first laptop at Radio Shack on Christmas Eve, 1988, a nice Christmas present to to myself.
We bought our first Apple, an iMac G5, five years ago around Thanksgiving. It definitely changed the way I related to computers, especially when I discovered the “1 to 1” program at Apple Computers. It may not be for everyone, but it really hit a spot with me.
I have never felt I really use a computer to even a small amount of it’s true capacity. I enjoy working with the computer on web sites, photos, music etc., but it takes a lot of time. The Apple 1-1 program on “personal projects” is good, since I can work on a project with an “expert” nearby to help. Instead of just becoming frustrated, I can get assistance to get me past my blocking point.
I mentioned to someone the other day, I don’t have a problem with growing older as such, but I am really sorry computers like this weren’t around when I was a child and going to school!
My first experience with a computer was actually in the Air Force, where I worked with an IBM something, a big massive machine that we fed information on punch cards. In graduate school, i could use a central computer for some purposes, although it was an extremely complicated and limited process.
I watched computers develop. I recently read an biography about Steve Jobs and an autobiography by Steve Wozniak. It was fascinating how the personal computer developed.
When I read this I think about a teacher in high school who said “the individual person isn’t able to start a business anymore”. At the time I thought she was wrong, and obviously she was. Of course I always thought I would be one to make a fortune and I was wrong in that case, not that I found it really matters.
I am surprised at the lack of progress in other areas. For example, basically cars are the same as when they are invented. I remember when I was a child seeing an ad with a car driving itself and the passengers playing cards etc. as the car went down the road.
Also, I thought by the time was this age, I would be traveling by backpacks or some type of personal aircraft. I am vaguely disappointed that cars, houses, appliances etc. are basically the same as when I was a child, although there have been major advances in the basic design.
I can’t even imagine where we would be if other items in our life-cars, houses, appliances, etc. had advanced like the computer where we would be now.
Raining a slow cold rain out. I will start waiting for Spring flowers to appear!
