Entries of "retro"

I found my Sinclair ZX81‘s User Manual (actually, the Timex/Sinclair 1000′s, which I also owned). Reading it brings a smile and sweet nostalgia. Many things have changed since those times, when the “personal computer” era was beginning. People were able to buy computers at reasonably affordable prices. I was just a kid, unaware of the revolution unfolding around me.

Right from the first pages you get a glimpse of how different things were back then:

Welcome to the world of computing. Before you plug in your new Timex/Sinclair 1000, please take a moment to think about this exciting new adventure. We want to assure you that:

1. You will enjoy computing.

2. You will find it easy as well as enjoyable.

3. You shouldn’t be afraid of the computer. You are smarter than it is. So is your parakeet, for that matter.

4. You will make mistakes as you learn. The computer will not laugh at you.

5. Your mistakes will not do any harm to the computer. You can’t break it by pushing the “wrong” button.

6. You are about to take a giant step into the future. Everyone will soon be using computers in every part of their daily lives, and you will have a head start.