“The computer is a wonderful invention!”
If anybody said that to me years ago (about home computers),
they would have received a derisive sneer, along with my standard diatribe:
My father. a serious “computerholic” since the 90s, was constantly nagging me to get one. Much to his frustration, I resisted all of his entreaties and went happily about my business.
While visiting my parents in November 2008, (we lived 2000 miles apart), he blithely announced that he was giving me a computer for Christmas. I threw every argument at him that came to mind, including that it was too big to travel home with.
Ha! The joke was on me because he ordered a laptop and a printer on the internet, to be delivered straight to my front door, the day after I returned home. I had to admit, that was pretty cool!
Of course he added a little dig; told me it was time I came into the 21st century. This from an 81 year old man! Made me feel somewhat sheepish.
Okay then; where to begin? For the first few days, it stayed in the box. I kept looking at it and walking away, over and over again. Frankly, it scared me! Came the time when I had a couple of days off. No more excuses!
Well, guess what? It took me about 4 hours, but, I got it up and running all on my own, just by reading the instructions. Totally impressed with myself, I was!
Then came the internet hookup, which also went without a hitch.
All systems go!
The next couple of months were fascinating, trying to learn everything. Trial and error was my main method, still is, plus advice found on the net.
Kind of a fearless approach and there were some panicked moments when the computer refused to do what it was supposed to. All in all, I took to it like the proverbial “duck to water”.
My online habits changed completely after discovering a question and answer site, (MSN QnA), where people seemed to know each other and care about one another. Like real-world friendships!
Interesting concept… I ended up making some friends myself and visiting the site daily. How great is that, when you can meet people all over the world, without leaving your chair?
Since then, I have met two of them in person and the friendships flourished even more! I was also thrilled to reconnect with my best friend from high school, who lives in Italy now.
One coincidental meeting illustrates how computers have shrunk the world. I met a woman from Germany, (where I was born), who, as a child, had been a patient of my grandfather’s, (a dentist).
She still lives in that area and sent me some photos of the old neighbourhood. Both of us were completely amazed by this turn of events and arranged to meet in Germany, during our Sept. 2013 trip to Europe.
We had a lovely time and it was also thrilling to go home again, after all those years – 41 to be exact!
Next, came the insidious, but entertaining Facebook habit, where I made a few many more friends. This, after flatly stating I would never go there. Ha! (Bet I’m not the only one.)
Now, of course, I’m submerged in the “Blogosphere” and meeting even more new people. Along with this, comes Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest etc. etc. ⭐ For me, one of the greatest things about blogging is that it reawakened my long-dormant muse.
Writing has become a pleasure once more and hopefully, those books I’ve wanted to write since childhood will become reality. (Still working on that!)
Oh yes, the computer is a wonderful invention!
How has the computer changed your life?
Looking forward to your comments!
⭐ The latest new social network is MeWe. It’s supposed to be similar to, but better than Facebook,
in terms of privacy and freedom of expression. I’m inviting you to join me there. Click on the link:
mewe.com/i/debbied1
Originally published Jan. 14, 2013.
Updated, Feb. 2015 and Sept. 2019
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Dog Mom and (retired) Canine Innkeeper in suburban Toronto, Canada, known as The Doglady. Former corporate workaholic. Writer, photographer, digital creator. Animal lover, music fanatic, inveterate traveller. Eternal hippie/rockchick. History, literature and cinema buff. Hockey and soccer fan. Dedicated night owl. German/Canadian binational, multilingual. Let me entertain you!
109 thoughts on “THE COMPUTER IS A WONDERFUL INVENTION!”
That is interesting that your Dad was so hands-on at 81 years old and encouraging you to get online … how nice he sent the laptop and printer to your home to ensure you would take that leap! You have learned a lot since those early days – I just have to look at your website, which I have just taken a brief tour when I followed you. All do-it-yourself learning is impressive indeed Debbie! We never had Windows until just before Y2K at work and we only got Windows so we did not crash as we were on a Unix-based, very shaky system that always crashed. I took a class as we got no training at work – it was so different and we used Word instead of Word Perfect. I got a desktop computer for home in January 2000 and had Geek Squad, a mobile IT service hook up my wireless and configure the printer. (You did it all yourself – impressive!) They said the printer was broken but I could get it to scan and never really needed to print anything (if I did I printed at work), so I just kept it – it’s still downstairs. It is my “hub” but now I only use a laptop upstairs. I worked remotely from 2011 to 2024 but didn’t print the work my boss gave me that I revised (I’d be in the poorhouse). I took a screenshot and pasted it into the Word document I was working on. I went from using Windows 7 to Windows 10 and Windows 11 this Summer when I could no longer compose a post on the old laptop without the WP post freezing up. I had a Windows 10 from work which I didn’t like and bought a Windows 11 as I didn’t want a lot of AI on it as was supposed to be in Windows 12 (which I understand was debuting in time for Christmas 2024 – turns out, it will be next year instead). I learned a lot about computers/servers, etc. after my boss/I left the Firm and went out on our own. No IT person to call and say “help” etc., so I had to learn it all myself. I have my original laptop bought in November 2009 and it still works – I store my photos on there.
