The Blackburn Digest

The “personal computer” age started fairly early in the Blackburn household; Radio Shack introduced their TRS 80 in the late 1970’s, and DH adopted one in 1977-1978. Several upgrades later, DD adopted one of his retired computers (a Packard Bell, I think), and industriously launched what became one of the longest operating local BB’s (Bulletin Boards…… pre-Internet, verrrrrry sloooow connection on dial-up modems….if you remember BB’s, you’re over 30!). Not long after, DS adopted another computer from the ’stock-pile’ in the loft, and began teaching it new graphics tricks. There were now three lovable “geeks” in the my household. . .each adding to the ever-growing collection of cast-off motherboards, monitors and cable tangles in the stash as they upgraded to newer, more powerful systems! Meanwhile, other than a rudimentary grasp of the terminology (gained simply by osmosis), I remained computer-illiterate; my function was to identify creative ways to fund the new systems and peripherals constantly appearing on Wish Lists Learning to use a PC was waaaay down my personal to-do list! Well, think about it: there was a huge Embarrassment Factor involved in trying to master the mysteries of computer operation while surrounded by three in-house experts! Yikes!