Evolution of Computing and the Internet Through Personal Experience

In the vast landscape of technological advancements, the journey of how computers and the internet evolved is a powerful testament to human innovation and progress. This article shares a personal narrative of experiencing these technologies from early stages through to modern times.

Early Personal Computers

Looking back, the first meaningful introduction to computers and the internet for many of us came much later than the initial inventions. For instance, computers were first invented in the 1940s, and the internet in 1983. By the time I, a 1860s old, started my own journey with these technologies, they were well-established, albeit in a vastly different form. My initial encounter with a personal computer was the Altair 8800 in the late 1970s. This machine required an individual to manually assemble it, with only 4k of memory, minimal inputs, and even less outputs. Back then, the primary engagement with technology revolved around assembling and understanding how these machines worked from the ground up.

Evolution and Impact

The impact of early personal computers like the Altair 8800 was profound. It was the beginning of a journey that led to practical machines like the Radio Shack and KayPro models, and eventually the iconic Apple machines in the early 1980s. These machines made it possible to actually perform work on a computer, paving the way for the modern tech landscape we know today.

My First Computer: Commodore 64

One of the earliest personal computers that truly captured my attention was the Commodore 64, which I purchased in the early 1980s. This machine cost approximately 575 at a time when a household mortgage payment was around 181. The Commodore 64 featured 64 kB of RAM and required additional hardware like a hard drive and printer to function effectively. I primarily used it for word processing and relied on a big floppy disk to load the software. The Bank Street Writer word processing software took around 20 minutes to load, a process that repeated each time I needed to use the computer. After dinner dishes, I would return to find the software loaded, ready for me to write, print, and save my work manually.

Further Improvements

My journey with technology continued with an IBM PC in the early 1990s, which offered a significant upgrade in terms of memory and performance. This machine came with 450 kB of memory and ran on the OS.2.2 system with Windows 3.1. The move from the Commodore 64 to the IBM PC represented a monumental leap in terms of speed and capability. Despite the significant investment, it was worth it for the benefits it offered, including faster processing and a wider range of applications. During this period, I also began using the internet, albeit in its very early form. Dial-up was painfully slow, and pages took what felt like forever to load. However, the simplicity of the internet was refreshing compared to today's complex landscape.

Modern Computing and the Internet

Fast forward to today, and the evolution of computing and the internet is undeniable. The computers of today are far more powerful and accessible than ever before. My current laptop, for example, offers more processing power than I could have imagined a few decades ago, with a high-speed cable connection to the internet and WiFi throughout my home. Alongside these advancements, there are also new concerns, such as SPAM, hacking, and privacy issues. Yet, I'm grateful for having lived through this era of digital transformation. The journey from manual assembly to automated processes, from slow dial-up to high-speed internet, reflects the continuous progress and evolution of technology.

Conclusion

From the early days of personal computers to the internet, every generation has experienced technology through its own lens. The narrative of how computers and the internet have evolved is a reflection of human ingenuity and the relentless pursuit of innovation. My personal experience, from the Altair 8800 to modern-day computers, highlights the significant journey we've taken and the continued evolution of digital technology.