Yes, my father loved his computer. 🙂 He had a desktop with two monitors. I always had trouble using the mouse and much prefer the laptop with the touchpad. I left the corporate world in 1992, before the internet came along. Our office computers ran on the MS DOS system, so I had some rudimentary computer experience, but no interest in having one at home. Yes, I was amazed that I could figure out how to set everything up on my own! And I’ve been learning by doing ever since. Sounds like you’ve done well with that also This is my third laptop already. The one my father gave me had Vista, which was a terrible O/S and it gave out after about 4 years. Then I got a Toshiba with Windows 7 which is still alive but really slow. Now I have an LG, 17 inch, super lightweight laptop with Windows 11. I didn’t know about Windows 12 or the AI aspect. Must read more about that.
Thanks for reading the story of how I became a computer addict! 🙂
I think you did very well, not only setting up the computer, but doing your blog site. I have a simple theme, which they likely will eliminate one day as they just introduced some new themes for 2025. I have made very few tweaks to it. In fact, I have not changed the site name to “WWW&W” as if I meet someone or mention my blog, it is easier to just tell them lindaschaubblog.net. I have reserved the name “Walking and Whatnot” for down the road maybe. I am able to use the touch pad, but have always used a mouse, especially at work because he edited so heavily. But about five years ago, between working, blogging and just being on the computer, I was here about 11 hours a day and I developed frozen shoulder on my left side. My mother had it, so I knew the symptoms and I was not going to a doctor, nor to physical therapy as it didn’t help my mom in the least and we rented a TENS unit and got a wet hot pack heating pad – nothing helped. So I Googled around and learned that elevating the laptop one foot high and using a wireless keyboard would help … it did but it took about two years for it to feel normal and pain free. That first Winter, I could not wear m heavy Winter coat and instead had a lighter coat and lots of layers underneath. Even the blanket on my shoulder made it hurt. I try to shift around while sitting, but I should have bought a proper desk/chair when I first started working from home. I heard that Windows 12 will feature tons of AI so I didn’t think I wanted that since we can get AI if we want it from WP. So I hurried and got the Windows 11 laptop. I like HP laptops. The Windows 10 from work is a Dell. I had a Dell desktop crash while doing a Service Pack 2 Windows 7 update. I like HP much better and never had an issue with them. My 15-year-old HP is missing a couple of keys, the battery is gone, but I never untether the laptops anyway. It was very interesting about how you became a computer addict.
Yes, you may want to update your blog theme. Some of the older ones are known to cause problems with functionality. Lots of people have a domain name that’s different from their site’s title. My old WordPressdotcom site was ddbdoglady.wordpress.com, but I still called it The Doglady’s Den. The frozen shoulder must have been terribly painful! I’m glad it’s better now. My Vista laptop was an HP. I really liked the Toshiba, but the LG is even better. It weighs next to nothing, is razor-thin, and the display is crystal clear. As for Dell, I’ve heard mostly bad things about that brand. As you’ll see from my latest post, I’m stepping a way from the Blogosphere for a while, but am still around on other social media.
Debbie, I did worry that they might discontinue the theme while I was still working and it would involve an overhaul of the site. I remember that creating my blog site and my very long initial blog post took an entire weekend. I have only added a few things in the sidebar, including the gallery of photos which I did about five years ago – I could update them as well. However, I do see the Twenty Ten theme is on a lot of bloggers’ sites, so I hope it is around for a little while longer. I am having less issues since I am no longer using the Windows 7 laptop. I don’t like the Dell laptop and will be switching over to the HP Windows 11 permanently after the holidays. I always sing the praises of HP as I’ve not had issues with it, but my original computer, bought in January 2000, was a Gateway and was fraught with issues as well. Gateway was bought by Acer computers a few years later. The frozen shoulder was painful … I like the idea of elevating the laptop and got that info from the internet. But it is clearly my fault for not getting a more ergonomic set-up in the beginning, however, I never knew at that time that I was never going back to work on site, or would have moved to another room and done better. I have a hutch with the Vista downstairs, but it was too heavy to bring upstairs. I did see that you are going on a blogging break when I was scrolling through to see where I left off – behind again in Reader, even though I did today’s post a few days ago. I actually have business cards I got to pass out because I would meet someone while walking, mention the blog and they’d ask me the name. Sometimes they would take out their phone and it was a lot easier than saying the whole name, drop the “g” and it’s an ampersand, so I’d give them the card instead. Or I just give them the short name instead. I put the other name in reserve just in case I want it in a decade or two … how long will we still be blogging I wonder?
That was a lovely jaunt through favorite memories. I was your father, encouraging my kids to do everything possible with the computer. Even now, I use it much more than they. I remember my first computer, figuring out I could research and read, and suddenly knowing I would never be bored again in my entire life.
Yes, exactly! 🙂 My father has since passed away and I regret all those wasted years but am struggling to find the ideal balance between online and offline activities. Thanks for stopping by, Jacqui!
Interesting journey, Debbie!
