Week 1

Week 1 of New Communication Technologies explored the early computers of the 1970's and 1980's and their use in Australia during that time. Specifically focusing on the usefulness and uselessness of the Commodore 64 microcomputer and what it was in fact that people did with computers!

I find it intriguing that many people couldn't even see a real use for owning a computer and those who did wish to own one simply couldn't afford it. The people who did buy a computer, hobbyists in particular, bought books on programming and wrote their own software, making mostly games. In doing this, it was the people who had actually bought the computer that were giving it life, a real purpose by making their own software. Where previously there had been very little to nothing useful to do on computers. They simply existed with not much to do on them, unless that is you wanted to write up a recipe.. 'Most hobbyists did not need convincing of the wonders of computing, but those around them often did.' (Melanie Swalwell, 2012, p. 65) Ah, if only they recognised the real potential of the microcomputer, instead of dismissing it. Whilst looking for added information on the Commodore 64, this website caught my interest: http://www.c64.com/, it contained information on games created by Commodore 64's and it also had a good selection of interesting articles relating to the C64!

Now, 30 years on, technology has evolved and the computer is now an integral part of our lives! Both in the workplace and in our home lives. A 1980's computer skeptic would be gobsmacked at the reliance that society has placed on computers that, not too long ago, had seemed like there was not much use for them at all. It was highly interesting to read such an informative article and see just how people thought about computers.