02-02-2021, 03:38 PM
My chem department around 1977 had a Wang microcomputer that they let us use to calculate a least-squares regression for a lab session. But my first real experience was with a Commodore PET circa 1978 or 9. The faculty member in that (different) chem department taught us the basics of Basic, and for whatever reason, I was entranced. I kept dropping by that lab to play around with it some more, but they were always using it when I stopped by.
Two negative things resulted from this initial experience. For some time, I considered buying software as cheating; properly, one should program things oneself. Secondly, I became a Commodore fan, which was kind of a dead end. Fortunately, in 1986 or 7, I got exposed to a Mac, and have been in that camp ever since.
Two negative things resulted from this initial experience. For some time, I considered buying software as cheating; properly, one should program things oneself. Secondly, I became a Commodore fan, which was kind of a dead end. Fortunately, in 1986 or 7, I got exposed to a Mac, and have been in that camp ever since.