People may say many things about computers, the internet, smart phones, etc. They do have their downsides, but boy, do I appreciate the goodies that come with those gadgets!
Of course computers have changed my life. I think this applies to everybody, even to those who hate them. My FIL was one of them. Cost him his job back then. Years later, he finally gave the iPad a chance, and he was THRILLED!
We had computers at the office starting in the early 80s, for word processing, inventory control and invoicing, but I left that world in 1992 and there was no internet yet. Didn’t have anything to do with computers again until my father forced the issue in 2008. Of course, I love it, now! 😀 My husband is still one of those old dinosaurs. Hahaha! Maybe he’ll get interested when he retires – so he says. 😛 That’s too bad about your FIL. Glad he came around! Thanks for coming by. 🙂
Debbie,
Unlike you, I wasn’t opposed to having a computer. I thought it would super cool, especially when I learned more about the Internet in the mid to late 90s. I think modern technology despite the trouble that comes with the territory has been a wonderful blessing. Research is so much easier, online shopping, family connections via social media, and naturally blogging. I’m sure I’d adjust if ever we were without a computer but would I want to? Nope, I like my computer because that’s where my friends live. 🙂 Fun read, my friend!
Hi Cathy; I left the corporate world in 1992 and, while we did use computers for word processing, inventory control and invoicing, there was no internet yet. I had no idea what I was missing because I started my home-based petcare business after that. 😮 Can’t get me off it, now, though. Hahaha! My father created a monster! Making friends all over the world (and reconnecting with old ones) is a wonderful byproduct. Thanks for coming by and sharing your thoughts!
I discovered computers when I owned an insurance business in FL in the early 80s. It was love at first sight! Computers and I have come a long way since then. LOL, I learned a lot about computers from my past employers and ever so grateful. Of course, now I use them for my personal pleasure and personal finances. They are a godsend, IMO.
We had computers at work too, starting around the same time as you. They sure made things easier in the office! After leaving the corporate world in 1992, there were no computers in my life at all, until my father insisted on getting me a laptop 16 years later. I wanted nothing to do with it, but now can’t imagine life without it! 😀
I discovered computers a lot sooner than you did Debbie, but I was extremely resistant to things like Facebook etc. I eventually succumbed and love it, along with Pinterest (I have a ridiculous number of pins!) I’m completely in love with blogging and all the people I’ve met since I started that journey nearly 5 years ago. I’m drawing the line at Twitter and IG though – there’s only so much SM that my compulsive personality needs – I’d never get off my laptop otherwise!
Hi Leanne; We had computers at work, but that was before the internet came along. I left there in 1992 (not by choice!) and started a home-based pet care business after that. The idea of having a computer at home was abhorrent to me, until my father forced the issue, many years later. 😀 I find Twitter is the best way to publicize blog posts; mine and those of others. ? Much better than Facebook, but of course, I’m there too. As a photographer, I LOVE Instagram! ? The photography hubs there have taught me so much, and my skills have improved immensely! Pinterest is okay, and I have a lot of followers, but that isn’t as important, for some reason. I’ll definitely check out your boards, though! Thanks for coming by! 🙂
First of all, that video is awesome and the music was cool and NOT annoying like a lot of music people put with their videos. Why do they do that? Second, I was the same way… My father-in-law actually brought us into the age of computers and AOL and ICQ chat rooms and eventually MySpace and now that damn addicting Facebook butttttt without it I wouldn’t have met you and so many other wonderful people. The computer has really been a blessing.
I’m glad you enjoyed the video; thanks! 🙂 It was hard to find a piece of royalty-free music that sounded okay, but this seemed to fit. Nice to know I’m not the only “dinosaur” who resisted the idea of a home computer. There’s no going back now, though! 😀 And, here’s to internet friendships; the greatest byproduct of the world wide web! ?
That’s quite a journey Debbie! It’s scary how quickly things have changed. My first computer was one of the first Macs and I’ve lost count of how many I have had since then because the technology has changed so rapidly since then, there has been no choice but to continually update software to the limit of the machine and then start all over again with a new model when that limit is reached. I still have one of the early Mac’s hidden away somewhere, probably a museum piece now! 🙂 Lovely architecture in Germany by the looks of your film. I’ve also ended up meeting two online friends in real life – both from Australia and one even came and stayed for a week at a holiday home nearby so she could do some workshops with me. (She was visiting her mum who lives in the North of England for a month and even brought her mum with her.) So the internet definitely has it’s upside.
It sounds like you’ve had many years of computer experience, Gilly. 🙂 We had them in the office, of course, (the old MS-DOS system), but that was before the internet came along and I left there in 1992. No contact with computers at all after that, until my father stepped in. I was dead set against having one, since “Who has time for that?” Hahaha! 😀 Yes, the best part of the internet is making friends all over the world. And to meet them in person is a thrill. 🙂 That video is a collection of photos from my birthplace, a lovely, ancient town. It had hardly changed at all, over the years.
