This is it – the final episode of the 1983 TV Ontario series “Bits and Bytes.” It’s been 11 episodes introducing the basic concepts of computer usage in 1983.
This is an interesting one – it focuses on the future of computing, both logistically and practically. Things like people sitting for far too long at the computer, something that really is an issue, even today, or the question of just how we will get computer software in the future with a demonstration of LaserDisc, of all things, being used as a source for information (which is in and of itself an interesting idea, and very much a precursor to what would happen as technology improved.)
Modems, BBS’s, and the eventual concept of the internet (if not explicitly by name) are discussed and shown – the basic concept of multiple computers communicating, something we all take for granted, was still a somewhat novel idea at this time, limited but still capable – an image database is demonstrated in the episode, as an example.
Of course, this is still the era where people wrote their own programs, and new programming languages are discussed – in this case, “Smalltalk” and “Pilot” are shown. More in depth control of the computer, or more correctly, pulling more power out of the hardware that you have, even in 1983, was a goal of most everyone. Write the best code, make the best accessories, and get the most out of the machine! Even a touch pad to compose music is shown, something just as cool today as it was in 1983!
Of course, the episode goes into people’s thoughts, hopes, and concerns for the future of computing in schools, in upcoming generations – interesting insight considering the generations they were talking about were what would be my generation. Fears of antisocial issues developing, the hopes that the machines will benefit teachers… it’s interesting to hear what people thought 35 years ago on the subject with regards to students. I know firsthand how computers actually did (and didn’t) help me learn, but that’s another story, one that’s a slice of time, as I know the situation today is completely different, in almost scary ways.
I’ll let the episode speak for itself here – while there isn’t much else to say, there’s quite a bit to take from the episode for those of us who enjoy the history of computing, and wonder about its impact on society. This right here is a perfect slice of 1983 and what the future with computers realistically seemed like. I don’t think they were too far off, honestly, from what actually would happen over the next 10-15 years, as opposed to 5 years.
Enjoy this final episode of Bits and Bytes!