Use of computer

What do I use a computer for?

Back in 1982, I was introduced to an Apple II. Had to program the thing with a programming language called BASIC. If you did it wrong, you were presented with a massive helpfile, containing the immortal words:

Syntax error
Ok

But Ok it was up to a point. Then came a wordprocessor called Displaywrite 3.0. You had to load it from a 5" floppy disk, and floppy it was. If you wanted to see a carriage return (something the railways would prefer) or a line feed (something they do to you if you're very ill), using all sorts of wild and wonderful symbols, such as ╗.

The first userfriendly word processor was called WordPerfect 4.2, and it was an eye opener. You could actually CHANGE something you had typed, and using the helpfile I taught myself WP 4.2. I used the successor, WP 5.0, for years.

Then came an early precursor to Microsoft Office: Ability. Not a Microsoft product, but it was a package, containing a spreadsheet, word processor and more. Bit cumbersome, but it helped me to write various bits and pieces at university.

Not much changed since the 80s, I still use a word processor and a spreadsheet, with occasional databases. Forgot to mention good old dBase III, which was a laff a minute, e.g.  disp all .for. you=mad .and. i=sane.

The Internet came on the scene for me early in 2000, as I was doing research for an MSc thesis, which is currently gathering dust. And I never looked back. I primarily use the computer for emails, IMs and gathering info. If I look out of my window, I see the entrance to Stornoway Harbour. I can find out information on any ship that comes in within seconds. I can see the weather in Cabo San Lucas, Baja California, instantaneously. And two seconds later at Sasebo, Japan. Better than that, I can converse in real-time with people the world over. Isn't the Internet MARVELLOUS!!!

Apart from that, I also keep my pictures on here, thanks to the advent of digital cameras and the like.