Agree totally, Debbie! The computer/internet has opened up a whole new adventure. So, is FlashBack Friday still thriving? I loved the whole idea.
http://www.meinthemiddlewrites.com
Hi, Mary Lou! 🙂 Thanks for dropping in. There’s no formal “Flashback Friday”, anymore. Maybe I should start it up again? Actually, I’m not really doing much on the blogging front these days. The Photography muse has taken over. This was an automated reposting via the “Revive Old Post” plug-in.
You reminded me of myself, ha ha haaa!!!
Computers are really here to stay as part of what are called the Internet of Things or IoT that, whether we like it or not, now runs the world. The Internet of Everything (IoE) for that matter…*been writing about IoT for work, so sorry*
I’m one of those millennials, so computers have always been a part of my life. I remember practicing vocabulary with computer games when I was in elementary school, taking typing lessons in middle school, and using the computer for research in high school. And then there are my amazing online friends – people who have challenged me and encouraged me. Truly, I can’t imagine my life without a computer. Even if I find myself using a slow and outdated machine. I have no idea how you made it to 2008 without owning one!
With Love,
Mandy
Debbie,
How funny, your dad got you hooked on modern-day technology! Actually, that’s really wonderful to know because elderly people often are mistaken as the “left behind generation” where these sorts of things go. Of course, DH and I marvel at how a lot of kids today really aren’t as savvy as the world thinks them to be with computers and smartphones. Our children who were raised around computers aren’t nearly as vested in technology as we are and which makes us do eye rolls all the time. I’m glad your dad pulled you into the 21st century despite your protests. We bought our first notebook (no internet) in the early 90s. It wasn’t until the late 90s that we got a desktop with dial-up internet (talk about slow) and from there we kept progressing. It’s really hard to think about doing without these fun, cool conveniences. I’m totally sold on computers and smartphones! 😀 BTW, I really like the idea of this series. I will have to try remember doing something like this next year. Have a good week, my friend!
>>… “How has the computer changed your life?”
Who needs computers?
I’ve gotten along fine without one.
Waste of time.
Unjustified expense.
~ D-FensDogG
[Link:) Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews…
Haha! That was then, this is now, right, Stephen? 😀 Mind you, I’ve been spending more time offline, lately. Thanks for dropping in. See you soon for BOTB.
I recall this well… great article, and for the time being, timeless… Did I ever tell you, I was on the last of the eight-party telephone lines, in Tennessee?
Sorry; that’s the drawback to re-issuing old stuff. The regulars have seen it before. There was such a thing as an eight-party line? That’s a lot of people to share phone time with! 😮 I can remember two or three, way back in the early ’60s. Thanks for dropping in, Myke. Hope you’re having a good summer!
It changed my life, although I’m one of those people who can go for days w/o popping up on social media and not suffer any guilt about it. It has at times, made research easier for me, but overall, I’m not joined at the hip. I was first seriously exposed to the ‘net back in ’96, with the wonderful world of ListServs (precursor to social media) and Netscape (precursor to better search engines like Bing, Chrome, etc.) to slightly brighten my day. But, like I said, I can survive quite nicely without the ‘net for extended periods of time w/o having a complete meltdown.
Thanks for dropping in, GB. You’ve been online for a long time. Sounds like you have a good balance and aren’t hooked on the ‘net like most of us. I get burned out and need to retreat periodically. Just getting back into it now, but I’m definitely cutting back. There’s too much going on in the physical world!
Great story, I’m glad you warmed up to computers 🙂 I had an opposite experience with computers. Like yours, my dad was into computers and he worked with them. We had a computer in our home my entire life, and I have been using one since I was 6. I could run a game and login to Windows from MS-DOS. I’ve watched the evolution of computers and the birth of the World Wide Web and it has been fascinating.
You must be a real pro! 🙂 I do remember MS-DOS from office computers in the ’80s and early ’90s, but there was no internet at the time and I left in 1992. Missing the inception of the internet is a bit of a regret now, but I didn’t care back then. Thanks for dropping in!
Even though my father was into computers back in the day (70’s/80’s), I never dealt with on a heavy basis until the mid 90’s when I went to work for state government entity. So I kind of dealt with the infancy of the ‘Net (how many here remember Netscape? Groupwise e-mail? ListServs?). Granted, some 20 years later I’m still using a computer in varying degrees (work and writing), but I’m probably one of those rare few who can go unplugged and not have withdrawal symptoms in the process.
When I left the corporate world in 1992, our computers still had no internet, so I missed its inception. Not that I cared at the time. 🙂 Still, it must have been interesting and I kind of regret that now. Sounds like you’re not as addicted as the rest of us. That’s probably a good thing. My “to-do” list around the house keeps growing. Thanks for dropping in!
This was a lovely, nostalgic throwback read and to think that most of us, despite being ages apart, took to the laptop and the internet as recently as 8 or 9 years ago. Talk about fast paced tech! I think it’s pretty amazing how the world shrinks both online and off it, considering the kind of people I’ve met online. Your dad is definitely ahead of you 😉
It’s amazing how the internet has brought people together from all over the world. 🙂 My father got his first computer in the early ’90s and took many courses. He created beautiful Christmas cards every year and was heavily into photography as well. Back in the ’80s, we had computers in the office, for billing and inventory control purposes, but there was no world wide web.
