Should we ask how you know?
Most popular OS's from 1981-2025
- Thread starter Obo
- Start date
RobbieAG
Robert
I still have a couple Windows 7 machines and even an XP machine which has some music hardware and software that won't run on later computers. I never connect the XP machine to the internet; the 7 machines only when absolutely necessary to avoid hacks and malicious software. I think third party anti-virus software is still supported for Windows 7.
Anyone realize that this is only about half the time span? 2005 to today is another 19+ years. Let's see an update to show how poorly win11 is doing.
OP
OP
My typo in the title.... it's 1981-2025 in the video.
I still remember when DOS first came out to replace basic in the early 80's. Swapping 5.25" floppies, I told folks "nope this is never going to take of or last." In some ways, I was right
Oddly enough, I still use dos a lot in programming. I find it's still a lot less complex than poweshell,
At least DOS and BASIC were somewhat intuitive despite their need for perfect syntax. FORTRAN could KMA any sunny day. I never got the glory of working with 8" floppies. Cassette tape and 5-1/4" were my primary means of storage. I carried my Apple disks with me for after-school time. Looks like I'm one of the few non-IT guys in this thread but computers and I have grown up together I guess. Even worked in a software store as a teen, decent job with a sketchy boss.
Didn't everyone start with a Commodore VIC-20 or C64?
Uncle Phil
Site Supporter
Nope - Big 'iron' way before that - IBM 1401s, IBM 360s, Honeywell 115s, 64s, DPS8s, Burroughs 1700s, IBM 4700s, Dec PDPs, various Univacs ....Didn't everyone start with a Commodore VIC-20 or C64?
And later Apple IIs, Apple IIes, Lisas, Macs, IBM PC, IBM PC XT, Kaypros, ....
I really learned how to use a computer with my Apple Performa 6400.
Nope... Atari 800 with a 1200 baud modem and using a double sided floppy drive with built-in parallel port & printer buffer.
Had a Timex-Sinclair before that using a cassette deck for data.
My first computer was an Apple lle clone with two 5.25 floppy drives and an amber monochrome monitor. I bought it used don’t remember what it cost but probably more than one would think you should pay for a used computer. It also came with a dot matrix printer that required special paper with holes along the edge that was perforated and would then be removed after printing.
I still have a working (!) Mac Portable (16 lbs) and a wide carriage dot matrix printer buried in my basement... it uses a lead acid battery.
Uncle Phil
Site Supporter
Was it a Franklin by any chance?
As some may know, I collect retro gaming consoles and computers. I just bought an Apple IIe, green monitor, and disk drive for $50. PSU is dead, but can get new innards for it for another $70. I like this kind of tinkering. Fixed and resold many ColecoVisions.
I can remember one of the men who worked in an office down the hallway sitting down in amazement. The Commadore 64 had come out. He was saying, "What will I do with 64K of RAM?" He thought the world had opened up in front of him. All that computing power at a price the normal guy could own. He was at the end of his career and getting out shortly. This was before Computing Science degrees were being offered. I've always wondered if he got out of the Air Force, made his millions and quietly retired.
When I left active duty in 1986, I heard one of the local lawyers was running his office on a Commadore 64.
Chris
When I left active duty in 1986, I heard one of the local lawyers was running his office on a Commadore 64.
Chris
That is too cool!I assembled a Sinclair Black Watch kit.
Did you have good luck with yours?
I had to look it up.
Our first 'real' desktop was a Tandy 1000 with two floppy drives and extra memory. $2499.
Yes, it worked perfectly, and I quickly ran the batteries down by playing with it too much.That is too cool!
Did you have good luck with yours?
I had to look it up.