Computer History for Sue Biehn

I believe I was in middle school when my family got a computer, and that was my first experience of using a PC on a regular basis. We were one of the first families in the neighborhood to have an actual computer in the house--it was an Apple IIc and had the greenish black screen along with the 5" floppies that needed to be switched out in order to boot and then run programs. It was nice because I was able to use the computer to type papers, rather than using the old typewriter and having to perfect the use of liquid paper and setting the typeface in the exact spot to correct any errors! What a relief! I think what I remember most about my Apple IIc is spending time playing Oregon Trail with my friends and siblings--it's amazing what we found entertaining at that time!

Since my initial computing experience I have had my share of windows based personal computers that I've used for various purposes. Originally, my computers were used as tools to create: papers, presentations, spreadsheets. I enjoyed the ability to go back in order to edit and continually add to my work at a whim. With the increased accessibility and speed of the Internet, I began to use computers as a tool for communication as well as research. Where, in the past, I might have used the phone book to look up phone numbers, or refer to a paper map for directions, I could suddenly use the Internet to locate that information all in one place. It seemed pretty amazing to me, but I had no concept of how powerful computer technology would become or that it would play such a main role in my life.

Today I not only have a PC at home with a high speed Internet connection, but I also have a wireless laptop and an iPhone that I use not just on a daily, but hourly basis. Computer technology has become an integral part of my work and personal life. I now use my computer for all of the reasons I've used computers throughout my history: creating and editing documents, conducting research, communicating via email, and playing games. Today I also use technology for video conferencing, social networking, staying on top of the news, shopping, and even going to school.

Technology and computing devices made available to us continue to change at an incredible rate. I find myself having that recurring thought: technology is really amazing and I can't imagine what the experts will think of next! Unlike when I pondered technology ten years ago, I know that computers will inevitably evolve, so it is up to me to keep up with the changes and enjoy the journey!