Thanks for coming by, Shady. 🙂 Yes, my situation is a bit unusual, but I can’t imagine life without personal computers, now. Great story about connecting with your old girlfriend. I’m sorry it had a sad ending! You’re so right about social media being a time suck. Although I have accounts everywhere (trolling for future book buyers), most of my online activities involve blogging and blog promotion (with a little Facebook kibitzing thrown in). The nature of my business allows for plenty of spare time (dogs sleep a lot) and I’m hooked. Looks like my father created a monster! 😀 I’m glad you enjoyed the post. Cheers!
Well since I am a software developer, computer is the source of my daily bread 😛 I had always been hooked to online world. It started with Orkut and then to Facebook. In between came a lot of myspace, hifi and few more … I made a lot of friends too through blogging… and I also got to know you through your blogs 🙂
Yours is a very representative story, for so many of us, of how you got from there to here.
Things I like most,, lets See,,,, meeting friends fron Canada to Iran to Turkey, etc……………. seeing interesting pictures of places I have been and some I will never go visit………………………… keeping in contact at the touch of an updated typewriter,,plus, haha,
and then just turning it off, when I want to do something else, with.NO complaints from the CP, then pick It up again when I Am ready………………………, sound selfish, ya betcha ya,, Smiling… 1 to 10. scale… 25.. :).. TY for letting me be able to make this statement from Fla, to Canada in just a few mins..” great article Debbie,, keep them coming, please.:)
Yes, all of those are wonderful aspects of having a computer. 🙂 I’m glad you enjoyed the article. Thanks for coming by, Zhak!
Great post and thanks for including Betty. I can’t imagine living in a world without computers, even though I was born into one where only major corporations had ones that were any good. I think it’s the swift advancement of the technology that caught so many people off guard, then add a fully functioning internet to that and minds get blown and people retreat in fear. There are still times when I wish my mom was still afraid of technology, but that’s usually only when she’s posting to Facebook.
Well, I could never have worked freelance successfully until computers came along; in fact we were struggling for communication in the first five years of computing, in my life, before email became commonplace. As for now, well I most certainly wouldn’t have started writing without it, let alone publishing.
I like everything about this, Debbie! From Betty Boop, cyber-friendships going real-world, to -you knew this was coming- you finding your muse 😉 Fabulous! I’ve seen how well you write and can’t wait to see more.
My jobs required computer proficiency for payroll, payables, spreadsheets, etc. It wasn’t until I was semi-retired that I learned to share and socialize. Some days I wonder if that was such a good thing as paperwork piles up on my desk with WIPs collecting dust. I dearly loved it when I had the first Selectric II typewriter on the (business) block, and even more once I obtained my own, but the computer eclipses all – simply because I have terrible handwriting.
I’m glad you enjoyed the post, Diedre. 🙂 Yes, my muse got buried way back in the ’70s. Nothing but rejection slips and I needed to pay bills. 😛 Instead, I fell into the morass known as the corporate world and was imprisoned there for a couple of decades. Computers were introduced in the ’80s, for basic stuff like invoicing and inventory control, but there was no internet. Our office also had Selectric II typewriters. I thought they were “cutting edge” at the time and got my own as well. It’s amazing how far we’ve come since then!
In the early 90’s the newspaper where I worked introduced computers. I was the only women in my department. The men snickered and complained about the ‘changes ‘ and I thought this is my chance to advance. I leared everything I could, asked to be sent to trainings and conferences and ended up working at a much bigger newspaper, heading a department.
I sometimes long for the days before the Internet but admit I’m not giving it up anytime soon.
That was a smart move, Doreen! We had computers at work in the ’80s for invoicing and inventory control purposes, but no internet. I left the corporate world in 1992 and didn’t think about computers at all until my father forced the issue. 🙂
Sounds like you and I have been on a parallel journey. Before his death in 1990, my father was very interested in computers. This was before windows and computers being so easy. He took classes to learn computer languages and immersed himself in learning about computers. I learned to play Tetris and a couple of other games on his computer, but that was about it. I had no interest in computers otherwise.
Over a decade later I was visiting my sister and her husband and began playing around with their computer. I was amazed at all the information I could have access to online. Soon I was sold on the merits of owning a computer. There’s no turning back for me now. Computers provide so much potential.
Arlee Bird
What a coincidence, Lee! 🙂 My father took many computer courses as well. He had a massive desktop with two monitors and I had a hard time getting used to the mouse, but I finally learned how to send email on it. The laptop he bought me was pretty cool and I figured things out quickly after that. You’re right; there’s no going back!
I was the same way with Facebook. I said for years and years that I would never join and that I didn’t get the point of it. Turns out I was wrong. I set up a FB page a couple of years ago and am on it almost every day 🙂
Hahaha! I think there are many people out there, who wanted absolutely nothing to do with Facebook. 😀 I hated it initially and de-activated my account. Then, somebody showed me how to block all the notifications and other stuff I didn’t want. That made it much more pleasurable. Thanks for dropping in!
