I have been typing away on computers since my days at Monmouth where the managers decided we could use an “Apple Orchard”. The whole of the Math Department Profs converted themselves into computer literate people and the University began to offer courses for students in the use of computers and whatever that meant philosophically, theoretically and practically. I was fascinated by the typewriter. Morse Code was the language used when Mr. Seid, my High School Algebra teacher, tapped out messages in Morse code and we had to convert those dots and dashes into letters on our typewriters. It was so effective I still type on a computer keyboard at a respectable speed. What I don’t know is the magic inside a computer because I was mesmerized by the concept of the keyboard that could correct the picture on a screen, go backwards and do all sorts of helpful things.
The math Prof, who was teaching my class in the Apple Orchard, looked over at me disapprovingly when he saw I was not following his description of the innards of a computer. I was delighted at the ease of using the keyboard and that very helpful screen. No longer was I tied to paper AND carbon paper to make copies. I could print out as many copies as I wanted. Where was this technology when I was writing my Thesis and Dissertation? Where could I get an Apple?
Now, my recent problem that was just solved was to find someone who knew how to really use the computer for something other than just a glorified typewriter. I had made contact with several people who worked in companies where they were the computer experts. But, they never had mutual times when I was ready and willing to have them perform the function of moving saved documents from one computer to another.
You see, I had given our 7th Moorings Condominium Association my old Micron Computer with a lot of personal material on it. I also used it to record all of the Association records I personally kept as President of the Association who also doubled as the Secretary. No one else in this building seemed to be computer knowledgeable - and I was it. I no longer served the Board of Directors as President but this last year I remained as Secretary. I wanted my personal records off the Micron and the Association records off my Dell.
I found my savior to be the newest Secretary (he could type and keep records and needed my old ones). He also knew ZIP drives and I had both and he solved the problems by showing me how to make the changes and erase the moved records from each machine while transferring the personal and official stuff to the proper machine. It took a couple of hours but computer literacy turned out to be very good. Thank you, Demetrus. I envy your facility with this illusive device.