[Coco] Thoughts on modern computers (sort of off topic)

[Paulo Lindoso]

On the other hand, many things that had to be programmed back in the "good
ol' Coco Days" are now simple apps that you can buy (or download for free
here and there).

Take "contact managers", for instance... You will find anything from a
simple phonebook (if you own a Mac, it will come with OSX) to a
full-fledged CRM Web-based/client-based Siebel/Salesforce-like application
system...

Coming from a programming background, I certainly miss the simplicity and
relaxed, text-based approach of an "80 computer", but I also enjoy digging
up an odd app to fulfill a specific need I have and I feel lazy about
programming...



On Tue, Jan 31, 2012 at 12:31 PM, John Odom <forgerii at yahoo.com> wrote:

> I agree. The learning curve for modern computers is too steep.
>
> I immediately put GW basic on my windows machines, and run some programs I
> originally made for the CoCo.
>
> John L. Odom
> Chemist/Microscopist
>
>
> ________________________________
>  From: Louis Ciotti <lciotti1 at gmail.com>
> To: CoCoList for Color Computer Enthusiasts <coco at maltedmedia.com>
> Sent: Tuesday, January 31, 2012 9:11 AM
> Subject: [Coco] Thoughts on modern computers (sort of off topic)
>
> This morning I was reading through a post about the Plug 'n' Power module
> and it mentiond some article in rainbow magizine.  I downloaded the first
> issue mentiond, and parusing through it got me thinking about modern
> computers and how people use them now.  My first computer was a CoCo 2 back
> when I was in elementary school.  I can remember spending hours writing
> programs in basic, and playing the various games avaibable on it.  My
> father also used it to generated billing invoices for work he did forines
> and I still use some little programs I mad
> second income.  These programs would be considered simple by todays
> standards, even crude with their text only UI.  Anyway I got to thinking,
> back in the early days people could by a computer like a CoCo and with very
> little extra investment be creating personalized programs in short order.
> I mused over what it would take for someone to do so today.  After purchase
> of a computer, they then have to learn alot more before they can begin
> programming anything.  The mainstream computer arena is split between
> windows and mac.  I have no experience with modern macs and my windows
> experience is holding steady with XP, so I cannot really say for sure, but
> out of the box there is no method for one to start learning how to create
> programs.  There is now "basic" included with them.  In the windows arena
> you have to download something (i.e. MS VB, or Java) and start wading
> through how to manipulate graphics, windows, buttons, etc.  My first
> IBM/compatible with MS-DOS 4.01 at lease had GW-baisc where one could be
> creative.
>
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-- 
-------------------------------------------------------------
Paulo Lindoso
paulo.lindoso at gmail.com
http://about.me/pbal<http://email.about.me/wf/click?c=e86tqVWFYsEogZdu8cwmbpAZwRtFkPjZS8Z3nwSDfjU%3D&rp=TDQggGXPgxMn1%2FQoMR%2F7Bsr00fO9wne%2B4zDSBQ93vWI1BH%2FOlrnU7zrQ0H0iAWgQyYyB6YfryJhLcifwbBLZ98yd6yex7cp06Yzq3Q1SplHrq%2FIu7OFPSwv8LqPdUbWL&u=njPbVRRXSvmg3PMz9cXBSg%2Fh0>