It sure is a wonderful invention. I love it when online friendships translate into real life ones. It’s quite amazing.
I had no idea that one could develop online friendships that are every bit as real as those in the physical world. That was such a revelation! 🙂 Thanks for dropping in.
The blogosphere is a wonderful place! The only trouble is, it’s awful when the internet is down for some reason!
Yes and most especially when you’re right in the middle of something! Thankfully, that doesn’t happen too often over here. Hope yours is good, too Clowie. Thanks for visiting and have a good weekend.
What a cool Dad you have, Debbie! Mine took to the computer at 81 and now 8 years later, it’s hard to get him off it! My Mom who’s technophobic is always complaining about me getting him hooked to the computer! Totally opposite stories, eh? 🙂
That’s funny, Corinne. 🙂 There is a similarity though. My mother is also technophobic and was constantly complaining about my father “wasting” time on the computer! Thanks for visiting.
That’s quite a story, Debbie. Indeed, computers are things of wondrous beauty and functionality, and I cannot imagine life without one. I took my first computer lessons in 5th grade, but long before that we had Atari and Texas Instruments game consoles (they weren’t called that back then). Seems like, one way or another, computers have always been a part of my life. Still, I was a bit of a latecomer to the internet (by my generation’s standards); I didn’t get an email account until 1999, and I didn’t join FB until 2008. I’ve been lucky to have computer geek friends around to introduce me to the coolest functions of the cyberworld, and thanks to them I’ve even dabbled a bit in code and programming. Very cool 😉 I did, however, learn to type on an old, completely mechanical machine that gave my pinkies and ring fingers a good workout 😀
You’re a real expert then, Guilie! Since getting my own website, I’ve been delving more and more into CSS and I also taught myself HTML, but there’s always something new to learn. Yes, we used mechanical typewriters at school also. I remember my first office job and being so impressed with the electric ones. Who knew how far this would go? 🙂 Thanks for visiting and have a good week.
I don’t know what I would do without my computer. It has truly made the world a smaller place for me.
For me, too Suzy. 🙂 I especially enjoyed meeting three of my cyber friends in person.
Oh, what would I do without a Computer. I would not even be able to earn a living. I love how it connects me to the world.
I can’t imagine life without it either, Rachna, even though it’s not necessary for my business. Making friends worldwide and exploring different places as an armchair traveller certainly add to the allure. 🙂
I absolutely agree Debbie! The computer is a fabulous invention! I have made so many friends all over the world, it’s simply amazing!
It is amazing, Bren! 😀 In the beginning, I had no clue that you can forge friendships online. What a revelation! Thanks for visiting and have a good weekend.
We have stories in tandem. Before he died in 1990, my father was really into computers. He took classes and learned the languages (this was before windows simplified things). For years I eschewed the need for a computer but then after the turn of the present century I succumbed and quickly became hooked.
Though sometimes a bane, I agree that computers are pretty wonderful.
Arlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
My father did the same thing, Lee. 🙂 Didn’t take me long to get hooked either. Stumbling into that forum and making friends is what did it, I think. Yes, the computer can be a bane at times and I also get internet fatigue once in awhile. The occasional hiatus helps me refocus. Thanks for visiting and have a good weekend.
Absolutely, computer is a wonderful invention. The old friends we find through the social media, the new friends we make through the world of networking , its all good. 🙂 internet, laptop, tab, smartphone all these has become an inevitable part of our daily life.
I’m still not completely “with it”. No Smart phone, but I do have a tablet. 🙂 I had no idea that you could meet and talk to people on a computer. That was quite a revelation to me! Thanks for visiting.
Hey! That’s my story too except that I got hooked onto computers much earlier. I wanted to write a book so I wanted an electronic typewriter but my father who was computerised said that I should get one. So when a 60+ man could master a new technology, I was intrigued and got myself a computer. Needless to say I am hooked for life and my entire family is jealous of my connectivity……..they are convinced I love the computer more than them!
Hahaha! My husband has grumbled similar sentiments from time to time. Little did my father know what he started with his Christmas present, back in 2008. He was thrilled that he could now send me emails instead of calling long distance. 🙂
Completely agree with you Debbie. I have made so many really good friends on the Net, it’s amazing.
PS: You managed to set up the comp on your own!! That’s amazing. I have an IMac lying in the box for almost a year now. Must get to it.
Funny thing is, I had no idea it was possible to actually meet people and talk to them when I first started using a computer. That was such a revelation! As for setting up the computer alone, I was very proud of the accomplishment, but I’ve always been good at following instructions. Get out that IMac! 🙂
Hey, Debbie, are we twins or what? First, the ‘familial’ similarity of our lives, and now this? Every word that you have written, well, I can relate to it, because it is my own story. Every word, really! I am amazed at this weird sameness in two people living worlds away from each other! Loved reading your story! May you fulfil the dream of writing your own book some day soon. (Now, that is ALSO similar! ).:-)
Ha! Your father also gave you a computer, Shilpa? 🙂 It’s funny how people can lead such similar lives. I was actually planning to self-publish a short memoir last fall, but got bogged down with edits. Still working on it, here and there! Must get back to my WIP of dog memoirs as well. Somehow, blogging takes up most of my online time. I will explore more of your blog, to see what else we have in common. Cheers!
It’s amazing how we think we aren’t interested, i.e., “not going there” – I did that with a cellphone – only to find out that once we use it, it is hard to imagine life without it. In fact, we now cannot “live without it!” Thus, I can so relate to your story Debbie with computers! I am SO amazed though that you got it up and running all on your own, even if with instructions. (I am not great at that!) 😉 And it’s amazing, how your life has expanded meeting new and old friends: how wonderful for you the connections you made! 🙂 <3
I still don’t have a Smartphone, Elly, but have certainly embraced the computer wholeheartedly! 😀 Probably because it did come easily to me. Just like life, there’s something new to learn every day and skills get better all the time. Who knew the computer could offer up the world? I had no clue, at the time.
Without a doubt, computer is a wonderful invention. I cant imagine my life without it! My day starts and ends with it!
I am still smiling at the way you connected with your computer!
Yes, I came to computers completely against my will and now look! 😀 The worldwide friendships are wonderful, above all else.
Oh yes it absolutely is…I can’t imagine my day without it! 😀
Neither can I, now, but there was a time when I scorned it completely! I must have been insane, yes? 😀 Thanks for visiting.
I’ve made the most incredible friends through the use of my computer it boggles my mind, Debbie. So, I get that. I know one blogger friend who is a most definite real life friend it weren’t for being separated by 3,000 miles. I’ve acquired some awesome pen pals in different countries and it’s amazing how much I miss them when they go on vacation or get busy every now and then. One gal from
Belgium and living in Switzerland actually speaks better English (with sentence structure) that ME!!! LOL! Loved the post my dear 🙂
I never would have believed such a thing was possible a few years ago, Mike! 😀 It’s wonderful and I’m glad you and I have become cyber friends, also. Thanks for your comments and support.
Oh my gosh. How? I am inspired by my 87 year old mother in law, who has gone online for years, and how (with limited mobility) she stays in touch with people on Facebook, using her iPhone. I got an iPhone because of her! Her next door neighbor, who is 80, has a Twitter and an Instagram account! They are my inspiration. I have reconnected with a couple of high school friends online. I correspond with people in Great Britain, Israel and India on Facebook. To use a slang expression, how awesome is that? Could I have imagined doing something like that while growing up in the 50’s and 60’s? No way!
I think it’s wonderful that older people have embraced this technology. My father was a whiz at it! 🙂 Thankfully, he forced me into it and I’m just sorry I didn’t “get it” sooner. You’re right, Alana. Who knew?
Hats off to you for getting your computer to run within 4 hours! That proves you are a natural, and your father probably knew it. My friend taught me Word,… but it was like the blind leading the blind.
It never ceases to amaze me how people truly can click, just like in ‘real’ life. Although we have just recently connected, I feel we are on the same wave length. I’m grateful that I have gotten to know you Debbie. I want to thank you for taking the time to visit my blog … It’s people like you that motivate and support us bloody blog beginners. :-)
Thanks, Angelika. 🙂 Yes, he probably did sense that and it was fairly easy for me. I still don’t fully comprehend word processing programs though. LOL We definitely have a connection (Germany, perhaps? Same generation, etc.), and I feel the same way! Blogging is a two way street and it’s my pleasure to support your blog. Thanks for your support as well.
The first job I had was a secretary to 150 computer technicians for Control Data in Minneapolis. This was in the late 60’s and the computers were the size of rooms — can you imagine how big this place was with all those computers. Anything after that was less intimidating but I did not personally get one because I didn’t think I needed one…..until the early 90’s. Then it was for storing recipes and doing bookkeeping. Now, I have 3 open on my desk at all times plus my phone and tablet and laptop. I think life was a lot easier and less stressful BEFORE computers but can’t imagine life without all of them!
You’re a real computer pro, Carol! 😀 All I have is a main laptop, plus the older one from my father as backup, a print/copy/scan machine and a Samsung tablet, which I hardly ever use (a gift from hubby), oh, and a SmartTV which has internet capability. You’re taking care of all those businesses, plus blogging, so they are your tools of the trade, so to speak. You’re right though – life was simpler before computers, but I’m sure glad I changed my mind about them.
I came to the computer, kicking and screaming all the way, but once I got into it, I was hooked. The big turn came when a friend convinced me to open a Myspace page. I was, as they say, famous on Myspace. I only migrated to Facebook when Myspace blogs had a major meltdown. I made a world of friends there, who I am still on touch with, to this day. I have made several friends on Facebook, but it is not nearly the wide open field that Myspace was.
Hi Myke; So, you were reluctant also? Funny how things change! 😀 Shame about MySpace falling from grace. Same thing happened to me with Windows Live Space. It was swallowed up by WordPress.com, but that led me to blogging, so it’s all good. 🙂 The forum at MSN QnA was a blast and I’m still friends with many of those people now, even met a couple in person. I think Microsoft shut it down because we turned it into a social network and that wasn’t their intention. (They didn’t like the joking and small talk.)
Sorry, the fastest click in the east, and the comment got posted before I finished!
I was saying “apparently initial resistance creates computer geniuses”!!!! or at least computerholics!!!!!LOL
big hug, and looking forward to seeing you!
Interesting! Well, I used to use desktop computers at work too, but that was before the internet came along. Once I left the corporate world, I wanted nothing more to do with them. LOL Little did my father know he created a monster! 😀
LOL!!!!!!!!!! Well, as usual, we share some common emotions! My first bout with computers was way back in 1974, in university. Remember those monsters? They took up a whole room, and those awful punctured cards to use! a nightmare…I only got through the statistics exam thanks to a genius friend!
At that moment, I officially swore that I would never, NEVER, again go near a computer. Electric typewriters were the closest I would get!
Until one day, while I was working in Naples for a lawyer [1982], I sauntered into the office and found my desk occupied with this huge thing. I got a few flutters in my stomach, but quickly reassured myself that it wasn’t for me!
Until the “boss” came in and said “biancatì, two degreesfourlanguages [not true!]…you’re the only person in the office who can make this work! here is the instruction booklet, make it work!!!” Yes, it was a computer! the forerunner to the personal computers we all know today, and yes, two months later I had managed to get it working!
But still was adamant about using them, plus the prohibitve costs! Until 1997 — when another employer said more or less the same thing regarding making up and editing a catalogue! Then, I had to buy a desktop computer, AND a printer! Time three months and I was using CAD tools and CAT tools and whatever.
Still no internet though…..that came in times of extreme stress [when my family broke up], and I must say that with ups and downs, it was a great help!
And reconnecting with you was one of the best aspects of all!
Don’t have much time to dedicate to it now, for personal purposes at least, but for work……am almost a genius on it!
And I keep promising myself to give myself time to do what you are doing here……….. A GREAT JOB, bthw!
luv ya!
So, apparently initial resistance
I love that your Dad was the one to introduce you to computers Debbie. I’m also glad that although you resisted for years you finally gave in. We all hate change sometimes but it really can be a very good thing. I’m so glad you gave it a try and now look where you are today! Yay!!!
~Adrienne
Hi Adrienne; Yes; that was a classic case of role reversal. 🙂 Little did he know that it would become such a consuming passion, however. Thanks for dropping by.
Very interesting to read your story with the computer!! Cool that it was your dad who got you into it :). I discovered online communities in 2000 or so and after that have been hooked on the internet.. now internet is even more fabulous since I have very little time to socialize in “real” life.
Hi Susanne! Thanks for visiting. Yes, I was very “late to the party” when it comes to computers, but, now that I’m here, what a good time this is! 🙂
Hi Debbie,
Really nice to hear how you got your first computer and it’s helping you to get your heart out now 🙂 You should love it more. Without it and Intenet we would never be connected, no? 🙂 You can think about how it changed your lifestyle.
I really love the changes it made to my life too. You are reminding me of the day I get my computer 🙂 It was a gift. I was start loving it more and more since then and I’ve got Internet in 2011 which opens me to whole world for more and new connections. I just love reading, writing and techy stuff mostly. My computer changed me completely and I’m glad it did 🙂
Have a wonderful week there dear 🙂
Cheers…
Good day, Mayura. Thanks for visiting! Yes, indeed, without the computer we would all be still in our own little worlds. How wonder that we can now connect with people worldwide! Ah, so yours was a gift as well. Wonderful gift, isn’t it? Wish I was a little better at the techy stuff, but, I’m getting there, with your help and that of other kind and sharing people. Best regards.
Wonderful post!! Sometimes it just takes awhile to get your feet wet–but not long after you’ll be swimming 😉
Seems I’ve always been tinkering with a computer….even before the internet. My first Commodore 64 where I played games that weren’t quite the hype of that atari in the other room. I kept thinking then, wouldn’t it be cool to type something here and it show up over on another computer?
One of my first jobs was doing background checks on a computer in 1997…that was linked to a database on the net. This little gig was set up in the basement of my home. By 2003 I was working from home on my computer full time. I love the computer!!
Hi Jenn; Sounds like you’re a real expert, then. 🙂 I did use a computer at work, for inventory control and invoicing, starting around the mid 80s, with the old MS DOS system. That was before the internet of course and I had NO idea what a wonderful thing that is! Yup; I’m hooked. Thanks for visiting.
I remember the first time I was introduced to a computer. I fell in love with it immediately, It was a Mac. Not having to look at blue screens with flashing little lines was exhilarating and then when I connected with the Internet, I felt as I did when I was a kid and opened my first encyclopedia. The entire world sat before me waiting for me to explore. I’m glad your father “forced” you into the 21st Century. I enjoyed reading your blog.
Hello Theresa; happy to meet you. Yes, I’m glad my father forced the issue as well, but, in so doing he created the proverbial “monster”. LOL Hard to tear myself away, now. Thanks for reading and commenting. Cheers!